Among our fellow journalist-testers (I won’t name names), there are always a few who sigh at the idea of taking the wheel of an electric novelty: “We’re going to test another Frigidaire,” they mutter to themselves. Rather than reproaching them a little too easily for being retrograde, one must admit that the first decade of real development for battery-powered cars has not been kind to driving enthusiasts.
Not only did it rob them of any audible emotion, but its chronic heft severely dulled the sensations, which cannot be reduced to a handful of flattering acceleration numbers. The lowering of the center of gravity touted at every turn by engineers does not erase the mass, that eternal foe of driving pleasure.
Fortunately, with time, brands are getting better at mastering the technology and refining their propositions. So much the better! Because the gasoline-powered hot hatches no longer have much room in our country, thanks to the tax penalties. The arrival of the Alpine A290 in 2024 breathed new life into the small GTI category: this year it will seriously grow again.
While we wait for the Peugeot E-208 GTi this fall, Cupra launches the Raval (cousin of the ID. Polo), even more promising as it debuts Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform. For this first showdown, we chose to pit the most versatile versions: the Alpine in its 180 hp variant, cheaper but also less energy-hungry in kilowatt-hours, and the Cupra Endurance, not as powerful as the VZ sporty but strong with 211 hp.
The two options display very similar footprints and nearly identical battery capacities, within 0.5 kWh. In terms of aesthetics, the A290 does not give up any of the trappings of the 220 hp version, while the Cupra already in this trim benefits from a decidedly sporty presentation, one of the brand’s prerequisites.
Cupra Raval 211 ch/51,5 kWh Endurance vs Alpine A290 180 ch/52 kWh GT: on the road?
The new Cupra Raval was highly anticipated, as it signals a long line of fresh small EVs from the Volkswagen Group. It does not disappoint. Admittedly, our Endurance model isn’t the sharpest on the chassis front since it lacks the DCC suspension, but it demonstrates commendable dynamism, characterized by a front axle that remains incisive and a precise steering response.
Weighing in at 1,560 kg on our scale, it remains an electric car, but its agility in cornering transitions is that of a little hatch. Understeer is virtually nonexistent, despite a relatively polite rear axle: there’s no room for theatrics behind the wheel. If the steering carries a suggestive Cupra button, its action seems quite limited on this Endurance variant, with a limited range of adjustment for steering feel and throttle response.
The suspension, for its part, is fairly stiff but not harsh, so the car stays versatile. Finally, grip on dry surfaces is fully satisfying: no noticeable torque steer even during vigorous acceleration. And yet, the Raval does not skimp on performance, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds, 1 second quicker than the Alpine.
It’s the same story when it comes to overtaking. Still, it’s the French car that looks the livelier behind the wheel. Remember that this version uses less grippy and more energy-hungry tires than the 220 hp model, which gives the driver more leeway to have fun at reasonable speeds.
Thus it recaptures the joy of a car that can tighten its line with a quick lift of the right foot and a rear end that will drift a little at the driver’s request. Add to that the Boost button on the wheel, which provides a surge of power when pressed: not strictly necessary for a lap time, but enjoyable for a passing maneuver.
Even if it proves a bit less brisk, the Alpine is the one that best expresses its GTI genes, without being much less comfortable than its rival. We maintain our view that this is the best version of the A290, all the more because it handles its power far better than the “big” version, which suffers from noticeable torque effects.
Of course, for some owners, it will be hard to accept having chosen the less capable one: may these words help them! Our two contenders benefit from single-pedal driving and well-calibrated braking, which is rare among electrics enough to be noted.
Cupra Raval 211 ch/51,5 kWh Endurance vs Alpine A290 180 ch/52 kWh GT: interior life?
In this Endurance variant, the Cupra Raval does not enjoy all the refinements highlighted during the model’s presentation. Notably, there’s no dynamic interior lighting (optional), nor 3D-mesh upholstery, nor 3D-printed décor (reserved for the VZ version). The cabin atmosphere is nevertheless spiced up by the ubiquitous copper inserts and the carbon-look mesh on the lower dash, but the plastics don’t all give a sense of premium quality, and the overall ambiance is rather sober.
