2026 Cupra Raval Reviews

The 2027 Cupra Formentor S is the entry-level version of this small SUV line-up in Australia.It’s priced from $49,990 before on-road costs.Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and total system outputs of 110kW and 250Nm.This is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with drive sent to the front wheels only.Cupra claims the Formentor S can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.0 seconds. Launch control is standard.The Formentor S is claimed to consume an average of 5.5L/100km, according to ADR 81/02 testing. There’s a 50L fuel tank which requires a minimum of 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.Using the claim, this car has a theoretical range of up to 909km.Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a hands-free power tailgate, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.9-inch touchscreen multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charger, interior ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, fabric upholstery, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and heated front seats.Optional is a panoramic glass sunroof for $2000 and the $2200 Leather and Sound package which adds a 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system, leather-appointed upholstery and front-passenger electric adjustment and memory.The Cupra Formentor originally received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2021 and this has been renewed for the updated model based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2025.There are 10 airbags including rear-side and front-centre airbags as standard, plus autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control with lane centring, a surround-view camera, as well as a parking assist.The Formentor, like all other Cupras, is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is a little lacklustre for a mainstream brand now as many have moved to eight or 10 years, conditional.Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.There are three- and five-year pre-paid service packages available that are priced at $1090 and $2190, respectively. In the latter case, this means each service averages out to almost $440 which is fairly average for a European car.

Cupra is soon set to introduce a new, range-topping version of its Formentor small SUV in Australia and it will likely sell out ahead of its arrival.The Spanish carmaker has confirmed out of the 4000 total Formentor VZ5 examples to be produced, only 400 will be built in right-hand drive.Cupra Australia Head of Product Jeff Shafer told CarsGuide the brand currently has an allocation of “around 100 units at the moment”.“We’ve sold through more than two thirds , so there’s strong interest and we’re still pretty regularly having order intake coming in,” Shafer said.“It looks like we’ll be sold out before the cars arrive.“We’re talking to the factory about there’s some scope to get more cars. It’s not yet confirmed and we’ll see how we go.”The Cupra Formentor VZ5 is powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine sourced from the Audi RS3.It produces 287kW and 480Nm and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which sends drive through an all-wheel drive system.In Australia it’s priced from $94,990, before on-road costs, or $101,990 drive-away, making it easily the most expensive Cupra offered to date.Full specification details haven’t been confirmed yet, however it will come with 20-inch black and copper alloy wheels, six-piston Akebono front brakes, matrix LED headlights and Cup bucket front seats as standard.All of these features, besides the larger 20-inch alloy wheels, are optional on the VZe and VZx trims.This isn’t the first time Cupra has offered the Formentor VZ5. It was available in pre-update form but was only made in left-hand drive, ruling it out from Australia.Ever since the Cupra brand launched in Australia in 2022, the Formentor has been its best-seller.Last year a total of 1490 examples were sold, which was up 17.8 per cent year-on-year.However, until the end of May this year a total of 318 examples of the Formentor were sold, which is down 53.6 per cent year-on-year.Formentor sales will likely pick up through the second half of 2026 and the mid-life facelift has just launched locally, around two years after it was revealed globally.

Volkswagen's spicy Spanish brand, Cupra, is finally launching the updated version of its Formentor small SUV in Australia. It's now offered in more flavours than ever, ranging from mild to extra hot.

