Tag Archives: Cupra

NEW CARS

2026 Cupra Raval — The Small EV With Big Attitude

Cupra has dropped the first official photos of its upcoming electric hatchback, the 2026 Raval, and even though the prototype is still wearing heavy camouflage, the message is loud and clear: this isn’t just another city-friendly EV. It’s a statement piece. And a spicy one at that.

The Raval rides on the Volkswagen Group’s updated MEB+ platform, which will also underpin the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Polo, ID. Cross, and Škoda Epic. All four will be built in Spain, but Cupra isn’t merely borrowing the architecture—it’s leading chassis development for the entire family. That sets expectations high, especially since the brand has become the VW Group’s designated “performance soul.”

Small Footprint, Big Character

At roughly 4 meters long, the Raval sits firmly in the subcompact category, but Cupra doesn’t want you thinking of it as a simple runabout. Engineers dropped the ride height 15 mm compared with other MEB+ models, stiffened the suspension, and fitted progressive steering to give the Raval the sharpness its badge demands.

Adaptive dampers (Cupra’s Dynamic Chassis Control) likely won’t be part of the base package, but the entry version still delivers a 211-hp single front electric motor, which should be more than enough to give lightweight hatchback vibes a proper electrified punch. Battery specs remain under wraps, yet Cupra claims an official range of 450 km—a strong figure for its segment.

Trims and Tech: From Dynamic to VZ

The Raval will launch with multiple trims, starting with the Dynamic model. Step up to Dynamic Plus, and Cupra adds a more premium feature set: additional ADAS, intelligent parking functions, matrix LED headlights, sport seats, and a 12-speaker Sennheiser audio system—a rare flex in its class.

But enthusiasts will be eyeing the VZ, Cupra’s performance-focused trim. Power climbs to 226 hp, and the chassis gets a serious upgrade with an electronic differential, sportier steering calibration, and a 10-mm wider track. The VZ also rolls on standard 19-inch wheels with a distinctive circular-saw design—one of Cupra’s boldest wheel styles yet. Inside, the VZ gets deeper sport seats wrapped in Dinamica material.

There is a trade-off: range drops to 400 km, a penalty that comes with the added performance and larger wheels.

Pricing and Arrival

Cupra plans to open sales in 2026, with the first Raval variants priced from €26,000. More affordable versions—likely using smaller motors—may follow.

If Cupra delivers on its promise of mixing everyday usability with hot-hatch energy, the Raval could become one of the most compelling small EVs on the market. Based on what we’ve seen so far, it’s shaping up to be the attitude-packed electric hatch we didn’t realize we were waiting for.

Source: Cupra

CONCEPT CARS

Cupra Tindaya Concept Debuts – Less SUV, More Spaceship

Cupra has a habit of giving its cars names that sound like ancient gods, and its latest concept is no exception. Meet the Cupra Tindaya, a show car named after a volcanic mountain in Fuerteventura – because, naturally, nothing screams “driver focus” like a giant lump of molten rock. Apparently its copper-toned cliffs are a nod to Cupra’s brand signature. So, not just a mountain, then. A lifestyle choice.

The Tindaya will make its grand entrance at the Munich motor show on September 8, and Cupra insists it’s going to be a sneak peek into the brand’s future design language. Translation: prepare for another round of triangular lights, angular creases, and the sort of aggressive stance that makes even parked cars look like they’ve just finished a Red Bull and a triple espresso.

But here’s the twist – while the exterior will no doubt be suitably pointy and mean, Cupra is making a song and dance about the interior. The concept is billed as “the maximum expression of driver focus” – which sounds like something you’d find in a yoga retreat brochure. Early images suggest a yoke-style steering wheel, a chunky central spine nicked from the electric Tavascan, and racing seats that look like they’d happily eject you into another dimension if you so much as sneeze mid-corner.

If it all feels a bit déjà vu, that’s because the Tindaya’s cabin takes more than a few cues from the DarkRebel concept Cupra showed off last year. The idea, according to Cupra, is to fuse “human and machine, where the driving experience and emotions reach their fullest expression.” In other words, they want you to feel like Iron Man every time you slip behind the wheel.

This shiny concept arrives hot on the heels of Cupra’s recent range-wide makeover, where everything from combustion to electric models got the same angry new face, complete with broader grille, sharp nose and those trademark triangular LEDs. And Munich won’t just be about the flashy Tindaya: Cupra will also roll out a camouflaged production version of the new Raval, its baby EV hatchback twinned with the Volkswagen ID 2. Priced around £25k, it’ll go head-to-head with the reborn Renault 5 when it lands in 2026.

So, what is the Tindaya really? A design statement, a rolling mood board, and a very loud announcement that Cupra is doubling down on emotion, attitude, and triangular light signatures. Whether that translates into something you’ll actually want to drive remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: it’ll look furious about it.

Source: Cupra

News

ABT Sportsline and Cupra will build special models

In 2026, Cupra will launch new generations of Formentor and Leon, and these models will be the basis for a new joint project between the manufacturer and ABT Sportsline. It is a series of modified cars that will be part of the Cupra range.

“Cupra and ABT have enjoyed an intensive and trusting partnership for years, and the cooperation is now being taken to a new level. We are happy to present special versions of the Cupra Formentor and Leon, which carry the ABT badge,” said Hans-Jurgen Abt, CEO of the ABT Group.

The two companies already cooperate in the Extreme E and Formula E motorsport series. The official announcement did not provide information about chassis or performance improvements for the Leon and Formentor, which means that the changes could actually be limited to aesthetics.

ABT Sportsline will produce a special bodykit that includes a sharper front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper extensions, a larger rear spoiler, ABT badging, and a new set of 21-inch wheels. Leon and Formentor are just the beginning of the modification that other Cupra models will undergo as well.

Source: ABT Sportsline

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ABT Sportsline and Cupra will build special models