Autogefühl does a full reveal walkthrough of the Cupra Raval, a front-wheel-drive small hatchback that shares its MEB-Entry platform with the VW ID.Polo, Skoda Epiq, and VW ID.Cross. At 4 meters long, the Raval sits 15mm lower than the ID.Polo and runs 10mm wider in the track, giving it a noticeably sportier stance for a car this size.
The top VZ trim brings 226 horsepower, adaptive DCC suspension with a front differential lock, a 0-to-62 mph time under 7 seconds, and a 110 mph top speed. The normal versions come in lower on power and cap at 100 mph. Two battery options are available: a 38 kWh LFP unit with 90 kW DC charging (10-to-80% in 27 minutes) and a 56 kWh NMC unit with 130 kW DC charging (10-to-80% in 23 minutes). The bigger battery charges faster despite holding more energy. Realistic motorway range on the big battery sits below 300 km (around 185 miles), while city driving pushes the WLTP figure toward 450 km (around 270 miles).
The Raval uses a front-wheel-drive based platform by design. Cupra says putting everything up front reduces complexity, lowers cost, and opens up trunk space. Because of this, there's no frunk, with that space taken by the AC compressor and its noise-isolation housing. The trunk itself is a genuine standout for a car this size: 430 liters, and it fits a standard cabin trolley underneath the floor panel, which is unusual at this vehicle length.
Inside, the VZ gets 10.25-inch digital instruments with a redesigned layout, a 13-inch infotainment screen, and copper accents throughout the cabin. The steering wheel has real physical buttons. Climate sliders are carried over from previous Cupra models, which Thomas at Autogefühl flags as a puzzling choice given the updated software backend. Seat options span base fabric, standard bucket seats in leatherette or Dinamica microfiber, and CUP bucket seats with a 3D knit. An optional Sennheiser sound system includes a rear subwoofer. USB-C rear ports deliver 90 watts.
The flush door handles are the most debated decision. Every platform sibling uses conventional physical handles. The Raval is the only one that goes flush, and the feature is already being phased out in China following safety incidents with other brands. Thomas calls it a wrong call even if it looks sharp.
Pricing starts around €26,000 for the small battery version. A fully loaded VZ with the big battery and options is expected to approach €38,000. Thomas recommends the larger battery for anyone who doesn't plan to use the car exclusively in the city.