Cupra Unveils a More Modest Yet Still Muscular UrbanRebel

Not yet the production model, but a new version closer to it.

Originally introduced in September 2021, the Cupra UrbanRebel is back in the spotlight today. But in the meantime, the concept has changed quite a bit. Less aggressive, more reasonable, it offers a better preview of what Cupra’s future electric city car will look like.

Measuring 4.03 meters long, the new UrbanRebel is based on a shortened version of the MEB platform, which will also be used for the production model. This technical base will also underpin the upcoming electric city cars from Volkswagen and Skoda, developed in parallel as part of a project orchestrated by SEAT.

Devoid of the massive rear wing and other embellishments from the first version, the new Cupra UrbanRebel is necessarily less impressive. However, it still retains a rather sporty look, despite a relatively high ground clearance. The rear doors, which were absent on the previous version, will apparently be retained on the production model.

Cupra uses Playstation-style controls for the steering wheel

The interior has also evolved significantly. The race car cockpit from the original concept transformed into a modern car cabin. The steering wheel controls are clearly inspired by video game universes. The floating console frees up space and integrates perfectly within this minimalist environment.

While the initial UrbanRebel had two electric motors, the new version of the concept has only one, connected to the front wheels. It delivers a power of 226 hp and allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Regarding range, Cupra claims a figure of 440 km. The battery capacity has not been disclosed.

The final version of the UrbanRebel will be launched in 2025. It is expected to be sold for around €25,000 in base configuration. Production will take place in Spain, at the Martorell plant. This facility will also assemble the aforementioned Volkswagen and Skoda electric city cars, which will likely be more affordable.

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