New 223-bhp Cupra Raval VZ to become brand’s smallest hot hatch

Designed as Cupra’s most compact, entry-level hatchback, the near-production Raval is set to offer Spanish style and a spicy VZ variant. We find out what all the fuss is about, at Munich 2025. 

Good news! The sporty supermini isn’t dead yet. Here to ‘democratise electric mobility and establish a new benchmark in Europe’ this pint-sized EV is arguably just what many Brits are looking for: a fun, functional, and affordable small electric car. 

Look familiar? Well, that’s because you’ve already seen the Raval before — albeit in concept-only, UrbanRebel guise, back in 2021. Now though, we’re far nearer the real deal. And, while Cupra frustratingly covered the car in a technical camo so we couldn’t study its lines too closely, the road-ready model appears to be fairly similar to that outlandish design study. 

Having thoroughly inspected the diminutive EV for ourselves on one of the revolving headline stages at the Munich Motor Show 2025, we think the uncloaked car should be a looker. The low and wide stance along with the short overhangs, give the Raval that classic pocket rocket look. In fact, the supermini measures just 4m long and nearly 1.8m wide — owing to the fact it shares the MEB platform with VW’s upcoming ID.Polo and Skoda’s handsome Epiq.

Inside… we can’t tell you much, as Cupra had sneakily tinted all the glass to avoid prying eyes. That said, we do know a little about what’s likely to be under the Raval’s skin. For starters, it’ll be front-wheel drive only, unlike its rear-driven Cupra Born sibling. What’s more, all models will get a sport chassis with 15mm lower, fine-tuned suspension, progressive steering for greater agility, and a racier mode for the stability control.  

Then, for those in pursuit of old school hot hatch thrills, Cupra promises a hot VZ version with 223 bhp of instantly accessible grunt. And that’s not all, the spicy variant is set to receive 19-inch wheels shod with 235-mm tyres, while torque will be filtered through a VAQ electronic limited slip differential. Finally, CUPBucket seats with more aggressive bolsters should help to hold you in place, combating the greater cornering g-forces that come with the VZ raised performance potential.

What else do we know? It should be cheap, by modern EV standards anyway. Although Cupra hasn’t yet confirmed an exact starting price, rumours suggest that the entry-level machine could start from as little as £25,000 — which, if true, would make the Raval eligible for the UK EV grant. As for the driving range and other technical details, the Spanish firm is playing its card close. However, it has confirmed a 2026 release date, with the Raval acting as the first model of the brand’s ‘Electric Urban Car family’. 

But which of Volkswagen Audi group’s electric superminis would you pick? Has the Raval’s Spanish flair won you over, or would you rather hold out for the more sensible ID.Polo?

Hero image credit: Blackcircles.com