Cupra Raval VZ vs Alpine A290: Electric Hot Hatches Tested

Electricity is driving a hot hatch renaissance, but usability has long remained a hurdle for automakers trying to steer performance buyers toward EVs. Thanks to the UK government’s Electric Car Grant, both the Alpine A290 and the newly arrived Cupra Raval VZ cost about the same as one of the last combustion hot superminis, the Mini John Cooper Works. But can you live with them every day? Living with a long-term Alpine A290 revealed tight rear seats, a cramped 300-litre boot (shrinking further with the Devialet stereo subwoofer), and a real-world range of only 140 to 150 miles on longer trips, leaving drivers constantly preoccupied with charging. The Cupra Raval is the first car on the Volkswagen Group’s new B-segment MEB21 EV platform. The range-topping VZ model packs a single front motor pushing a little over 200 electric ponies through the front wheels. Unlike the Alpine’s multi-link setup and hydraulic bump-stops, the Cupra uses a twist-beam rear axle, inclined rear suspension mounts, DCC adaptive dampers, and a VAQ clutch-based, torque-vectoring front differential. Visually, the Alpine A290 boasts premium star quality and a toy-like, indulgent design, while the Raval has a darker, stealthier street look built for everyday use. Despite similar exterior dimensions—the Cupra is less than 50mm longer and within 6mm on roof height—the Raval delivers far better interior space, a second row adults can actually use, and a boot that expands to 441 litres by dropping the false floor. Inside, the Alpine feels a bit plusher and lower-set, but the Cupra excels with straightforward physical controls: a twisty column shifter, regen paddles, fixed HVAC buttons, and an easy one-touch menu to disable ADAS features. The Alpine uses an inboard rotary knob for regen and buttons for the gear selector. On the road, both feel urgent and potent. The Raval delivers immediate torque and explosive front-axle traction, while the A290 relies on fluid agility and motorsport-inspired balance. The Cupra’s VAQ diff works overtime to yaw the car into a neutral attitude before the apex, letting you hammer the throttle early. In the final verdict, the Cupra Raval VZ takes first place with four and a half stars, praised for its old-school, diff-derived FWD appeal and everyday usability at a price of £33,495 (after the Electric Car Grant). The Alpine A290 GTS+ takes second place with three and a half stars, priced at £34,245 (after the Electric Car Grant), offering brilliant handling and design but falling short on practical packaging. Technical specs for the Cupra Raval VZ: 221bhp, 214lb ft torque, 1-speed reduction gear, 1615kg kerb weight, 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, 109mph top speed, 56/51.7kWh (total/usable) NMC battery, 238 miles range, 3.8-4.5 mpkWh economy, and 135kW max charging rate. Technical specs for the Alpine A290 GTS+: 215bhp, 221lb ft torque, 1-speed reduction gear, 1479kg kerb weight, 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds, 105mph top speed, 55/52kWh (total/usable) NMC battery, 226 miles range, 3.8-3.9 mpkWh economy, and 101kW max charging rate. Other upcoming rivals mentioned include the Peugeot e-208 GTI and the Volkswagen ID Polo GTI, though the Raval claims the crown for combining usability, range, charging speed, and driver appeal.