FOR around four decades now I have been attending new car launches and dealer opening celebrations but I have to say the latest event I went to was like no other.
Spanish brand CUPRA opened their first UK ‘city garage’ in Manchester, one of 11 worldwide, in June and yours truly was there with the hipsters and trendy young things eating sushi and drinking strange concoctions at this ‘immersive cultural hub’.
Amidst a sea of bloggers and vloggers there were a few traditional car journalists in the 150 strong audience who got the low down on what CUPRA describe as ‘counter culture’.
Slap bang in the centre of booming Manchester the St Ann Street premises is a cross between a fancy eatery, city centre bar, nightclub and – oh yes – you can buy cars there too.
One of the attractions for us motoring hacks was a sneak peek at CUPRA’s new electric small SUV the Raval, which does not go on sale until early next year.
This smart-looking machine is promising ground-breaking sporty performance and electric range so I look forward to reporting on just how well it goes as the car on display (see picture) was not available to try out just yet.
Mind you, test driving in the centre of the road works, ever changing one way systems cash hungry traffic cameras and building chaos that is Manchester city centre at the moment would be something of an ordeal so let’s hope the powers that be get their act together in time for eager buyers to hit the streets in the Raval.
Meanwhile punters can also enjoy the rest of the CUPRA range as well as music events, a book club, café, dance sessions and even yoga at the City Garage.
More info at: #CupraCityGarageMCR
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth
