The Born is Cupra’s first totally electrical automobile in Australia and likewise the primary automobile based mostly on Volkswagen group’s Modular Electrical Drive matrix (MEB) platform.
The MEB platform underpins VW’s ID vary of electrical vehicles, Skoda’s Enyaq iV and the Audi This fall e-tron though none of those are anticipated right here till 2024.
The Born is promoting fairly properly up to now, with 86 gross sales in July making it the seventh finest promoting EV for the month. With a beginning worth of $59,990 earlier than on-road prices it falls underneath the edge for state EV rebates, however properly above the most affordable EVs such because the MG4, BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora.
Cupra is providing the Born with an 82kWh (77kWh usable) battery pack, good for as much as 511km of WLTP driving vary in base specification. This drops to 475km if you choose the elective Efficiency Pack ($2600) which incorporates Dynamic Chassis Management, bigger 20” wheels and wider tyres.
There’s additionally an Inside Package deal ($2900) which provides heated therapeutic massage seats within the entrance, microfleece seat materials and a premium sound system. Deciding on both of those packages removes the center seat within the rear making it a 4-seater. DC quick charging tops out at 170kW, whereas AC charging is as much as 11kW by way of 3-phase energy or 7kW on single part.
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Take a look at driving the Cupra Born isn’t so simple as reserving an appointment on-line like you may with Tesla or Polestar. As a substitute it is advisable to request a check drive after which wait till a Cupra Specialist contacts you, gauging your curiosity with a collection of qualifying questions earlier than scheduling a time.
The Cupra Garages are properly fitted out with vehicles and merchandise on show and areas to loosen up whilst you’re ready.
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The Cupra Born is a pleasant trying automobile from all sides and stands out on the street with a imply trying entrance. Cupra’s signature copper color options on their emblem back and front, plus highlights different areas of the design such because the decrease entrance grill.
Practicality shouldn’t be a robust level for the Born, with a comparatively small 385L boot and no usable frunk. Opening the stubby bonnet reveals entry to the 12V battery and windscreen washer fluid.
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By way of the inside, the cabin appears and feels pretty premium. The copper highlights proceed in varied locations and there are beneficiant cup holders and centre console storage bins. The rear doorways open vast for simple entry to the rear however the view from the again is considerably restricted by massive bucket seats, even for adults or taller youngsters.
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Out on the street, the Born’s single motor RWD setup with 170kW and 310Nm means it feels faster and sportier than most different FWD EVs.
A number of driving modes resembling Eco, Sport and Cupra might be chosen by way of a button on the steering wheel, however the distinction between them wasn’t large.
The suspension felt properly tuned and dealt with bumpy roads and velocity bumps properly, with out being too agency or comfortable. Steering feels pretty direct and the automobile handles properly round corners, though the check drive was primarily carried out on suburban roads at metropolis speeds.
The Born has a couple of quirks which might be value mentioning. Firstly, creep mode can’t be switched off, which is disappointing for these having grown accustomed to it on different EVs that supply one pedal driving.
Secondly, on account of technical causes, Cupra hasn’t been capable of embody connectivity within the Australian fashions but so the automobile misses out on built-in satellite tv for pc navigation and automated journey planning with charging stops which actually needs to be included in all EVs. The automobile helps wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though plugging in your telephone earlier than driving each time may get tedious.
Lastly, the capacitive swipe buttons on the steering wheel and sprint are extensively considered counter-intuitive and arduous to make use of and this was confirmed throughout this check drive expertise. In 2022 the VW boss admitted these design errors and stated they’re engaged on each software program and {hardware} fixes.
Summing up, the Cupra Born is value contemplating if design and driving dynamics are on the prime of your record. Time will inform if the latest arrival of sub $40,000 EVs takes market share away from the Born, notably the MG4 which provides an analogous sporty driving really feel.
Cupra might have to introduce the smaller 58kWh battery model that’s out there abroad to entice worth aware patrons. If the connectivity and infotainment quirks are deal breakers, then think about ready for future mannequin years after they’ve been fastened.
Key options and specs for the Cupra Born are under:
Value
$59,990 plus on-road prices
Optionally available Packages
Efficiency Package deal – $2600
Inside Package deal – $2900
Aurora Blue metallic paint – $475
Battery measurement
82kWh gross, 77kWh usable
Vary
511km WLTP
475km with Efficiency Package deal
Energy / Torque
170kW / 310Nm
Charging Pace
170kW DC, 11kW AC
Charging Socket
CCS2 combo
Service Interval
15,000km / 12 months