Cupra has updated the camouflage wrap on the Raval, giving it a fresh attempt at tricking our eyes as it inches closer to its 2025 debut. Oddly enough, the front end now bears a passing resemblance to a baby Porsche Panamera, with a vinyl wrap disguising the actual design details. Spy photographers spotted the Raval near the Nurburgring, where it’s currently in the final stages of development. Instead of the typical heavy camo seen in earlier sightings, this prototype appears almost naked. On closer inspection, you can see the strategically placed black-and-white decals are now scattered over the production body panels, emphasizing some parts and masking others.
What caught our attention here are the
Porsche-inspired decals on the headlights, almost inviting the thought of what
might happen if Stuttgart ever decided to dabble in this segment. Elsewhere,
Cupra has slapped black stickers along the side profile, giving the prototype’s
modest plastic cladding a bulkier, more aggressive look than it likely has
beneath the camouflage. The design of the production-spec Cupra Raval is
expected to be a slightly toned-down version of the previewing UrbanRebel
concept from 2022, itself an evolution of the 2021 version. The model looks
sportier than the larger Cupra Born, with supermini proportions and sharper
styling cues. Cool features include the aero-friendly alloy wheels, the flush
door handles, and the integrated rear spoiler.
The Cupra Raval will share its MEB Short
underpinnings with the upcoming VW ID.2 hatchback and the Skoda Epiq SUV. As
such, under the hood (or rather, under the floor), the entry-level Raval is
expected to pack a 223 hp electric motor, giving it a
toe-in-the-water entry into hot hatch territory. Rumors suggest a more powerful
AWD version could follow, equipped with VW Group’s dual electric motors capable
of churning out a feisty 335 hp. Cupra will likely offer the
option between 38 kWh and 56 kWh battery packs for its subcompact EV, allowing
a driving range of up to 440 km. Note that VW is also working on a
hot hatch version of the ID.2, previewed last year by the ID GTI Concept.
Production for the Cupra Raval is expected
to kick off next year in Pamplona, Spain, alongside the VW ID.2 and Skoda Epiq.
With a target price starting around € 25k (US$ 28k), the Raval is positioning
itself as an affordable yet edgy addition to Cupra’s EV lineup. Key rivals will
include the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric and the Alpine A290, both set to arrive
from France.