The all-electric CUPRA Raval has claimed the Best Supermini title at the prestigious 2026 Auto Express New Car Awards, further strengthening its credentials ahead of its UK customer launch later this year.
The latest addition to CUPRA’s expanding electric portfolio also earned Highly Commended honours in the competitive Best Hot Hatch category, highlighting its blend of performance, practicality and everyday usability.
Electric Supermini Impresses Judges
Recognising the finest new vehicles on sale in the UK, the annual Auto Express New Car Awards celebrate excellence across design, innovation, driving dynamics and real-world appeal.
The judging panel praised the CUPRA Raval for delivering distinctive styling, engaging handling and accessible electric performance, positioning it among the standout new models of 2026.
Joining the CUPRA Born and CUPRA Tavascan in the brand’s growing battery-electric range, the Raval has been developed specifically for urban mobility while retaining the sporty character expected from the Spanish performance brand.
Auto Express Praises Practical Performance
Richard Ingram, Deputy Editor at Auto Express, said:
“Cupra’s Raval is a proper little electric hot hatch, without sacrificing any of the things that make a great small family car: space, practicality and lashings of style.”
CUPRA Confident Ahead of UK Deliveries
Marcus Gossen, Managing Director of SEAT & CUPRA UK, said:
“These awards prove that the CUPRA Raval is redefining expectations for electric mobility. Bold by design, emotionally engaging and unmistakably CUPRA, it’s a car created for a new generation of drivers who refuse to compromise.
“To receive this recognition before the first customer deliveries is a proud moment, and we’re excited to see the CUPRA Raval challenge convention on UK roads later this year.”
Motoring Echo Verdict
Winning Best Supermini before reaching customers is a significant endorsement for the CUPRA Raval. Combined with its Highly Commended recognition in the Hot Hatch category, the awards underline the model’s ability to blend everyday practicality with the engaging driving experience synonymous with the CUPRA brand. As the UK’s electric supermini sector continues to grow, the Raval appears well-positioned to attract buyers looking for style, performance and zero-emission driving in one compelling package.
For more information about the CUPRA Raval and the wider CUPRA model range, visit CUPRA UK.
