Cupra has carved a niche for itself as VW’s “fun, sporty brand”, but this could be “its ticket to the mainstream”, said Car Magazine.
The Raval is based on VW’s new MEB+ platform, with six trims and four motors to choose from. The entry-level Origin has a 114bhp electric motor and 37kWh battery with just 50kW DC charging. The flagship 222bhp VZ extreme hot hatch is “a stonker of a small electric car” with a 52kWh battery.
The “mature” VZ is “a blast to drive”; thanks to a “hefty punch of power”, it can get from 0-62mph in 6.8secs, said Autocar. With adaptive dampers and electronic front locking differential, it feels “properly engaging”, giving a taut, well-damped ride with “huge grip”. The brakes have an initial bite, but are satisfyingly firm. It may be “a bit lively” on UK urban roads, but it’s a great, playful, “surprisingly tactile little electric hot hatch”.
Cupra’s “spicy-little-tearaway” is surprisingly practical too, with a 441-litre boot, roughly 60 litres more than the VW Golf, said Top Gear Magazine. The “interesting” interior is “not gimmicky”. There’s a 10.25in driver’s display and a “responsive” 12.9in touchscreen. The VZ extreme gets “lovely”, comfy, “knitted” Cup bucket seats. With decent kit as standard, the Raval is “a solid little entrant to the market”.
The Raval’s ‘hefty punch of power’ makes it a ‘blast to drive’, but does not compromise on practicality
