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Kicking off Volkswagen Group’s fledgling Spanish brand’s electric car assault is the Cupra Born.
An EV hatchback with sporting intent, the Born is based on the same underpinnings as the VW ID.3.
Initially offered in one grade and with a healthy driving range, the Born was a rival for other small EVs like the Nissan Leaf and MG4.
The line-up currently starts at $59,990 for the Born (4 Seat) and ranges through to $59,990 for the range-topping Born (5 Seat).
The price range for the Cupra Born varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $59,990 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.
| Year | Body Type | Specs | Price from | Price to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Hatchback | —, Electric, 1 SP AUTO | $59,990 | $59,990 | |
| 2023 | Hatchback | —, Electric, 1 SP AUTO | $55,550 | $64,240 | |
| 2022 | Hatchback | —, Electric, 1 SP AUTO | $55,330 | $63,580 | |
First impressions in the Cupra Born are positive, with easy entry and egress via wide doors, while exceptional forward vision, aided by thin pillars and deep glass areas, do plenty to make the occupants feel at ease.
Space wise, the Born sits somewhere between a VW Polo and Golf, though it is closer to the latter overall.
The dashboard is clean if a bit cold and quite minimalist, and generally as you’d expect a modern VW to be, particularly if you’re used to a Golf.
Stylish and contemporary, with eye-catching details and textures, it is a nice thing to behold, but you also have to familiarise yourself with how to operate some of the basic items, such as the climate control and multimedia systems.
Other noteworthy items include an all-digital instrumentation, twist-action gear lever sited to the right of the dash, an attractive steering wheel, effective ventilation and plentiful storage – including the huge door bins.
And out back, it turns out that the Born isn’t quite as compact as it seems, with ample legroom as well as headroom for most people. Useful amenities include a folding centre armrest with cupholders and a ski-port, USB outlets and hungry door bins.
On the other hand, the multimedia system is difficult to fathom beyond the home screen, the slide controls for heating and cooling are fiddly, some of the plastics aren’t of a quality you’d expect from a VW Group product, and you won’t find a spare wheel anywhere – just a tyre repair kit.
The dimensions of the Cupra Born Hatchback vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.
| Year | Body Type | Height x Width x Length | Ground Clearance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Hatchback | 1540x1809x4324 mm | 131 mm | |
| 2023 | Hatchback | 1540x1809x4324 mm | 131 mm | |
| 2022 | Hatchback | 1540x1809x4324 mm | 131 mm | |
Cupra Born colours include Aurora Blue, Glacial White, Geyser Silver, Quasar Grey, Rayleigh Red and Vapor Grey. The latter is the only non-metallic colour. Metallic adds $475.
The Cupra Born can go from zero to 100km/h in 7.0 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 159km/h.
Underneath the hatchback, the load space a rated at a reasonable 385 litres, and that's helped out by a split/fold backrest with a ski-port. There is no spare wheel under the flat floor, just a tyre-repair kit.
Every Born includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, park assist, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert with exit warning, rain-sensing wipers, a top-view 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitors, electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry/start, an alarm, dual-zone climate control, auto on/off LED headlights with auto high beam, front fog lights and heated/powered exterior mirrors.
You’ll also find a 5.3-inch digital instrumentation cluster, a 12-inch multimedia system, DAB+ digital radio, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a heated leather steering wheel, four USB-C ports, ambient lighting, rear tinted windows and a rear roof spoiler.
The Cupra Born has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 215x50 R19 for Hatchback in 2024.
| Year | Body Type | Front Tyre Size | Front Rim | Rear Tyre Size | Rear Rim | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Hatchback | 215x50 R19 | — | 215x50 R19 | — | |
| 2023 | Hatchback | 215x50 R19 | — | 215x50 R19 | — | |
| 2022 | Hatchback | 215x50 R19 | — | 215x50 R19 | — | |
The battery pack is actually rated at 82kWh with 77kWh being the net useable output, while the electric motor provides 170kW of power and 310Nm of boost.
The Cupra Born with the optional Interior Package ushers in a stylish pair of sports bucket seats up front, that hold and support you in all the right places, especially when driven hard around corners.
These have an electrical adjustment as well as heating and massaging functions when required. They feel as good as they look. We hope the standard front seat arrangement is as appealing.
And out back, the two-seater cushion and backrests are comfy, with the latter's headrests nicely soft and pillowy, and there is a folding armrest with two cupholders.
Behind that is a ski-port so extended items can be pushed through into the cabin. The backrest also has a split/fold function.
Without the Interior Package option, the Born's back seat turns into a three-seater arrangement.
The Cupra Born is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by Electric fuel type(s).
| Year | Body Type | Fuel Consumption* | Engine | Fuel Type | Transmission | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Hatchback | — | — | Electric | 1 SP AUTO | |
| 2023 | Hatchback | — | — | Electric | 1 SP AUTO | |
| 2022 | Hatchback | — | — | Electric | 1 SP AUTO | |
The Cupra Born in its most standard form has a World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP) range of 511km, or 475km if the standard 19-inch alloy wheels are upgraded to the optional 20-inch items.
