CUPRA Raval gains ABT sports package but loses 53 km of range
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CUPRA has launched a special edition of the Raval VZ in Spain, with styling by renowned German tuning firm ABT. New spoilers, aerodynamic additions and 19-inch wheels give the small electric car a more aggressive look, but bring no extra power. Sports tyres, however, reduce its range from 439 to 386 kilometres. At least the special edition has a capable chassis to back up its sporty appearance.
ABT focuses on styling this time
The CUPRA Raval VZ CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, became available to order in Spain on 21 October. The special edition is based on the most powerful Raval, the VZ, whose electric motor develops 166 kW and 290 Nm.
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h takes 6.8 seconds, while top speed is 175 km/h. ABT has left those figures unchanged, as development of the special edition focused entirely on styling and equipment.
According to CUPRA’s official press release, the designers drew inspiration from the UrbanRebel concept car. The Raval gains ABT front and rear spoilers, side skirt extensions, additional aerodynamic deflectors and a larger roof spoiler. Matt black 19-inch ICON alloy wheels and dark chrome CUPRA badges complete the exterior.
ABT makes the parts by hand, and CUPRA fits them to new cars at its Racing Factory facility.
Buyers can choose between two equipment versions. The standard CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT focuses on exterior styling, while the more expensive AHEAD adds electrically adjustable, heated CUP Bucket sports seats, a heated steering wheel and 3D-printed dashboard trim. CUPRA uses 3D knitting technology to make the seat upholstery.
Sports tyres take their toll on range
The Raval VZ uses an NMC battery with a net capacity of 52 kWh, allowing the standard version to cover up to 439 km on a single charge.
The ABT special edition’s range is limited to 386 kilometres. That is a difference of 53 km, or approximately 12 per cent. CUPRA attributes the reduction to the 235 mm-wide sports tyres fitted as standard to the VZ CUSTOM by ABT.
That is a fairly significant compromise for a car with a relatively small battery. Better grip comes at the expense of some range, even though motor output and acceleration figures remain unchanged.
The Raval measures 4,046 mm in length and has a 441-litre boot. The small electric car therefore offers considerable everyday practicality, although the sportier equipment does not directly make it a better family car.
The chassis makes a stronger case for the Raval
Unlike the ABT styling elements, the VZ’s technical equipment has a much more direct effect on how the car drives.
The Raval uses the Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ electric vehicle platform, but CUPRA has adapted it for a sportier character. It sits 15 mm lower than other models on the same platform and has a 10 mm wider track. The car also uses progressive steering and specially tuned suspension.
The VZ comes with DCC Sport, featuring electronically controlled dampers with 15 levels of damping adjustment.
Even more important is the electromechanical e-VAQ differential lock on the front axle. An electronically controlled multi-plate clutch helps direct torque to the wheel with better grip to reduce traction loss when exiting corners. The system is complemented by electronic e-LSD slip control.
Together with stiffer steering joints and 235 mm-wide tyres, this setup should improve the front-wheel-drive electric car’s handling, particularly through fast corners.
This is where the real substance of the Raval’s sporting character lies. Spoilers may change its appearance, but in corners it is primarily the tyres, differential and suspension that determine the result.
Raval has become CUPRA’s most successful model debut yet
The Raval’s market launch has exceeded the manufacturer’s initial expectations. Since April, CUPRA has received more than 51,000 orders worldwide, more than twice its initial forecast.
Approximately 15,000 cars have reached customers. In Spain, buyers registered 1,192 Ravals during the first four months of sales.
These results give CUPRA reason to expand the model range, although actual demand for the ABT special edition will only become clear after sales begin.
In the European market, the Raval competes primarily with sporty small electric cars, including the Alpine A290. Its practical body and capable chassis could prove to be CUPRA’s advantages, but price plays an important role in this segment.
The manufacturer’s press release gives no Spanish price for the ABT special edition and does not confirm whether it will reach other European markets.
The Raval VZ CUSTOM CUPRA by ABT therefore remains a fairly traditional tuning package: the car looks more aggressive, but goes just as fast and covers fewer kilometres on a single charge. Fortunately, sporty handling is not down to styling elements alone.