Cupra has officially axed the Ateca in Australia as production winds down globally.“We’ve sold out in Australia,” said Cupra Australia Head of Product Jeff Shafer to CarsGuide.“It's been, you know, a great car to have at launch. It was one of the original Cupra models globally.”Cupra Australia Director Jerome Figuiere noted that global production will finish over the northern hemisphere summer break, which runs from June to August.The Cupra Ateca is essentially a hotted-up version of the Seat Ateca, which dates all the way back to 2016. It shares its platform with the Skoda Karoq and Audi Q2, among others.This spicy small SUV was one of the Spanish carmaker’s first vehicles in Australia when it launched back in 2022. It formed as part of the launch line-up, being sold alongside the Formentor small SUV and Leon small hatchback.Initially the Ateca was only offered locally in a flagship VZx trim with its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 221kW and 400Nm.In 2024 a new, entry-level version called the V joined the local line-up. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 140kW and 320Nm.Despite this, the Ateca has always been the brand’s slowest seller in Australia. Last year a total of 101 examples were sold, which was down 61.5 per cent year-on-year.For reference, Cupra sold a total of 1490 Formentors over the same time, which was up 17.8 per cent year-on-year.However, up until May this year, Cupra sold a total of 110 Ateca examples, which was up 124.5 per cent year-on-year. Part of this is likely due to runout deals.Over the same period though the Spanish brand sold 318 Formentor examples.Although Cupra may be axing one of its original and oldest models, the brand has already been introducing newer and larger SUV offerings.It launched the Tavascan mid-size electric SUV, which is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, among others, as well as the Terramar mid-size SUV, which is based on the same platform as the Volkswagen Tiguan, both in 2025.Additionally the Spanish carmaker is set to introduce the new Raval small electric hatchback in Australia during 2027.

The Cupra Tavascan SUV is now $5000 than it was, with the brand giving its electric mid-size SUV range a shake-up.Pricing for the Tavascan now starts from $55,490 (before on-road costs) for the new ‘V’ grade.This represents a $5500 decrease on the base variant from the outgoing range.The Tavascan is now also only a little more than $2000 extra compared to Cupra's petrol-powered Terramar mid-sizer.The updated Tavascan will arrive in Australia from late August of this year.It will continue to rival the Kia EV5 (from $56,770, before on-road costs) and Zeekr 7X ($57,900, before on-road costs), in an increasingly competitive segment. The V grade might be cheaper, but it does have less power than the previous cheapest Tavascan model, with its single electric motor only producing 140kW. Its 58kWh battery has a maximum driving range of 414km, according to WLTP standards.It gets some neat features despite its cheaper status, including heated and memory front seats, as well as a 360-degree camera and 20-inch alloy wheels. It has been given DC charging capacity at 105kW, meaning it can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in roughly 26 minutes. The Tavascan Endurance no longer sits at the bottom of the range and is $1000 more expensive than before. It stills produces 210kW and 545Nm, but driving range from its 77kWh battery has been reduced by 11km to 520km.The range-topping VZ grade, producing 250kW and 545Nm, has also jumped $1000 price, now starting from $75,490.The Tavascan has undergone an overhaul inside the cabin.There is a new 10.25-inch digital driver display (up from 5.3 inches) to compliment the 15.0-inch central touchscreen. The car also receives more physical buttons on the steering wheel in response to customer demand, along with a redesigned wireless phone charger. The Tavascan’s safety suite has been updated to include speed sign recognition. The Tavascan has not seen the same boost to sales as its competitors have during the fuel crisis, with only 257 units sold in 2026. 

