CUPRA Raval VZ Extreme First Drive Review: CUPRA’s Small EV Hot Hatch Is a Firecracker

[Syphon]

What is it?



CUPRA’s new baby all-electric hot hatch, and it’s great.



At launch, the range will include several versions, from more accessible 37kWh models through to 52kWh versions with more power, more range and more equipment.



The version we have here is the performance-focused VZ Extreme, with a 52kWh battery and a 166kW electric motor, delivering around 225 PS. CUPRA quotes 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds for the VZ, with a top speed of 109mph and up to 273 miles of range.



The VZ is also fitted with Dynamic Chassis Control and an electronic limited-slip differential.



UK pricing currently starts from £23,785 for the Origin 37kWh 115PS, rising to £34,995 for the VZ and £36,310 for the VZ Extreme.




Verdict
We had a blast in the Raval VZ on our first drive in Spain, and think CUPRA has delivered one of its most exciting cars to date.

It goes well, handles brilliantly and the interior feels modern and distinctive.

We only had a few hours with the car and are...

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[Syphon]

CUPRA have delivered with the Raval, I had a blast with it. Check out the review and let me know what you think. Video review in progress.

 

[jezyg]

Great review thanks again for your time you spend creating all this for us. My only couple of points are wheel arch trim should be gloss black not plain plastic and heat pump should be standard it is on A290 and Abarth 600e also agree on plastic inserts but Skoda do this as well. Real world range will be interesting I know of one person trying to reject a A290 for poor range from new. Picked it up June last year - it is a hot hatch and use the performance and range will drop. So yes UK drive and range comparison will be interesting.

As Europe gets the car first they can bug fix before it lands in the UK as the new Android base will have bugs, car manufacturers are still playing catchup software dev wise and if they rely on too much AI in the dev process we really are doomed

Still looking towards the V1 or V2 Launch Edition with 210, but 18 wheels on the V1 may be the sweet spot on poor UK roads (I have never had so many windscreen chips as this year, mainly motorway and dual A roads) as the road literally crumbles beneath me. Offers and deals also count as there are some cracking deals on the Abarth 600e Competizione 280; PCP or private lease over 24 months. Salary sacrifice with the A290 GT is also decent. Looks though the Raval has it - still not that keen on the ID Polo less GTI.