Europe’s small-EV class has finally come alive. The Renault 5 E-Tech turned nostalgia into a bestseller, and now Cupra hits back from Barcelona with the Raval – the brand’s first electric city car, promising more power, more space and Cupra’s trademark attitude. Both start at almost the same price, yet their philosophies could hardly be more different. We haven’t driven the Raval, so we compare what is beyond dispute: the numbers.

Design and size: retro icon vs street fighter

The Renault 5 is 3,922mm long with a 2,540mm wheelbase and 1,498mm tall – a true supermini inspired by the 1970s original. The Cupra Raval is 124mm longer at 4,046mm, 1,784mm wide and 1,514mm tall. The Raval rides on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ platform and is built in Barcelona, while the Renault 5 uses the dedicated AmpR Small platform.

The size gap shows most clearly at the back. The Raval’s boot holds 441 litres, while the Renault 5 offers 326 litres (285 litres on Iconic Five and Roland-Garros versions) and up to 1,106 litres with the seats folded. If you regularly carry a pushchair or suitcases, the Cupra has a clear advantage on paper.

Renault 5 E-Tech electric in the new Flame Red colour — Photo: Renault (Renault Newsroom)

Power, batteries and range

The Raval offers four power levels: 85kW (116PS) and 99kW (135PS) with a 37kWh LFP battery, plus 155kW (211PS) and 166kW (226PS) with a 52kWh NMC battery. The range-topping VZ produces 290Nm, hits 100km/h in 6.8 seconds and tops out at 175km/h. Range with the larger battery is up to 445km WLTP (per Cupra’s German website).

The Renault 5 has also been sharpened for the 2026 model year. The 40kWh version with 90kW (120hp) now manages up to 315km, while the 52kWh car with 110kW (150hp) and 245Nm reaches up to 430km WLTP. The most powerful Renault 5 hits 100km/h in 7.9 seconds. An entry-level Five version is on the way, with a 36.5kWh LFP battery, 80kW (110hp) and up to 305km of range.

On rapid charging the Raval is slightly quicker: up to 105kW, with 10–80% in 24 minutes (23 minutes for the 37kWh). The Renault 5 charges at up to 100kW (52kWh) or 80kW (40kWh), with 15–80% taking around 30–31 minutes. The Renault 5 takes 11kW on AC (6.6kW for the entry Five), and both offer Vehicle-to-Load.

Cabin tech

Cupra brings a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, DCC adaptive dampers with up to 15 settings, an electronic slip differential and 19-inch wheels on the VZ, plus Sennheiser audio on some versions. The Renault 5 counters with its 10.1-inch OpenR Link infotainment with Google built in, a driver display of up to 10.3 inches and an optional Google Gemini AI assistant via an over-the-air update.

Prices and the verdict on paper

In Germany the Renault 5 starts at €26,290 (40kWh), or €29,290 with the 52kWh battery. The Cupra Raval is listed from €25,950 for the base version (coming soon), with the Raval Plus from €29,850, the Endurance from €34,790 and the VZ from €39,990. Entry prices are virtually identical, but the punchier Ravals cost considerably more.

If you want style, compact dimensions for tight streets and a proven package, the Renault 5 remains a smart buy. If you want a bigger boot, quicker charging and a genuine hot version, the Raval looks more convincing on paper. The final verdict will have to wait until we get behind the wheel.

Length: Raval 4,046mm / Renault 5 3,922mm
Boot: Raval 441 litres / Renault 5 326 litres
Power: Raval 85–166kW (116–226PS) / Renault 5 80–110kW (110–150hp)
Batteries: Raval 37kWh LFP or 52kWh NMC / Renault 5 36.5kWh LFP, 40 or 52kWh
Max WLTP range: Raval up to 445km / Renault 5 up to 430km
DC charging: Raval up to 105kW / Renault 5 up to 100kW
0–100km/h (top versions): Raval VZ 6.8s / Renault 5 150hp 7.9s
Price (Germany): Raval from €25,950 / Renault 5 from €26,290

Sources: CUPRA Media – Raval press release, CUPRA Media – Raval VZ, CUPRA Media – battery and charging, CUPRA Media – interior, CUPRA Germany, CUPRA UK, Renault Newsroom – Renault 5 2026 update, Renault Germany – prices, Renault UK – specifications, Renault UK – brochure (PDF)

Photos: CUPRA (SEAT & CUPRA Media Center), Renault (Renault Newsroom)