Cupra has officially confirmed it will be introducing a fire-breathing, purely petrol-powered version of the Leon Sportstourer wagon in Australia in September.The Leon Sportstourer VZx will complement the existing VZe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) trim. Examples are in production now and order books will be opening shortly.Pricing will start from $67,490 before on-road costs, making it $2500 less than the VZe PHEV trim and $2500 more than the equivalent Leon VZx hatchback.This car is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 245kW and 420Nm, which is 24kW and 20Nm more than the equivalent Leon VZx hatch.It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system.Cupra claims the Leon Sportstourer VZx can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds.This car essentially revives the Golf R Wagon in Australia under the Cupra brand as it’s powered by the same EA888 engine and has the wagon body style. The hi-po Golf wagon was axed locally back in 2023.The Leon Sportstourer VZx receives 19-inch black and copper forged alloy wheels, LED headlights, a hands-free power tailgate, adaptive dampers, Sennheiser sound system, leather-appointed upholstery, as well as heated front seats with memory function as standard.There's also a panoramic glass sunroof for an extra $2000, as well as the $7600 Extreme package which adds larger Akebono six-piston front brakes, Sabelt front bucket seats and matrix LED headlights, among other minor tweaks.Cupra is soon set to celebrate its fourth anniversary in Australia and its line-up is currently going through a refresh.The Leon hatchback and wagon, as well as the Formentor small SUV have now received mid-life updates, plus the Terramar and Tavascan mid-size SUVs launched over the last 18 months.The Born electric hatchback and Ateca small SUV have both been axed in Australia, but the Raval small electric hatchback is set to launch locally during 2027.Until the end of May, Cupra has sold a total of 975 cars, which is down 22.2 per cent year-on-year. Its best-seller has always been the Formentor, but it’s keenly followed by the Terramar and Tavascan mid-size SUVs.

Audi RS5: Ready to enter the German ‘Big Three’ performance octagon with the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63S, the new Audi RS5, offered as a sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon, is a plug-in hybrid combining a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a powerful single electric motor for outputs of 470kW/825Nm. Pricing is already confirmed from $179,900, before on-road costs. Read moreBentley Bentayga Speed: Swapping out the British brand’s epic (but emissions constrained) 6.0L W12 for a fearsome 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has made this luxurious SUV even faster and louder. How about 478kW/850Nm and $525,000, before on-road costs, when it arrives here in the next couple of months?Read moreBMW iX3: Arriving in early July, BMW’s much-anticipated 'Neue Klasse' iX3 is an ultra-modern mid-size five-door SUV with a pure-electric powertrain initially launching with one model, the 345kW/645Nm 50 xDrive (109,900, before on-road costs). The 235kW/500Nm iX3 40 ($89,900, BOC), which slips under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, will follow in Q4.  Read moreBMW M2 xDrive: New compact muscle coupe variant picks up all-wheel drive to put the 353kW/600Nm produced by its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder on the ground. Zero to 100km/h in 3.7sec with cost-of-entry at $172,900, before on-road costs when it arrives in Q4.Read moreBYD Atto 3 Evo: Prior to the all-new next-gen Atto 3 likely hitting Aussie showrooms sometime in 2027, the Evo version of the current model gives it rear-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW available. Likely local touchdown in Q3.Read moreChery KP31: And you thought there wasn’t room for another ute in the Aussie market. The subject of a local naming contest (Orca is looking likely, as it tops BYD Shark) the Chery ‘KP31’ is scheduled for a Q4 launch, featuring a ladder chassis and a segment-first 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and electric motor hybrid powertrain. A petrol-electric hybrid will arrive in 2027.Read moreCupra VZ5: Fire-breathing mid-size SUV variant powered by an Audi RS3-sourced 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-cylinder engine sending 287kW/480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 4.2 seconds – 0.7 