The Cupra Born is a ample electric hatchback with a practical interior and strong electric performance for a believably sporty care it isn’t a vast amount of fun to drive, though.
Is the Cupra Born a Good Car?
The Cupra Born is an electric family hatchback car that ensure a bit of a sporting edge. With a maximum rage is 365km on single charge it’ll give of the tesla model 3 something to concern about, but in fact it’s more likely an possible to the Hyundai Ioniq5, Kia Niro EV and the Volkswagen ID3.
In fact this EV is jointly related to the Volkswagen. Not only are they all but comparable under the skin, they look exceptionally similar too.
In a way, you could think of the two cars as being siblings. The Volkswagen is the intelligent, mature older brother, while the Cupra is the teenage upstart that’s a bit tense and has a tendency to get up to some good – natured mischief.
Up front it has a much sharpy face then the ID3, and there are some dazzling cooper – coloured badges and trim inserts for a bit of extra wow factor. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, and round the back there’s sharpy looking LED light bar that lengthening across its tailgate.
The Cabin is pretty athletic looking, too. In the position of leather you can get dynamic refined suede padding that’s made from reprocessed ocean plastic; and the sports seats are cozy and hold you easily in place (although it’d be good if you could bring the steering wheel in a bit closer to your chest). You won’t have any distress seeing out the front, but the rear window is a bit on the small side.
You get a 12 inch touchscreen on the dash, which packs keen looking graphics and plenty of tech including satelite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a pity it has a tendency to lag and crash, though. The lack of proper physical controls for the air conditioning is also a pain.
“The Cupra Born is the dynamic looking sibling of the practical Volkswagen ID.3 The 58kwh battery with the 204hp motor offers the best blend of range and performance”
Still, there’s a tonne of space in the rear for back seat passengers, and the spacious 385-liter boot is comparable to that of its Volkswagen relation.
There will eventually be three different battery sizes to select from, lending Born an electric range of as little as 211 miles and as high as 335 miles. As per the test held
Still, there’s a tonne of space in the rear for back seat passengers, and the spacious 385-liter boot is comparable to that of its Volkswagen relation.
There will eventually be three different battery sizes to select from, lending Born an electric range of as little as 211 miles and as high as 335 miles. As per the test held
Plugged into a 7kw home wallbox charger, you’d be able to top this car’s battery up overnight easily enough. The Born can charge at up to 170kw, so if you find a fast enough publicy-accessible DC rapid charger you’ll go from 10% to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes.
The Cupra is easily quick sufficiently for ducking and darting in and out of slow moving traffic, and swift overtaking on faster roads. On its lowered sports suspension it handles pretty tidliy too, with accurate steering and decent grip. The bakers are lifeless though, and despite its athletic looks it certainly doesn’t feel like a fun-loving electric hot hatchback. It’s a bit too sensible for that.
The Cupra is easily quick sufficiently for ducking and darting in and out of slow moving traffic, and swift overtaking on faster roads. On its lowered sports suspension it handles pretty tidliy too, with accurate steering and decent grip. The bakers are lifeless though, and despite its athletic looks it certainly doesn’t feel like a fun-loving electric hot hatchback. It’s a bit too sensible for that.
So there’s plenty to like here. The Born is practical, ample, easy to drive and has more than enough electric range. But given the fact it wears the Cupra badge (Cupra is the performance offshoot of SEAT) it’s just a pity it isn’t a bit more fun and engaging to drive.
How much is the Cupra Born in Poland?
The Cupra Born is an electric hatchback. In Poland, the price of the Cupra Born is €45,096 (US$48,490). The price of the 45kWh battery version starts at €31,440, and the 58kWh model starts at €35,550
Electric vehicles represent the future of the automotive industry, though they often come with a significant price premium compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts. The introductory pricing for the Cupra Born is notably competitive, positioned just below that of its counterpart, the Volkswagen ID.3, as well as the recently introduced Kia Niro EV. Additionally, it stands well below the starting price of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is in close proximity to the highest-tier Born variant.
Within the Cupra Born lineup, consisting of three tiers – V1, V2, and V3, there is a consistent increment of approximately £2,000 at each level. This places the top-tier model, equipped with the largest battery capacity, at a price point roughly £7,000 higher than the base specification.
Performance and drive comfort
The Cupra Born is more joy to drive than the ID3, but it would benefit from one-pedal braking to conserve as much energy as possible
In City
The Cupra Born shares a substantial portion of its components with the Volkswagen ID.3, but it’s engineered with a sportier disposition, injecting an extra dose of fun into your driving experience. Consequently, the suspension has been tweaked to deliver a more dynamic feel, albeit at the expense of some ride comfort on uneven road surfaces.
For urban commuters, the Born offers a convenient feature: adjustable regenerative braking. By simply twisting the high-mounted gear lever to the ‘B’ position, the car exhibits a remarkable slowdown when you release the accelerator pedal. While it doesn’t bring the car to a complete stop, it comes remarkably close, offering a semi-one-pedal driving experience.
