Would You Prefer the Cupra Raval to Its VW ID.2 Counterpart? | Carscoops

Would You Prefer the Cupra Raval to Its VW ID.2 Counterpart? | Carscoops

      Both small electric vehicles (EVs) utilize the same Volkswagen platform, but Cupra’s distinctive design is bolder and will be available sooner.

      Cupra's Raval EV has been spotted undergoing prototype testing. The compact electric hatchback is set to launch in 2025 and shares its platform with the VW ID.2 and Skoda Epiq.

      Cupra is gaining prominence within Volkswagen’s group, being the first brand to utilize a new small EV platform that will make its production debut with the 2026 Raval, as seen in these new spy images.

      The Raval is the product of a project initially introduced as the motorsport-themed UrbanRebel concept, which later evolved into another concept of the same name that was modified for road use, losing its large rear wing in the process.

      Cupra renamed the UrbanRebel to Raval and has confirmed that the electric hatch will launch in 2025. This means that Cupra’s version of the MEB Short platform could reach dealerships several months ahead of VW’s ID.2.

      VW previously stated that the ID.2 would also premiere in 2025, which may still hold true. However, a recent Bloomberg report indicated that VW might need to go through this year without any new EV launches, and the ID.2 has only been seen testing with an ID.3 as a test vehicle, suggesting it is not yet ready for market release. We have, however, seen the ID.2 in concept form as the 2023 ID.2all, and if the production models of the Raval and ID.2 closely resemble these concepts, which would you choose?

      While both vehicles share an identical wheelbase of 2.6 m (102.4 inches), the Raval features Cupra’s bird-like front end, a tapered body, and dynamic lines connecting the front fender to the rear window, allowing the taillights to wrap around the quarter panel.

      In contrast, VW’s design opts for a more understated approach, subtly incorporating classic Golf design elements without appearing overly nostalgic. You can view both designs in the gallery at the end of the article to appreciate their distinct looks.

      Fundamentally, like most products from VW Group, the two cars will be very comparable, and both will be produced in Pamplona, Spain, alongside the Skoda Epiq. The MEB Short platform comes standard with front-wheel drive (whereas the current MEB platform provides RWD or AWD) and offers a choice of 38 kWh and 56 kWh batteries, enabling both VW and Cupra to present a competitive entry price of around €25,000 ($26,000) for budget-conscious buyers, along with a respectable range of up to 450 km (280 miles) for those willing to spend more.

      Both manufacturers suggest the concepts will have a 222 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) electric motor capable of accelerating to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 7 seconds, though it’s likely that less powerful variants will also be offered. For those looking for additional power, Cupra is developing a VZ version with a dual-motor setup providing 335 hp (340 PS / 250 kW), and VW will likely offer a comparable option.

      Which version of the VW Group's small EV project do you prefer? Would you opt for the bold Cupra Raval or wait a few more months for the more mature ID.2?

Would You Prefer the Cupra Raval to Its VW ID.2 Counterpart? | Carscoops Would You Prefer the Cupra Raval to Its VW ID.2 Counterpart? | Carscoops

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Would You Prefer the Cupra Raval to Its VW ID.2 Counterpart? | Carscoops

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