seconds quicker than the 228kW VZx, making it one of the fastest combustion-powered SUVs out there. Read moreDeepal S05: The Deepal S05 small-medium SUV joins the S07 mid-size SUV, likely offered in range-extender hybrid and/or pure-electric form. ADR compliance is locked in and pre-orders are open on the brand’s Aussie website.Read moreFerrari 849 Testarossa: Okay, the shopping list - milk, bread, eggs and a $932,648 Ferrari 849 Testarossa. Not for everyone, then. But what a car! Zero to 100km/h in 2.3sec courtesy of a twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain sending 611kW/842Nm to all four wheels. Coupe in Q4, with the roofless Spider arring in early ‘27.  Read moreGeely EX2: Set to arrive in the third quarter, this budget-focused electric compact SUV could start under $30K, before on-road costs. It has a single motor driving the rear wheels and two battery sizes are offered in China, providing 310km or 410km of range, respectively. Read moreGenesis GV60 Magma: Part of the upcoming next-gen GV60 line-up, the Magma is a performance-focused pure-electric powerhouse SUV riding on the same ‘E-GMP’ platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Dual electric motors for 478kW/790Nm, 0-200km/h in 10.9sec and maximum velocity of 264km/h. Arrives in July.Read moreGWM Wey G9: The Wey G9 (name yet to be confirmed for Australia) is a luxury plug-in hybrid people mover scheduled for Q4 with the V9X PHEV SUV spilling over into 2027. Its chunky 44.2 kWh battery provides a claimed pure-electric driving range of up to 170 km with a combined range of more than 1000km. Read moreHonda Super One: Super by name, super by nature, this pure-electric ‘kei’ car is guaranteed to put a smile on your face with a likely Aussie starting price around $35,000. A front-mounted electric motor produces 70kW/162Nm and Honda claims up to 274km of range.  Read moreHyundai Palisade XRT Pro: A tough looking Toyota LandCruiser rival with twin, chassis-mounted tow hooks as well as more ground clearance for useful approach, departure and breakover angles. Add a rear electronic limited-slip differential for better off-road capability as well as downhill brake control and new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow. Read moreIsuzu D-Max EV: One of the most popular utes in the county could get a pure-electric option powered by front- and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 140kW, with front motor torque at 108Nm and rear motor torque at 217Nm for a maximum 325Nm and full-time 4WD. A 67kWh battery offers a driving range of 263km (WLTP). No launch confirmation yet, but Isuzu Ute Australia says “it will continue to monitor local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs”. Read moreJeep Compass: Potentially a Q4 arrival, the new Compass rides on the same ‘STLA Medium’ platform as Stellantis stablemates such as the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008. It will join the smaller Avenger in Jeep’s electrified line-up. There should be a choice of 106kW 48V eHybrid and 145kW plug-in hybrid powertrains, both likely based on the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine carried over from the current-generation. Read moreKGM Musso Q300: Dual-cab only, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW/441Nm mated to a six-speed torque-converter auto transmission with 4WD and a locking rear differential. Coil- or leaf-spring rear suspension options with a payload of 500kg for the former and 700kg for the latter. Features a 12.3-inch digital dash and matching multimedia touchscreen.   Read moreKia Seltos: Coming in Q4, We’re expecting a front-wheel drive version with outputs to be approximately 113kW/265Nm, plus an all-wheel drive with 131kW, though its rear wheels will be powered by an electric motor and not mechanically connected to the front wheels. The all-new Seltos should start around $30K, before on-road costs. A specific Australian suspension tune is already in the works.  Read moreLeapmotor B05: Lobbing in Q4, the Leapmotor B05 is a five-door, electric, rear-wheel drive, hot-ish hatch with 180kW/320Nm in the flagship Ultra variant. A choice of 56.2kWh or 67.1kWh battery, delivers a range of 500km or 600km (CLTC) and we’d be shocked if it wasn't among the cheapest warmed-over hatch offerings in the local market.   