Navigating city streets is a breeze, thanks to the Born’s favorable attributes. It boasts excellent visibility, including an additional piece of glass near the front pillar, which, in certain models, can be obstructed by trim. Additionally, the rear window provides a decent view of the surroundings.
Further enhancing its urban-friendliness, the Born features light yet responsive steering, striking a perfect balance between ease of use and road feedback. With a turning circle of just 10.2 meters, maneuvering through tight spots and negotiating mini roundabouts becomes a hassle-free endeavor, adding to the car’s appeal in bustling city environments.
On the Highway
The Cupra Born seamlessly transitions into higher-speed scenarios, where its innate comfort shines through even more prominently. As velocity increases, the vehicle gracefully settles, and road imperfections become less conspicuous compared to lower speeds. The seats, crafted with precision and utilizing premium materials, not only provide exceptional support but also contribute to cultivating a palpable sporty ambiance within the car’s interior.
It’s worth noting that, like many vehicles, there is some degree of wind noise perceptible around the pillars. While not an unusual occurrence, it merits consideration, particularly if your intended usage involves frequent extended journeys in the Cupra Born.
Acceleration is impressively swift, a trait commonly associated with electric cars, and this attribute proves invaluable when the need arises for prompt overtaking movers.
On a twisty road
Electric vehicles have often carried a reputation for lacking the thrill of traditional driving experiences. However, the latest offerings in this category are working diligently to shatter that perception. In the case of the Cupra Born, it’s evident that efforts have been made to infuse a sporty character, setting it apart from other models in its segment.
Despite sharing a substantial number of components with the Volkswagen ID3, the Born manages to carve its niche as a sharper and more stable performer on the road. While it may not fully embody the essence of a hot-hatch in the traditional sense – with the brakes displaying a somewhat subdued response – the Born succeeds in evoking a sense of delight, especially when navigating through corners.
The steering is notably responsive, offering ample control, and the car exhibits a commendable level of grip. However, some drivers might find themselves yearning for even more performance from their electric vehicle, especially given the Born’s dynamic appearance and demeanor.
Space and Practicality
The minimalist appearance in the Born will be welcomed by many, however the door – mounted controls for the windows and wing mirror are truly terrible
Cupra has adopted a notably minimalist approach to the Born’s interior design, which, surprisingly, doesn’t compromise its practicality.
Between the front seats, there’s a generously sized central storage unit. Just behind this, you’ll find an additional compartment concealed beneath a padded armrest that offers flexibility in movement. However, it’s worth noting that this armrest isn’t fixed in place and can sometimes get in the way while driving before being knocked back into a flat position.
Within this section, there’s a conveniently designed space for a mobile phone, which can be neatly concealed, ensuring that there are no distractions while driving. Additionally, this area is equipped with two USB ports for your convenience.
Moving toward the center of the dashboard, you’ll discover two cupholders and another storage area suitable for items like keys or a wallet. Furthermore, the door bins are quite accommodating and can easily hold larger bottles.
The sports seats, aside from being comfortable, offer excellent support, especially when navigating tight corners. The quality of the materials used for seat coverings is noteworthy.
One minor inconvenience with the Born lies in the operation of the rear windows from the front seat. You’ll need to specifically press a toggle button to control them,
as they don’t have dedicated buttons. As for the glovebox, it’s worth mentioning that it’s on the smaller side, so don’t expect a lot of storage space there!
Space in the back seats
Shifting our focus to the rear of the Cupra Born reveals a generous amount of space, whether you’re considering headroom or legroom. The seating arrangement is notably comfortable, and the flat floor design contributes to an overall sense of spaciousness within the vehicle. Stretching your legs beneath the front seats is effortless, ensuring that extended journeys in the Born remain free from the discomfort of cramped quarters.
The Cupra Born accommodates three passengers in the rear with relative ease, although this can be influenced by the choice of the 77kW battery version, as the additional batteries impact rear seat practicality. The middle seat, while comfortable, may pose a bit of a challenge when accommodating three adults in the back, particularly for those positioned on the outer seats, who might find themselves pressed against the doors, potentially impacting headroom due to the curvature of the roof.
The rear section boasts a generously sized armrest, complete with two cupholders. Furthermore, convenient through-loading is facilitated by lowering the panel situated behind the aforementioned armrest. Safety is also addressed with the presence of Isofix child seat points, capable of accommodating even the bulkier rear-facing baby seats.
Among the noteworthy features are the spacious door bins, ample storage options on the seatbacks, and the inclusion of two USB ports for charging various mobile devices.
Boot Space
The boot’s capacity is measured at 385 litres, which is quite adequate, offering a practical space that simplifies the task of loading and unloading. For individuals seeking more extensive cargo room, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 might be a preferable choice, as it boasts a generous 527 litres of storage capacity.
It’s worth noting that there is a substantial drop into the boot, a factor that could pose some challenges when handling larger or heavier items. Additionally, when the rear seats are folded down, there is an obstruction that prevents the creation of a completely flat and seamless storage area. Nevertheless, it’s apparent that the design of the boot incorporates a lip that runs around its perimeter, accommodating an optional false floor. This addition serves to elevate the floor height to a more manageable and convenient level, enhancing the overall usability of the space.
