320kW Cupra UrbanRebel emerges, previews real SUV

Spanish performance brand Cupra has unwrapped its UrbanRebel concept, which will provide direct inspiration for a new entry-level pure-electric small SUV that will make its debut in 2025.

Officially set for a public unveil at next week's Munich motor show, the Cupra UrbanRebel concept looks like it would be more at home on a racetrack than in a city centre, sporting a huge rear spoiler, low ride height, large wheels and an aggressive front splitter.

Look past its air-bending measures and SEAT's former performance division is actually previewing the overall shape of what will become its most affordable electric car.

Key takeaways then are the UrbanRebel's short overhangs and a generous wheelbase (in proportion to its small size) that will maximise space within the compact cabin.

Other design cues that will carry over to the production model include a wraparound visor-style glasshouse and a rear C-pillar and wheel-arches that borrow much from the Curpa Formentor SUV coming to Australia in mid-2022.

Size-wise, the UrbanRebel is based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform and, at 4080mm long overall, is around 27mm longer than a Volkswagen Polo.

Changes expected to occur during the transition from concept to production include losing the extreme aero package, sprouting a pair of rear 'hidden' doors, gaining a higher roofline, downsizing the rims and raising the vehicle's ride height.

There's no word on whether the UrbanRebel will keep its high-performance EV powertrain, which is believed to incorporate dual electric motors that produce 250kW, with up to 320kW available for short boosts of acceleration.

With that kind of firepower, Cupra claims the UrbanRebel can hit 100kmh in just 3.2 seconds.

Set to be developed alongside the Volkswagen Up-replacing ID.2, which is also set to be revealed at the Munich show, the production version of the Cupra UrbanRebel is expected to command a price tag of around €20,000 ($A32,000) in Europe.

Helping the Volkswagen Group make money on an EV with a price that low are economies of scale. It's thought that both Skoda and Audi will also announce their take on the UrbanRebel in coming months.

All four EVs are tipped to share the same MEB-based platform, electric motors and lithium-ion battery packs, and to be produced at a SEAT plant in Barcelona, Spain.

As well as presenting the UrbanRebel, Cupra will also use the Munich show to launch its first electric car, the Cupra Born hatch, which has much in common with the Volkswagen ID.3 but is claimed to be more fun to drive.

Finally, there will also be a production version of the Cupra Tavascan SUV concept – a pure-electric coupe-SUV that's been co-developed alongside the Volkswagen ID.5.