Read moreLexus ES: Electric versions of the striking all-new Lexus ES have been approved for Australian sale, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive ES500e flagship producing 252kW. The ES350e is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 170kW. However, the brand has confirmed hybrid powertrains will eventually be offered locally.  Read moreMazda CX-6e: Set to challenge the Tesla Model Y on price, the Mazda CX-6e is likely to land with a starting price around $54K. A 78kWh battery delivers a 450km (WLTP) range, the rear-mounted 190kW/290Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels and 0-100km/h comes up in 7.9sec. Its 195kW DC charging capacity is good for a 10-80 per cent top-up in under 25 minutes.Read moreMercedes-Benz GLB: Launch line-up of the pure-electric small SUV will be single-motor rear-wheel drive (200kW/335Nm) GLB250+ or dual-motor all-wheel drive (260kW/515Nm) GLB350. Its 800-volt architecture allows an ultra-rapid DC charging rate of up to 320kW. Three hybrid powertrains will be added later in front- or all-wheel drive all using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt assistance. Read moreMG QS PHEV: Launched in plug-in hybrid form in the UK with an Aussie introduction likely this year. Plug-in hybrid uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for around 220kW combined. A 24.7kWh battery pack grants it a WLTP-certified electric range of 100km.Read moreMitsubishi Pajero: One of the year’s most significant arrivals comes with the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero, with sights set on the upcoming Y63 Nissan Patrol and current Toyota LandCruiser 300. Most likely powertrain is an updated version of the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel powering the current Triton range (150kW/470Nm). Looking like a Q4 launch.Read moreNissan Patrol: Nissan Australia has confirmed orders for the new ‘Y63’ Patrol will “open in coming months” with vehicles on the ground at the end of the year or very early next. Its 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine is derived from GT-R’s and produces 317kW/700Nm, dwarfing the 298kW/560Nm outputs of the soon-to-be-defunct V8 of the Y62 Patrol. Read moreOmoda 4: New entry-level model for the brand with edgy, angular looks and a choice of internal-combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power in the domestic Chinese market. Riding on Chery’s ‘T1X’ platform, the Omoda 4 is a likely Toyota Corolla Cross competitor.Read morePolestar 5: Headed our way in Q3, the 5.1m long ultra-slippery (Cd 0.24) Polestar 5 offers the performance, comfort and touring ability of the Porsche Taycan and its Audi e-tron GT sibling at an appreciably lower price. Two versions coming, both powered by dual motors - the Dual Motor (550kW/812Nm) at $171,100 and the Performance (650kW/1015Nm) at $193,100 (both before on-road costs).Read morePorsche Cayenne Electric: Dropping in Q3, as the name implies, this is a pure-electric beast with even the entry-grade (of three) Cayenne Electric ($167,800, before on-road costs) featuring dual motors, all-wheel drive and producing 325kW. The flagship Turbo accelerates from 0-100km/h in hypercar-equalling 2.5sec thanks to its stonking 850kW/1500Nm outputs.  Read moreRenault Symbioz: On course for a July touchdown, the Symbioz is a Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross rival with an entry-level mild-hybrid 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powertrain producing 104kW/245Nm. A 1.8L full-hybrid boosts that to 116kW/265Nm. Pricing starts from $36,990. Read moreSmart #5: It’s been a long time in the offing but the Smart #5 plug-in hybrid SUV is a likely Aussie arrival in the second half of the year. It offers up to 252km of pure-electric range and up to 320kW of total power from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine and three-speed hybrid transaxle motor powertrain. Claimed fuel economy is as low as 4.4L/100km (when its battery is depleted). Read moreToyota RAV4 PHEV: Another significant new entry. FWD variants of the RAV4 PHEV will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and front-mounted electric motor, producing 201kW. AWD variants add a rear-mounted motor, increasing power to 227kW. Pricing will start from $58,840, before on-road costs, making it roughly $15K more expensive than the car's base standard hybrid variant ($45,990).  Read moreVolkswagen T-Roc: Sleeker looking and bigger, with a more premium vibe, VW’s small SUV also features new powertrains. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid in two states of tune (85kW and 110kW) for FWD versions and a more powerful 2.0L mild-hybrid arriving later. A T-Roc R is confirmed to follow, too.  