The Born is Cupra’s second standalone car – i.e. not a reworked Seat – and its first pure electric model.
Derived from the Volkswagen Group MEB platform that underpins the VW ID.3, Skoda Enyaq and others, the Cupra is a sportier interpretation of the theme – and capable of 0-62mph in as little as 6.6 seconds.
The biggest of four battery options allows a range of up to 335 miles on a single charge. Even the most affordable version has a range of over 200 miles.
Cupra says the Born will be the first model from its growing range (which now includes the Formentor, Leon and Ateca) delivered to customers as ‘net CO2 neutral’. Renewable energy is used during production and remaining emissions are offset by environmental investments elsewhere.
Described as ‘the perfect match between electrification and performance’, production of the Cupra Born will begin in September, with UK deliveries scheduled for early 2022.
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but think upwards of £30,000…
Cupra Born design
Although the Cupra Born is, ahem, born from the same mould as the Volkswagen ID.3, it has a much more distinctive appearance, in keeping with the well-received new brand’s more expressive design.
This range-topping model features a rich paint colour, plenty of copper detailing, big wheels and a distinctive front end, complete with a sharp ‘beak’ nose.
The Cupra logo is joined by a Cupra script, and although it’s an electric car – so doesn’t need anything like the usual amount of air intakes – it has a very dynamic-looking front bumper, complete with blended-in ‘grille’.
From the side, the Cupra Born has aero-tuned side sills – finished in a contrast colour to the body to ‘reduce the visual mass’. There’s also a 3D textured surface for the C-pillar (giving a floating roof effect) and no fewer than six alloy wheel designs, ranging from 18 to 20 inches.
At the rear, you’ll find a roof spoiler and diffuser combo, plus ‘coast-to-coast’ LED lighting. The Born EV will be offered in six different colours.
Cupra Born interior
If you’ve seen the inside of a Volkswagen ID.3, you’ll be familiar with the Cupra Born. The same two touchscreens and simple layout feature, and the major controls are familiar – as is the open-plan feel from this roomy, practical platform.
The Cupra Born livens things up with more interesting surfaces, including textured trims and more copper-coloured detailing.
Buyers can choose a special recycled polyester seat trim called Seaqual Yarn, made from upcycled marine plastics. A second recycled material called Dinamica features on the door panels and upholstery: pick from dark blue or grey colours.
As with the Volkswagen ID.3, the Cupra Born will be very spacious inside, and offer a very generous 385-litre boot.
Cupra Born handling
Being a performance brand, Cupra has engineered in a sportier drive than other electric cars in the Volkswagen Group family.
Special tyres have been developed, and even the standard rubber will be a grippy 215mm wide. There will also be a wider 235mm tyre offered for more traction and bite through corners.
The chassis set-up has been given more focus and Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension will be an option. Handling is also enhanced by the car’s low centre of gravity, aided by the heavy batteries being positioned so low in the chassis.
The brakes have been honed, too. Some electric cars can be a bit grabby, as the transition is made between electric motor regeneration and actual use of the brake discs. For the Cupra Born, lots of time has been spent to improve pedal feel during the blend between recuperation and friction braking. This apparently gives the ‘best brake actuation possible’.
Cupra Born performance
Four electric motor and battery combinations will be offered: 150hp with a 45kWh battery, 204hp with a 58kWh battery, and up 231hp with either a 58kWh or long-range 77kWh battery. All versions are rear-wheel drive.
The most potent Cupra Born – the 231hp version with the 58kWh battery – will do 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, although even the entry-level 150hp model manages 8.9 seconds.
The batteries are water-cooled for efficiency, and the longest-range 77kWh variant will achieve 335 miles between charges – with the entry-level 45kWh battery offering a 211-mile electric range.
The 77kWh Cupra Born has fast-charge capability, which can add 62 miles of range in seven minutes using a 125kWh charger. A five percent to 80 percent charge takes 35 minutes. Customers can buy a Cupra-branded wallbox, too.
Cupra Born sales
The way you buy the Born will be different. Cupra is planning to sell it directly to customers, with car dealers working as agents to facilitate online sales. This ‘disruptive system… will reinforce the brand’s online presence as well as make life easier for customers’.
There will be an innovative subscription model alongside traditional sales, with a monthly fee that includes the use of the vehicle and other related services.
“The Cupra Born is a game-changer, not only for electrification but the wider market too,” said Cupra and Seat president, Wayne Griffiths.
“Through its emotional sportiness, we want the next generation of young challengers to be part of this transformation – that’s why Cupra will use unconventional sales models to reach new people and take the Cupra brand beyond the traditional.”
UK prices will be announced in the winter, with Cupra Born deliveries from the start of 2022.
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