Interior style, infotainment and accessories
The head-up display is one of the best on the market, but the rest of the infotainment system is often frustrating to use.
Stepping into the Cupra Born, you’ll notice a design that might ring a bell for those familiar with the Volkswagen ID3. The central touchscreen takes center stage, serving as the control hub for most of the car’s primary functions.
Similar to the ID3, you won’t find physical buttons here. For some, this might be a bit frustrating, especially when it comes to tasks like adjusting the heating, which relies on sliding switches, making it a tad less intuitive than traditional buttons or dials. Additionally, these controls lack backlighting, which can pose a challenge when using them at night.
In terms of the infotainment system, it performs adequately, though not necessarily exceptionally. During our carwow evaluation, the test car’s system seemed to fare better than that of its Volkswagen counterpart. However, some users might prefer to utilize either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, both of which seamlessly and wirelessly integrate with the Born’s system.
Moving on to the digital driver’s display, it’s on the smaller side, limiting the amount of information it can display. It covers the essential data that drivers typically seek, such as speed and driving metrics, but it could have been a touch larger to enhance user-friendliness.
Mounted on the steering column, the display adjusts with the wheel’s movement, ensuring an unobstructed view. The same cannot be said for the gear selector, which is tucked away on a substantial stalk behind the steering wheel rim. Further back, a haptic panel takes charge of controlling the lights – remember, this car does away with physical buttons – but even this is partially obscured by the steering wheel.
On V2 and V3 trim levels, the head-up display truly shines. It projects helpful lines onto the road, guiding you in the right direction and ensuring you never miss a turn.
Overall, the interior design of the Cupra Born surpasses that of the ID3. It boasts high-quality materials throughout and incorporates thoughtful details on the passenger-side dashboard surfaces.
Electric range, charging times and tax
The Cupra Born boasts a rear-wheel-drive configuration and is equipped with a 204hp powertrain. For those seeking an extra boost, there’s the optional E-Boost model, which temporarily elevates the power output to an impressive 231hp for 30-second bursts. In its base configuration, the Born achieves a 0-60mph acceleration time of approximately 7.3 seconds, while the E-Boost variant accelerates even quicker, reaching 60mph in just 6.6 seconds.
The Cupra Born boasts a rear-wheel-drive configuration and is equipped with a 204hp powertrain. For those seeking an extra boost, there’s the optional E-Boost model, which temporarily elevates the power output to an impressive 231hp for 30-second bursts. In its base configuration, the Born achieves a 0-60mph acceleration time of approximately 7.3 seconds, while the E-Boost variant accelerates even quicker, reaching 60mph in just 6.6 seconds.
Charging wise, Born models equipped with the 58kW battery pack require approximately nine hours to fully charge using a 7kW home charger. Meanwhile, the larger battery models take slightly longer, with a charging time of up to 12 hours under the same setup.
For faster charging, when connected to a DC fast charger, the Born can achieve maximum charging rates of 120kW for the 58kW battery version and 135kW for the 77kW battery version.
To evaluate energy efficiency, the entire Born range achieves an impressive rating of up to 4.4 miles per kilowatt-hour (miles/kWh), a figure that may vary depending on the specific model and battery size.
Safety and Security
Another impressive achievement for the Cupra Born in the realm of electric vehicles! Euro NCAP has awarded it a coveted five-star rating, a testament to its commitment to safety and performance. Notably, adult protection stands at an impressive 93%, demonstrating the car’s dedication to ensuring the safety of its occupants. Child occupant safety is also commendable, with a rating of 89%.
Furthermore, the Cupra Born prioritizes the protection of vulnerable road users, achieving a solid rating of 73%. It’s worth noting that the vehicle boasts an array of safety assist features, earning an 80% rating.
The car comes equipped with autonomous emergency braking, underscoring its commitment to proactive safety measures. However, it’s important to mention that while the vehicle features this technology for collision avoidance, it doesn’t extend to pedestrians, and an active bonnet is not available.
Additionally, the Cupra Born incorporates advanced driver assistance technologies, including speed assistance and lane assist, contributing to a safer and more convenient driving experience.
On top of its safety features, Born models include the brand’s Keyless Go system for added convenience. Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with a robust alarm system, featuring interior monitoring within the cabin, a backup horn, and towing protection. To further enhance security, anti-theft wheel bolts are standard across the entire range.
The Cupra Born not only excels in electric performance but also prioritizes safety and security, earning its well-deserved five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Reliability and problems
All Cupra models, including the Born, are backed by a comprehensive three-year/60,000-mile warranty. Furthermore, the Born’s battery is covered by an impressive warranty, lasting a remarkable eight years or up to 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Discussing reliability at this early stage may be premature, as the Born has yet to complete its first year on the market. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that both the Seat and Cupra brands have a strong track record for reliability, which bodes well for the Born.
While there have been no reported recalls for this vehicle, it’s worth mentioning that some users have encountered minor connectivity issues with the infotainment system—an aspect that could be improved upon in a new car.
