If you have ever wanted to consider an electric car that does not sacrifice personality or go heavy on your pocketbook, the Cupra Raval could be your car for the future. The funky little EV hatchback is now under testing in Europe and is set to debut in September of 2025 globally. The Raval has a base similarity to the VW ID.2, but with much more personality. Here is everything you need to know about the Cupra Raval, especially if you are in the U.S. and keeping an eye on the small EV segment.
Small but Sporty with Attitude
This is not just a typical compact city car. The Raval may be compact, but it's not short on character. The covered test cars show a sporty shape with dramatic lines, a bold grille, and triangle-shaped headlamps peeking out from behind the camouflage wraps.
Clearly, Cupra are in the market for some younger, city-based buyers looking for an EV that stands out from the crowed.
The highlights are that it has:
- Triangle headlamps within disguise
- Large lower grille with dramatic front end style to it
- Compact, compact dimensions for urban driving.
That is a car that looks like it wants to have fun and that is something many affordable EVs are lacking right now.
VW Tech With Cupra Flavor
The Raval uses Volkswagen's new MEB Entry platform, meaning it shares core components with the VW ID.2 and Skoda Epiq. While those vehicles lean into a "practical and minimal" approach, the Raval is a sporty, bold product. Cupra is going to tune the suspension and adjust the steering responsiveness to create a distinctive driving experience for someone who wants to be engaged behind the wheel rather than simply getting from A to B.
Just think:
- VW ID.2 = practical sibling
- Skoda Epiq = family vehicle
- Cupra Raval = family rebel
The reason the Raval may do quite well in the U.S. is that younger buyers or EV first-timers seeking something exciting may be looking for a new type of EV product.
Quick, Fun, and Ready to Charge
Don’t let the size deceive you, this thing moves. If reports are to be believed, the entry-level model will produce around 223 horsepower, certainly enough zip for an urban EV. There's a chance Cupra could also bring out a VZ high-performance model, packing even more punch.
Battery options may consist of:
- A 38 kWh pack for daily trips (~180–200 miles est.)
- A 56 kWh pack for road trips (~275 miles est.)
With 125 kW fast-charging, you could charge to 80% from 10% in about 20 minutes—just enough time to grab a coffee and scroll through your feed.
Affordable, Hot Hatch Performance
The great news? Expected to launch in the €25,000-range (or roughly $27,000~$29,000 when converted), it's going to be one of the lowest-priced EVs with a serious performance vibe.
So why should this matter for U.S. buyers:
- Many EVs in the U.S. are still at a price of well-over $35k
- Affordable, fun driving hatches are non-existent (as in 0) in the EV space
- Cupra could fill a space that brands like Honda or Toyota haven't
While there isn't any word on a U.S. launch yet, if the interest in the global market continues, VW could bring it over, especially if U.S. buyers are looking for smaller, affordable EVs.
Quick Look: Cupra Raval Specs
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Why You Should Be Watching the Raval
Even though Cupra is mainly known in Europe, the Raval has the potential to truly change things up across the globe. For U.S. drivers it is representative of the direction that VW is heading in terms of commitment to compact, emotional, and affordable EVs. If it gets to the states, it could be the fun little thing for drivers who want something a bit spicier, a bit quicker, but still nice on the bank account.
Conclusion
The Cupra Raval may be small, but it strikes a big chord on EVs in every way: it's bold, zippy, and refreshingly different from the conventional and seemingly generic electric cars we've become accustomed to seeing. It's also inexpensive for a vehicle with sporty looks and everyday usability, we think the Raval could be a game-changer, especially if VW is able to sell it in the U.S.
For now, we will continue to watch when it launches globally this September. And if you've been waiting for an EV that's exciting and inexpensive, then this little hatchback is probably worth keeping your eye on.
Fast, playful, and characterful — what more could you ask in a first electric car?
Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops
