5 minute read
Cupra Born
FORECOURT CUPRA BORN
Under the bonnet
The 201bhp electric motor with a 58kWh battery pushes the Cupra to 60mph in 7.1 seconds.
Cupra is expanding its lineup with the electric Born. Jack Evans went on the road with one to see if it poses a threat to other EVs.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Cupra Born
Price (as tested): £38,955 Engine: Electric motor with
58kWh battery
Power:
201bhp
Torque: 310Nm
Max speed:
99mph
O-60mph: 7.1 seconds
Range:
261 miles
Emissions: 0g/km CO2
WHAT IS IT?
Cupra’s first electric car, which sits atop the same platform as cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Audi Q4 e-tron, aims to bring a slightly sportier character than its VW Group stablemates, as well as the more distinctive design that Cupra has become known for.
WHAT’S NEW?
It uses the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, which has been designed specifically for electric vehicles, rather than adapted from an existing petrol or diesel setup. That means it goes hard on making the most of the space it has to offer, while the battery is placed low to improve weight distribution and ensure that roominess isn’t impacted.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
There are a few powertrain setups available but we’re testing the anticipated best-seller, which combines a 201bhp electric motor with a 58kWh battery. With that battery, Cupra claims a range of up to 261 miles. The Born can also charge at speeds of up to 125kW, meaning a five to 80 per cent charge could be completed in as little as 35 minutes. If you’ve got a three-phase 11kW home charger, then a full top-up could take six hours, or around eight with a conventional 7kW unit.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Cupra really has pushed to make the Born feel sportier than other cars on the same platform, which is why it sits on a lower suspension setup and can even be fitted with wider tyres for improved grip and higher cornering speeds. These changes are really noticeable too, as the Born corners keenly and remains well planted through the bends. The only negative by-product of this is a really firm ride, which does tend to get pretty unsettled over poor surfaces – something exasperating when travelling at slow speeds. That said, it’s easy to pilot with relatively light controls. The instant availability of the torque also means the Born feels quite quick and far speedier than its on-paper figures would suggest.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
We think Cupra has done really well when it comes to the Born’s styling. It’s definitely the most eye-catching out of the Volkswagen Group’s range of EVs, with its slim headlights, full-width rear light bar and range of copper accents really ensuring that it stands out from
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
With the majority of controls centred in the Born’s infotainment system, there aren’t too many buttons left to clutter up the car’s cabin. It does mean it all feels quite stripped back, although a good level of fit and finish means that this doesn’t come at the detriment of quality. The front seats are comfortable and easy to adjust, too.
But it’s in the back where things are really impressive. There’s loads of legroom, while headroom is also very good. In terms of boot space, there are 385 litres on offer, and you can extend this by lowering the rear seats. Our only issue is with the charging cable storage – it’s underneath the boot floor, which means that if you’re out and about and need to top up, you’ll need to take everything out of the load area to access the cables.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
Our car came in V3 specification and, for its £38,390 price tag, brought a good deal of standard equipment such as 12-inch infotainment system and 5.3 digital cockpit, as well as wireless smartphone integration and adaptive cruise control. You also get 12-way electrically adjustable front seats with pneumatic lumbar support and a massage function.
The infotainment system is jam-packed with features, but because it holds access to all major functions it feels a little cluttered and makes a process as simple as increasing the cabin temperature more tricky than it should be. There are slim shortcut buttons for this below the screen, but they’re very compact and aren’t lit up.
Our test car did come with a single optional extra – silver paint for £565 – but, in truth, there’s very little need to go troubling the options list with the Born.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
What Car? said: ‘The Cupra Born takes all the good bits from the class-leading Volkswagen ID.3 and adds a slightly more polished interior and an upgraded infotainment system. Car said: ‘Stylish, with more than enough power for urban environments, it also feels a touch sporty when you get past the city limits.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
Cupra has done well to bring some real attitude to the EV segment with the Born. It’s definitely got that dynamic flavour, with the kind of body control and eagerness for corners that we’d be expecting more from a hot hatch than a battery-powered model.
That low-speed ride sure is firm, mind you, which might put off some people who are looking for comfort from their EV. That said, with its good value for money and high levels of standard equipment, this could be something people are happy to contend with.
Style
The Born’s styling is really eyecatching, with the copper accents helping it stand out from the crowd.
Cabin
With few buttons to clutter the cabin it does give the interior a stripped-back feel, but it still retains quality.
TARGET BUYERS:
Those who want a more sporting take on a Volkswagen Group EV.
THE RIVALS:
Volkswagen ID.3 Audi Q4 e-tron Renault Megane E-Tech Electric
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Striking looks 2.Dynamic to drive 3.Plenty of equipment
