Cupra has quashed any rumours that it will discontinue its newly launched Raval after just one generation as part of parent company Volkswagen’s plan to reduce its product line-up.
The Volkswagen Group confirmed it will cut its existing range of cars by up to 50% by 2030. During the same period, the number of bodystyles will be reduced by 75%.
The German automotive giant has already stated that the plan has been introduced with “immediate effect”. While Volkswagen has not made any official announcement about nameplates facing the chopping block, German tabloid, Bild, compiled a list of 10 cars that could meet their maker by the end of this decade.
The list includes the highly regarded Cupra Raval, which debuted earlier this year as the Spanish performance brand’s answer to the likes of the Renault 5 and the Kia EV3. Despite going on sale in the UK as early as July this year, Cupra’s smallest model has already garnered several high-profile accolades, including Car of the Year and a Red Dot Award for Product Design.
Moreover, the Raval was also the first Volkswagen Group car to run on the firm’s electric-only MEB+ architecture. Developed by Cupra, the platform also underpins the VW ID Polo and T-Cross, as well as the Skoda Epiq.
Given the expense involved with developing the MEB+ architecture, plus the Volkswagen Group’s €3 billion investment in transforming the Seat & Cupra factory near Barcelona into one of Europe’s leading EV production hubs, the rumoured decision to axe the Raval after one generation was questioned by our editorial staff.
When we contacted Cupra about the speculation, a spokesperson quickly dispelled any speculation that the Raval could be discontinued in the coming years.
“The Cupra Raval is a cornerstone of our electrification strategy and a fundamental pillar of our long-term future,” a spokesperson told EV Powered. “It will play a central role in the brand’s growth for many years to come and will remain one of our most important strategic products.”
As suggested previously, the unloved Volkswagen ID 5 SUV coupé is likely to meet its demise, and the ageing Porsche Taycan is likely to be discontinued after almost seven years on sale. According to Bild, Volkswagen’s cull list is also said to include the underwhelming Audi Q6 E-tron SUV.
By 2030, Cupra aims to be an electric-only brand. At present, its EV line-up comprises the Raval, the heavily revised Born, and the Tavascan SUV. By the time the 2020s are out, it will also introduce the Tindaya, the brand’s 489bhp riposte to the likes of Alpine A390, the Porsche Macan Electric, and the BMW iX3.
Upon arrival, the Tindaya is likely to run on the Volkswagen Group’s upcoming software-defined SSP architecture, which will underpin the next-generation Skoda Octavia and the upcoming Golf EV.