Read moreXPeng G9: As the legal cage fight between previous XPeng importer True EV and the XPeng factory continues, the priority is getting G6s back into showrooms. But the luxury G9 electric SUV is a possible addition. Rear- or all-wheel drive with two battery options, a driving range of up to 680km and loads of included features for an estimated starting price in the region of $70K.Read moreZeekr 8X: Upper mid-sized, plug-in hybrid luxury SUV to sit above the mid-size fully electric 7X and below the flagship three-row 9X. Pairs a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine (205kW/410Nm) with dual electric motors for a combined 660kW/935Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds. A 55kWh or 70kWh battery pack with a 900-volt architecture allows ultra-fast charging and either a 320km or 410km EV driving range. Probable starting price in the $80K band.Read moreZeekr 9X: Ultra-luxury, upper-large, three-row SUV offering a dual- or tri-motor plug-in hybrid system, backed by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a massive battery pack. The result is either 660kW/935Nm of combined power for the two lower variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range. Standard equipment and features are suitably extensive. Expect a starting price just over $100K.Read more

Cupra has revealed it is secretly developing an all-wheel drive version of its Cupra Raval that bags a pioneering quad-motor all-electric powertrain, which will produce epic power that blows Tesla out of the water.Primed to be twinned with a white-hot Volkswagen ID. Polo R, the new Cupra Raval Racing will be the quickest and most powerful hot hatch of all time, with Volkswagen's Spanish performance brand leading its development.Cupra's global product boss Toni Gallego told CarsGuide his brand was pushing ahead to develop the four in-hub motor concept that made its debut on the VW ID. Cross, which is key to unlocking near supercar levels of performance.Expected to be capable of producing around 100kW, despite weighing around 39kg apiece, the state-of-the-art in-hub motors will see the Raval Racing come with at least 300kW.Combined with an uprated battery pack, the 4.1m-long Raval Racing should be able to rocket from 0-100km/h in less than 3.0 seconds – much quicker than the 3.8 seconds a BYD Seal Performance or Audi RS 3 takes, and even quicker than the 3.1 seconds a Tesla Model 3 Performance can achieve.As well quick in a straight line, according to the senior Cupra exec the in-hub units, which package their own power inverter, offers unbeatable torque vectoring and by being able to manage how much force is applied to each wheel on a millisecond-by-millisecond basis can neutralise any understeer or oversteer.Brake regeneration will also be class-leading with the Raval Racing able to claw back more energy than any of its rivals, boosting efficiency and real-world range.Traction will be unbeatable over all road surfaces and conditions, while packaging the motors within the wheels means the Raval's large 441-litre boot carries over unchanged.Aside from adding unsprung weight the biggest disadvantage of the new tech is cost, says Gallego."We requested four-wheel drive from the beginning, but it requires a huge investment."It's crazy. I cannot say the final figures, but the good thing is we can manage the production mix across our four plants to balance out the high development costs."The latter is a reference to both the Volkswagen ID. Polo R and potentially faster versions of the VW ID. Cross SUV sharing the same in-hub high-tech quad-motors. Later on, less powerful all-wheel drive VW Group models could also come with a detuned version of the same powertrain.Gallego was careful not to reveal an exact power figure for the mules already undergoing testing, nor did he provide a timeline for when the faster Raval Racing and ID. Polo R will arrive, but it's thought the pair of fast all-electric hot hatches should land in 2028."Some figures cannot be communicated right now. It is a concept and we are exploring how the performance works. It's a massive investment from the technical centre."According to Gallego, work has not finished on the core Raval as feedback from media and potential owners have requested some changes that will see both virtual gearshifts and a higher 190km/h top speed (up from 175km/h) rolled out via over-the-air updates once the Cupra small hatch is launched.

