BARCELONA/BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The VW Group is launching its electric compact car offensive: with the Raval, the Spanish VW subsidiary Cupra has unveiled the first of four entry-level electric models across the group scheduled for launch this year. The market debut of the sporty electric compact is set for this summer, as Cupra announced during its world premiere across multiple locations. The entry price for the base model is set at 26,000 euros.
The VW ID. Polo, also slated for launch this year, is expected to be even more affordable, with a price tag 1,000 euros lower. Its price list starts just under 25,000 euros. Two further models from VW and Skoda are to follow: the two small SUVs, the VW ID.Cross and the Skoda Epiq.
Entry into the electric compact segment
With these four compact cars across three brands, the Group aims to tap into the entry-level electric segment - positioned below the ID.3, which has recently been the most affordable EV model at just under 30,000 euros. VW allowed its Spanish subsidiary to take the lead for the launch, as all four vehicles will be manufactured in Spain, with development led by Cupra and its sister brand Seat.
At launch, the Cupra Raval will initially be available exclusively in three "exclusive launch editions" - featuring a large battery, at least 211 hp, and a range of up to 450 kilometers. The price starts at 37,250 euros, according to a spokeswoman. The entry-level version, priced at approximately 26,000 euros with a smaller battery and lower horsepower, is expected to follow in mid-year. Customers will likely be able to place orders starting around July, the spokeswoman added.
Joint project yields 650 million euros in savings
The four-meter-long Raval was previously showcased in camouflage last September at the IAA motor show in Munich, alongside the similarly disguised ID. Polo and the two SUV variants. Cupra CEO Markus Haupt described it at the time as a "gamechanger" that was more than just a car. Haupt emphasized that the close collaboration with sister brands on this model is what makes the Raval particularly significant.
All four vehicles share the same platform and will be manufactured at two sites in Spain. According to VW, joint development has generated savings of 650 million euros. The target volume for the four models combined is several hundred thousand units per year. This is expected to provide a noticeable boost to the Group's EV sales. Last year, VW sold a total of 983,100 electric vehicles across all Group brands, including nearly 80,000 Cupras.
An even more affordable micro-car, the VW ID.Every1, is set to follow next year, with a starting price of around 20,000 euros. The successor to the former VW Up will be built in Portugal. No variants for other Group brands are currently planned for that model./fjo/DP/stw