Even in its GT entry configuration, the Alpine looks more polished thanks to its careful ambient lighting, its more sophisticated two-tone upholstery, and its pretty flat-bottom steering wheel with a colored marker at the top to underline the sporty intent of the model. That said, that is the only advantage the French car can claim inside; in daily life the Raval is infinitely more practical.
Not only does it offer more onboard storage, especially under the center console, but its overall interior dimensions are clearly better. While it’s difficult for an adult to ride in the Alpine’s rear, the Cupra provides 5 cm more legroom according to our measurements!
Indeed a 1.85 m passenger can sit comfortably in the back, without sacrificing luggage space: we measured 425 dm³ of cargo volume, a compact-sedan level, 125 dm³ more than the Alpine. VW Group’s know-how when it comes to packaging is once again demonstrated in spectacular fashion: remember that the Raval is only about 5 cm longer.
On the tech side, Cupra’s new multimedia system works wonders, but Renault’s system isn’t far behind thanks to its interface still being as clear. Finally, the standard audio system on the Spanish car isn’t a standout; audiophiles will likely be tempted by the optional Sennheiser setup.
Cupra Raval 211 ch/51,5 kWh Endurance vs Alpine A290 180 ch/52 kWh GT: budget?
Budget: This is where things really start to hurt for Alpine, and it isn’t the price that wounds the comparison the most. By slowing the advancement of its rotor-wound motor technology while it remains a pioneer in electrics, the Renault group now regularly sees higher energy consumption in its electric cars, and Alpine confronts here a Cupra that is particularly strong on that front.
Despite its power and higher weight, the Cupra demands nearly 3 kWh less per 100 km on our measurements, which translates to roughly 50 km more of range. That doesn’t make it a highway cruiser, but at this level of the market, any progress is welcome: when battery capacity is limited, efficiency becomes crucial.
With only 225 km of highway range, the Alpine can rarely tackle long trips. It’s wiser to plan longer journeys on secondary roads to avoid too many charging stops. The Raval also benefits from a more favorable charging curve, needing 24 minutes to reach 10-80%, versus 30 minutes for the 15-80% on the Alpine.
Tough for the French, especially since it carries a €3,200 premium. The Spanish car follows a more premium-option approach, with many features on Renault that Cupra charges extra for (heat pump, keyless entry, heated seats, and privacy glass).
Price comparisons shift back toward balance, particularly since Alpine benefits from enhanced EU subsidies thanks to its batteries produced in France. To be thorough, Cupra does offer launch discounts of €2,500 on its site for the Raval.
Cupra Raval 211 ch/51,5 kWh Endurance: its pluses?
- Interior space
- Low consumption
- Playful chassis
Cupra Raval 211 ch/51,5 kWh Endurance: its minuses?
- Many options
- Questionable plastics
- You have to love copper…
Alpine A290 180 ch/52 kWh GT: its pluses?
- Presentation
- Playful behavior
- Nice ecological bonus!
Alpine A290 180 ch/52 kWh GT: its minuses?
- High consumption
- Rear seating
- Price
Cupra Raval 211 ch/51,5 kWh Endurance vs Alpine A290 180 ch/52 kWh GT: verdicts?
- On the road: Alpine A290
- Interior life: Cupra Raval
- Budget: Cupra Raval
The Auto-Journal’s pick: Cupra Raval
Despite its comparatively modest performance, the Alpine feels the most playful and sporty. But on rational criteria, Cupra takes the win by a wide margin. Its interior space and especially its low energy consumption make the daily difference.
Cupra Raval 211 ch/51,5 kWh Endurance: in measures
Find our test between the Cupra Raval 211 ch/51,5 kWh* Endurance and Alpine A290 180 ch/52 kWh* GT in l’Auto-Journal issue no. 1216 dated 03/09/2026.
