Cupra’s next EV, the compact Raval, is now out testing. And judging by the latest pictures of the largely production-ready cars, it is very close in design terms to the original Raval (UrbanRebel) Concept.
Beneath is the MEB-Entry platform which it shares with the yet to debut ID.2. However, Raval is likely to launch earlier, scheduled for Q1 next year. The Raval will look more aggressive. It features a short wheelbase – it is 4.03m long – large wheels and Cupra’s triangular lighting signatures both front and rear.
Also carried over from the concept are flush-fitting door handles. At the rear is a bumper with diffuser below, and a full-width light bar. That’s likely to include an illuminated Cupra badge.
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Cupra designer Rafael Gordo said of the Raval: “We’re really really happy with it…and think it’s a really pure distillation of Cupra’s design language.
“Inside, we’ve stopped using elements like textured plastics and complicated layering of materials for a simpler look.” It is also full of recycled plastics.
The firm will still use copper-coloured trim elements, ambient lighting and sporty, dark-coloured upholstery and trim, however.
Technical compromises will be made to reduce costs. So figure on torsion-beam rear suspension.
Given Volkswagen’s ID.2all concept gets 38kWh and 56kWh battery packs, it seems likely Raval will follow suit. It will likely have a front-mounted motor with up to 166kW of power. Lightweighting has been at the core of this vehicle and Cupra reckons it can sprint to 100km/h in under 7sec. It will also have a WLTP range of around 450km with the larger battery pack.
Raval will be the first of many models from the Volkswagen Group brands to use this base electric platform.
The Raval, by the by, takes its name from a suburb in Barcelona.
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