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Here at Pulman CUPRA, we were lucky enough to be part of the CUPRA Raval left-hand drive tour, which visited selected showrooms throughout June and July.
It gave us an exclusive first look at what is set to be one of CUPRA's biggest launches of the year, and after spending some time with the car, here are my genuine first impressions and everything that stood out to me.
Starting with the exterior, the Raval definitely doesn't disappoint. In fact, I think it's one of those cars that looks even better in person than it does in photos.
I saw the Raval finished in Plasma, and it's one of the most unique paint colours I've seen on a car. Depending on the light and the angle you're looking from, it almost changes personality. Sometimes it has a rich purple tone, other times it looks more grey, and every now and then you even catch hints of green. It genuinely feels like you're getting three different looks from one colour, which makes the car stand out without being over the top.
Another feature that immediately caught my attention was the flush door handles. It's the first time I've experienced them on a car, and they instantly make the Raval feel more premium. When the car is locked, the handles sit completely flush with the bodywork, giving it a really clean, modern look. As soon as you approach with the key, the car unlocks and the handles automatically extend.
It's one of those features that isn't just stylish, it's genuinely practical too. I immediately thought about carrying the weekly food shop or trying to juggle bags, coffee or children while searching for your keys. Being able to simply walk up to the car and open the door without fumbling around is a small touch, but it's something I think you'd appreciate every single day.
For me, the interior is where the Raval really steals the show. Once you start exploring everything it has to offer, you realise there's a huge amount of technology packed into what is still a compact hatchback.
Some of the features that immediately stood out were the heated seats and heated steering wheel, customisable ambient lighting that lets you choose colours to match your mood, and the large infotainment display with seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Everything feels modern without being overwhelming, and the layout is clean and easy to use.
One thing I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did was the seating. The bucket-style seats instantly give the cabin a much sportier feel, but they don't sacrifice comfort. They hug you nicely without feeling restrictive, making the interior feel much more premium than I'd expected. Combined with the copper CUPRA detailing throughout the cabin, it creates a space that feels distinctive and exciting rather than just another small electric car.
Another thing I noticed was how airy the cabin feels. Despite the Raval's compact size, it doesn't feel cramped inside. The clever layout and large windows make it feel surprisingly spacious, and I think it strikes a really nice balance between being a practical everyday car and something that's genuinely enjoyable to spend time in.
The more I learnt about the Raval, the more impressive it became. The V1 model features a 52kWh battery, produces 210PS and delivers up to 275 miles (WLTP) of electric range. For a hatchback arriving in 2026, I think that's a really strong offering and shows just how much electric vehicle technology has evolved in recent years.
It's practical too. With a suitable 105kW DC rapid charger, you can charge from 10% to 80% in around 24 minutes, making it easy to top up while you're out and about!
After spending time with the CUPRA Raval, it's clear that every detail has been considered. From the practical touches that make everyday driving easier to the premium finishes and sporty design, it feels like CUPRA has really listened to what drivers want and combined it all into one compact electric hatchback. If my first impressions are anything to go by, the Raval is going to be a very exciting addition to the EV market.
Yes. The CUPRA Raval is an all-electric hatchback designed for everyday driving, combining zero tailpipe emissions with CUPRA's distinctive sporty styling.
The CUPRA Raval is expected to arrive in the UK in 2026. If you're interested in being one of the first to experience it, keep an eye on Pulman's website or contact your local Pulman CUPRA retailer for the latest updates.
The Plasma paint colour was one of the biggest standouts for me. It changes depending on the lighting, giving the car a completely different look throughout the day. I was also really impressed by the flush door handles and the premium feel of the interior.
Absolutely. Even though it's a compact hatchback, the Raval has a premium feel throughout. Features like the flush door handles, bucket-style seats, ambient lighting and copper accents make it feel much more upmarket than I expected.
From my first impressions, yes. While it has a sporty design, there are plenty of thoughtful features that make everyday life easier, from keyless entry with automatic extending door handles to modern connectivity and a surprisingly spacious cabin.
Based on my first impressions, I'd say yes. It combines eye-catching design, clever technology, premium finishes and everyday practicality into one compact electric hatchback. Of course, I'll reserve final judgement until I've had the chance to drive the UK-spec model, but my first impression was incredibly positive.
Yes. If you'd like to be among the first to hear about the CUPRA Raval, including UK availability, test drives and ordering information, you can register your interest with Pulman CUPRA.