Good things come to those who wait.Six years since Cupra showed off its first concept for the Cupra Raval, we've finally had our first chance to climb behind the wheel of the small Mini Cooper SE-rivalling all-electric hatch ahead of Australian sales kicking off in the second half of next year.The first of four new small EVs that includes the Volkswagen ID. Polo, ID. Cross SUV, plus the Skoda Epiq, it was left to VW's Spanish brand to lead all four cars' development, and it really shows with the Raval.By far the sportiest of the quadruplet, the Raval features Cupra's familiar angular styling, which includes a sharpened shark nose.Ramming home its hot hatch intentions, are large wheels and a hard-to-miss rear spoiler and oversized diffuser that could have been lifted off a racer but actually slash drag to boost efficiency.Measuring in at 4046mm long, 1784mm wide and standing at 1518mm with a 2600mm wheelbase, the Raval is surprisingly spacious within – even in the second row where a large adult can sit behind another large adult with just enough leg- and headroom. The boot is impressive too, at a large 441 litres.Unlocking space has been the choice of using the VW Group's new 'MEB+' platform that neatly packages the single front motor, transmission, inverter and power electronics under the front bonnet, carving out more room for people.Ensuring it has the dynamic edge over rivals and its platform mates, the Cupra Raval, has a 10mm wider front and rear track for higher levels of grip mid-corner.All models also sit 15mm lower to the ground than an ID. Polo for less body roll. Other unexpected differences are that the Raval boasts uprated front wheel carriers, plus a stability control system that can be completely switched off for track use.In its native Europe, the Raval is offered with either a small 37kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery or a, still-modest, 52kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) power pack.With the littlest battery the Raval can travel up to 300km on a charge and is combined with either an 85kW or 99kW front motor.In Australia, it's been suggested buyers will only get the larger 52kWh power pack that can see the Mini rival drive up to 440km on the WLTP test cycle, with a choice of either a 155kW or 166kW e-motor.When it comes to charging speed, the bigger battery can only be topped up at a peak rate of 105kW but despite that a 10-80 per cent charge still takes between 23 and 24 minutes, which is reasonable for a small EV within its class.Behind the wheel, the sporty angular looks are reflected within, especially in the range-topping VZ that comes with the option of grippier Cup bucket sport seats that clamp you in position.Featuring, a 12.9-inch multimedia set-up that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ahead of the driver is a sporty steering wheel with proper buttons and a clear 10.5-inch digital dash.What's missing are shortcuts for the touchscreen, although the multimedia is quick to react and has clear graphics.Highlights of the Cupra cabin include a 3D-knitted upholstery that uses 100 per cent recycled material. There's also a sporty steering wheel and cool new ambient lighting tech that projects patterns, colours and animations along the door cards.Bringing you back down to earth are the hard plastic door pulls that feel built to a price, but still don't detract from the fun.Developed under the mantra that Cupra was building a small EV you'd actually want to drive, at the top of the Raval tree is the VZ hot hatch that essentially will share much with the inbound VW ID. Polo GTI.Ensuring it can narrow the gap between it and more conventional petrol-powered hot hatchbacks, the VZ gets the high-output 166kW e-motor, adaptive dampers, an electronic-locking differential and large 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in sticky tyres that, alone, slash the range from 440km to around 388km.All Ravals come with the variable ratio 'progressive' steering rack and a special 'ESC Sport' program, plus the ability to switch it off altogether.Off the line, the VZ offers plenty of performance with 0-100km/h taking around 6.8 seconds – just a tenth off Mini's claim for the Cooper SE.Top speed is 175km/h which apparently isn't enough for the Europeans, with a software patch on the way to raise the limit to a more palatable 190km/h later.Around town, most will prefer the Raval in either 'Comfort' or the more efficient 'Range' setting that softens the ride and is available with three levels of brake regeneration, plus a neat adaptive regen feature which monitors vehicles ahead and adjust the Raval's stops to suit.Cycle through to 'Performance' mode and the steering weights up to some something that feels more natural, while the damping forces increase for better body control, but at the expense of the ride – which we have concerns over.The largest 19-inch wheels might be a bit much on our roads, but engineers say the 17- and 18-inch wheels also fit the fastest model and improve ride quality.Escape the city