Hot hatches on the charge: Cupra Raval VZ vs Alpine A290
Well, I have once, when I tested a prototype of the very closely related ID Polo GTI, which uses the same hardware.
While the Alpine seems to effortlessly pivot and flow its way around a corner, rolling a little but gripping a lot, and really evenly, and adopting a fast cross-country pace as if born to do it, the Cupra wants to be thrown in, barrelled at the apex and flung out the other side.
The Raval’s diff just gives you another way to chuck it: either entirely with your wrists, or with your right foot, a whole load of instant torque and the grappling rotational oomph of the outside front wheel.
It’s extraordinary how hard that outside wheel can work to yaw the car, turning it into a neutral attitude before you’ve even hit your apex, and making you able to bleed off positive steering angle really early and then just accelerate directly down the road.
It’s very difficult to say which car is ultimately more fun. The Alpine’s leanness, and the fluidity that flows from its light-touch tuning, is really distinguishing among fast EVs. The Cupra works harder for its composure on really testing roads but finds it in its firmer damping modes – and it really paints a grin across your face when you can hook up that diff. But the Cupra’s completeness and usability is there, ready to seal the deal.
If all other things were equal, the A290 might just squeak this for its easy, lithe poise, but they are far from so.
The Volkswagen Group has entered the electric hot hatchback market and applied its familiar thoroughness and seriousness to the Cupra Raval VZ – while also not forgetting to make it great fun.
And what results feels like a bit of a coming of age: an electric hot hatch you can actually live with.
Verdict
First place: Cupra Raval VZ
Old-school, diff-derived, asphalt-clawing FWD driver appeal in a smart, wellpriced, all-electric package you could actually use.
Second place: Alpine A290 GTS+
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