► New details on Cupra Raval
► First small EV from VW Group to launch
► Arrives with sports suspension and steering
Cupra’s new Raval supermini edges closer to production, after camouflaged prototypes graced the VW Group stage at the 2025 Munich motor show.
The brand has confirmed that the new model will (finally) make its official launch in early 2026, with the reveal being based in Barcelona.
The new Raval EV is one of four small electric cars from VW Group’s ‘Brand Group Core’ led by VW brand head Thomas Schäfer. The Raval name comes from El Raval, a neighbourhood in Barcelona known for its culture, art and lively nightlife.
‘Raval will be the first car to launch within this family,’ interim boss of Seat and Cupra, Markus Haupt, tells CAR. ‘With the Cupra DNA, we have striking design, electrifying performance, and we’ve been inspired by motorsport – you’ll find all of these things in the Raval.’
Raval runs on the MEB+ architecture – a front-wheel drive-only platform that will ‘offer up to 450km [280 miles] of range and fast charging,’ says Schäfer. ‘Thanks to the group’s scale, we will be bringing premium features into smaller segments.’
Like the Tindaya concept that was also revealed at the Munich show, Haupt is keen to say that the Raval is for the driver – and particularly the enthusiast. ‘The driver has to feel the car, and they will always be the protagonist’ he says. ‘So, we have specific suspension and steering.’
Which is true, Cupra has confirmed a lower ride height, firmer sports springs and ‘progressive’ steering for the Raval – making it distinct from the ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq that will also launch in the first half of 2026.
Jake has been an automotive journalist since 2015, joining CAR as Staff Writer in 2017. With a decade of car news and reviews writing under his belt, he became CAR's Deputy News Editor in 2020 and then News Editor in 2025. Jake's day-to-day role includes co-ordinating CAR's news content across its print, digital and social media channels. When he's not out interviewing an executive, driving a new car for review or on a photoshoot for a CAR feature, he's usually found geeking out on the latest video game, buying yet another pair of wildly-coloured trainers or figuring out where he can put another car-shaped Lego set in his already-full house.
By Jake Groves
CAR's news editor; gamer, trainer freak and serial Lego-ist