and push on and the Raval is a lot of fun. There's lots of grip, commendable agility and decent cross-country pace.On track, if you push on you'll feel the electronically-controlled differential working hard for its living, pulling you out of corners with a gentle tugging of the wheel – just like a proper petrol hot hatch would.The Raval doesn't feel quite as lithe as you'd hope and after all it does weigh around 1600kg for the heaviest version but the engagement it offers up is impressive for an EV.What's missing is virtual gearshifts, like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but they might be offered later as part of an over-the-air update or option. The little Cupra also comes with a synthetic sci-fi dystopian soundtrack in its sportiest 'Cupra' mode, plus a pair of configurable modes.One final issue we had with our first car, is the Raval's fancy new 'one-box' e-braking system which squeezes in the brake servo and anti-skid tech into one module served up inconsistent reactions in extreme circumstances. Our second car was much better but we look forward to further testing on more familiar roads.Since Australians aren't great fans of ill-equipped cars, Cupra Australia wisely thinks it might skip the entry and V1 trims, preferring to focus on the mid-spec V2 and flagship VZ.When it lands, expect the Raval V2 to come with a 155kW e-motor, 19-inch alloy wheels, electric folding door mirrors, LED headlamps, a 12-speaker Sennheiser sound system, a wireless phone charger, vehicle-to-load (V2L) power, two front and two rear USB-C sockets, ambient light projection, dual-zone climate control, a heated and wrapped multi-function steering wheel and heated sport seats.When it comes to safety, there are seven airbags as standard, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, front and rear cross-traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that detects pedestrians and cyclists.Choose the VZ and, as well as the extra chassis hardware and extra power, you get different 19-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, 3D LED rear lighting, the Cup bucket seats, a 360-degree camera view and a more sophisticated adaptive cruise control.Like every other Cupra model, the new Raval will come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, with a further eight-year/160,000km protection for the high-voltage batteries.We expect the smallest Cupra Raval to come with a capped-price servicing package, with service intervals primed to be every 24 months or 30,000km.As for pricing, Cupra Australia says it's too early for any indicative costs for the Raval but admits it will command a big premium over similar-sized Chinese rivals, like the Geely EX2.That said, early intel suggests the flagship Raval VZ could be priced from $50,000, plus on-road costs, which would mean it will still be cheaper than the less practical three-door Mini Cooper SE ($58,990, plus on-roads) and the much quicker MG4 XPower ($55,990).

Volkswagen sporty Cupra brand has confirmed its new Tindaya electric SUV concept will become a reality soon.There is no news yet on the mid-size SUV’s potential future in Australia, but it would give Cupra another EV in its increasingly electrified line-up Down Under.It would be direct competition for the BMW iX3 and the incoming Volvo EX60, which are launching later this year.Cupra Australia has been contacted to comment to see if the car will arrive in Australia. Production of the Tindaya was confirmed by Cupra Chief Executive Officer Markus Haupt in an overseas interview. “It looks fantastic - why should we not build the Tindaya?,” Markus Haupt told AutoCar. “We are indeed looking at our plans for when we could build the Tindaya, but it’s something I can promise: this car will see the streets in some years.”The car was first revealed as a sporty SUV concept in September 2025, showing off a sharply-creased body and standout sloping roofline. This latest information confirms the car will be built and put on sale, but technical details remain scarce. The car will ride on Volkswagen Group’s new EV-specific SSP platform, which will also form the basis of many of VW's future electric cars.It has previously been reported the Tindaya would be available in fully-electric and range-extender set-ups, offering substantial driving range.Haupt could not confirm the powertrains being considered, with it still being established, according to the CEO, but it will be something already available in the VW group. “But which powertrains will we have in the end? It’s a decision we have not taken now, and we want to stay flexible as long as possible, because when the car hits the streets, we need to ensure that it has the right powertrains for our markets, for our customers,” Haupt told AutoCar.The Tindaya concept measures up at 4.72m long, making it the biggest car in Cupra’s lineup, complimenting the smaller Tavascan electric mid-size SUV. It is likely to be the brand’s fourth fully-electric model on sale, after the budget-focused Raval arrives in Australia next year.