The 2027 Cupra Raval VZ has been announced as the performance hero of the new city-sized five-door hatchback range to take on the compact electric rivals like the Mini Cooper JCW Electric and Abarth 500e.
A camouflaged ‘near production’ version was shown sporting graphics inspired by Barcelona, where the Volkswagen-owned Spanish brand is based, with key details including a 166kW power output for the flagship VZ version.
It will receive a similar hot hatch-style treatment to the Cupra Born VZ, which will arrive in Australian showrooms in early 2026.
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Smaller than the Born, the Raval is the production version of the 2021 UrbanRebel concept. It is based on the same ‘MEB Entry’ underpinnings and has similar key dimensions as other Volkswagen Group electric models including the Skoda Epiq and Volkswagen Polo.
The Raval, including the VZ flagship, has not yet been officially confirmed for release in Australia, where a local introduction is ‘anticipated’ but not expected until 2027 – after its European launch in late 2026.
The reveal of the VZ comes only days after Volkswagen announced a performance focussed GTI version of its upcoming ID. Polo electric hatch, the production version of its ID. 2all concept car, as the automaker transfers its best-selling names to electric models.
The Raval VZ will inherit the standard Raval’s ‘sport’ chassis – which is already 15mm lower than other MEB-based Volkswagen EVs and boasts sports suspension and a unique steering tune.
Turning things up several notches will be dynamic chassis control (DCC) variable suspension damping, larger 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235mm-wide tyres (Bridgestones on the show car), and a limited-slip differential to help the front-wheel drive hatch to deliver its 166kW to the ground.
Performance figures haven’t been touted, but the UrbanRebel concept revealed in 2024 came with a suggested 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds – similar to the expected performance of the upcoming ID. Polo GTI – and a driving range of up to 439km.
Cupra has confirmed the Raval will measure at 4046mm long, 1784mm wide and 1518mm high overall on a 2600mm wheelbase – longer than the Mini JCW Electric’s 2526mm wheelbase – with each wheel pushed out to the corners.
Inside, there are ‘CUPBucket’ seats and features from the ID. Polo GTI such as a 12.9-inch central infotainment screen are expected to carry across to the hot Cupra.
Cupra has also confirmed two battery sizes will be available across the lineup, but has not shared details. However, the Raval VZ is expected to use the same 38kWh and 56kWh batteries as the ID. Polo, which can be DC fast-charged at up to 125kW.
Cupra Australia recently revealed expanded mild-hybrid options as part of an updated Leon lineup, with the Leon Sportstourer wagon due on sale in October and the Terramar PHEV scheduled for release in November.