The Raval is the sprightlier performer, and yet it feels more mature, too; there’s no wheelspin as you send power to the front wheels and torque steer is also non-existent. It’s more refined at higher speeds, but both cars are nimble in town.

Tech highlights

Parts-sharing helps both models to reduce production costs, but neither feels cheap as a result. The R5’s column shift takes getting used to, because it’s right next to the wiper and remote audio stalks, while the lack of a Park setting is another quirk.

The Raval’s column drive selector is more intuitive, while the touchscreen runs the same software as other Cupras, so the climate controls are integrated into it.

Price and running

Both cars benefit from the Government’s ECG, but only on selected models; just the larger-battery version of the R5 gets the full £3,750 discount, while all other variants and the 52kWh Raval qualify for the £1,500 grant.

The Raval was efficient, with a return of 4.5 miles per kWh, even after a number of energy-sapping motorway miles. The R5 managed 4.0mi/kWh for a 208-mile range – 26 miles less than the Cupra.

The Raval is slightly larger than the R5 in every direction, while the Renault’s retro-modern design hampers its carrying capacity, although few buyers are likely to complain.