By RAY MASSEY
Meet the new Cupra Raval – the car with which the Spanish car firm believes it has its future mapped out.
Named after a trendy area of supercool Barcelona, the sporty Spanish brand has unveiled a camouflaged version of its forthcoming new electric urban car set to hit showrooms next year.
And the disguising wrap is itself in the form of a vinyl map of the lively and 'edgy' Raval area of the city. Even the photograph features graffiti saying 'Beyond Rebel'.
At just 4 metres long, the compact urban EV car is 'engineered for much more than city life', says Cupra.
Powered by an electric motor and featuring front-wheel drive, Raval is based on Volkswagen Group's MEB platform and promises 'a dynamic and engaging experience focused on the driver'.
'With this bold model arriving in 2026, Cupra proves that electric cars can be thrilling and desirable — made for people who love to drive, not just be drive,' it adds.
Meet the new Cupra Raval – the car with which the Spanish car firm believes it has its future mapped out
The new Raval will be underpinned by the same platform as the similarly-sized new ID.Polo, which has also made a camoflauged appeared in recent days ahead of its full 2026 reveal.
Raval is likely to be on sale first, though, with the aim of making more accessible and affordable electric cars available to a wider range of consumers from prices as low as £25,000 and close to £30,000.
Next year, Cupra celebrates its eighth anniversary as a stand-along brand – having broken away from Seat - and the launch of Raval as its eighth model.
The Munich show offers 'a first sneak peek' of its new electric urban car, albeit in a wrapping to disguise all of its features.
The Spanish company said: 'Cupra has made a bold entrance with the reveal of a camouflaged series production Raval, the brand's upcoming electric urban car set to hit the streets next year.
'The Cupra Raval, inspired by one of Barcelona's most iconic and dynamic neighbourhoods, will be launched next year.
'The new model is set to democratise electric mobility and establish a new benchmark in Europe.'
Next year, Cupra celebrates its eighth anniversary as a stand-along brand – having broken away from Seat - and the launch of Raval as its eighth model
Markus Haupt, interim chief executive of Cupra, unveiled the camouflaged Raval, covered in vinyl evoking a map of the Raval district in Barcelona.
He said: 'The Cupra Raval is now shaping our future. Because with it, we've brought together everything Cupra stands for: emotion, striking design, electrifying performance and as always, driver focused.'
Haupt added that the model is 'more than a car' for the business.
'What truly makes it special is the project behind it- the Electric Urban Car Family- which we are proud to be leading from Spain.'
He went on: 'We are making these cars accessible to millions.'
Markus Haupt, interim chief executive of Cupra, described the Raval as 'more than a car' for the Spanish business - which is owned by VW Group
Explaining how the car is inspired by one of the liveliest areas of Barcelona, Cupra said: 'The Cupra Raval takes its name and spirit from one of Barcelona's most iconic and dynamic districts.
'El Raval is a symbol of constant movement, raw energy and fearless urban character, the same values that define the essence of this new model.
'The design of the camouflage vinyl that disguised the car during the presentation also pays tribute to the district's map, featuring its vibrant streets to capture its attitude and edge. Like the neighbourhood that inspired it, the Cupra Raval was born to stand out and challenge convention.'
Cupra said the new Raval is an all-electric car 'designed to take the brand beyond traditional boundaries' by creating 'a perfect balance between striking design, electrifying performance and unconventional features'
It notes: 'The Cupra Raval is driven by emotion and developed to defy expectations.
Cupra said: 'With a fully-fledged portfolio and a growing global fanbase, Cupra has already sold over 950,000 cars globally and is on track to reach one million deliveries in the coming months.'
