Living with the CUPRA Born
Review by Toni
Nearly every CUPRA Born car review begins by stating that the Born is essentially a Volkswagen ID.3. This time, however, our story starts in Barcelona. Many are unaware that Spain holds the title of being the second-largest automobile manufacturer in Europe after Germany, and Catalonia, specifically, stands out as the Spain’s automotive hub. Our mission to Barcelona had this time nothing to do with CUPRA but somehow, we ended up passing by CUPRA HQ in the outskirts of Barcelona and CASA SEAT in the heart of the city. Perhaps this was half-intentional given what was about to come the following week.
CASA SEAT had all the current CUPRA models in display, also a Born in Aurora Blue. Seeing it in this breathtakingly beautiful colour, and knowing that Launch Control would have an opportunity to test drive one, certainly lessened the disappointment of leaving Barcelona’s autumn warmth for the unclear weather conditions of the Nordics.
The local CUPRA Garage generously handed us the keys to a 2023 CUPRA Born e-Boost 170 Kw 58 kWh in Glacial White with Granite Grey Dinamica- interior and 20” Hurricane 31/3Machined Aero wheels. And of course, an oncoming lorry greeted the white paint by driving directly into a puddle almost right after leaving the CUPRA Garage.
The Born is named after the trendy neighbourhood in Barcelona, El Born, but it also must have a double meaning by referring to the birth of CUPRA’s first-ever full electric car. The design tweaks originate from those trendy neighbourhoods, but the actual manufacturing is made in Zwickau, Germany, together with, you guessed it right, the ID.3. Both of these models are built on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, which is also used, for example, in Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q5 e-tron, Cupra Tavascan, Skoda Enyaq IV, Volkswagen ID.4, ID.5, ID.6, ID.7, ID. Buzz, Ford Explorer EV, and more are about to come.
But back to the test vehicle in question. There is a 77 kWh model variant available with a longer range but the smaller 58 kWh batter capacity meant that we received the faster version. And, to be frank, it is fast enough to most of the people. This might sound weird coming from someone who believes in sub four second 0-100 km/h acceleration times but acceleration in electric cars is so effortless that you are constantly worried about slipping your foot on the throttle and getting an expensive unwanted photoshoot by one of the speed traps. It’s almost as if it’s best to let the adaptive cruise control and lane assistant take over, both of which function exceptionally well in the Born.
The interior is functional, very well-finished, especially with the Granite Grey Dinamica- interior. The interior includes many details that help giving that well-finished look. There are two screens. The driver’s screen reminds of those in jet skis, and that is also why it feels so functional – enough information but not too much so you can actually focus on what you are doing and not be blinded by information overload. The second, larger multimedia screen is purpose-build, but, admittedly, not the quickest one to respond.
The visibility ahead is good because the dashboard is somewhat on a lower level. However, no car is flawless, and even if it were, debates about matters of taste persist. The A2 pilar, or the second of the rear pillars, posed challenges near pedestrian crossings. At low speeds, we observed that a pedestrian approaching the crossing could be left completely in the dark. While one might expect better visibility through the window between the rear pillars, that’s not the case. We tried to remember the time we drove the ID.3 but couldn’t really recall whether we experienced the same problem. Perhaps, this was just the driver and his driving position.
Apart from the pillar blocking the visibility, there is not much negative to say about the Born. Some buttons lack illumination, making them difficult to find in dark. Also, most of the buttons work with a slide-touch interface and that makes it challenging to use the adaptive cruise control, for example. CUPRA HQ has already received and noted this feedback, and these issues will be addressed in newer models.
The chassis exudes sportiness, the driving position is optimal, and the rear-wheel drive system would be playful without the highly functional traction control. The Born undoubtedly checks all the boxes to meet the definition of a hot hatchback. And for those that need that playfulness, you should get CUPRA Born with 20” Firestorm wheels because those come with an adaptive chassis control and the opportunity to let the traction control system to loose a bit.
Now, such as in life generally speaking, appetite grows with eating. Imagine if the Born was a bit faster, sportier, and more race-like. In late 2024, this wish will become true. A performance version, the BORN VZ, is set to be released. Yes, that will have more horsepower and be quicker than the models available now but not significantly. CUPRA’s goal is not to achieve faster 0-100 km/h time but evoke more emotions. This statement is somewhat cryptic, and we’ll likely have to wait and experience these emotions in practice. Before that unfolds, let’s anticipate Launch Control getting its hands on the Tavascan, CUPRA’s second fully electric car set to be released in 2024. The initial model variant will be the Tavascan VZ, the sportier version – just the way we prefer.
Moreover, our enthusiasm still craves the exhilarating exhaust notes that electric cars lack. While the world is changing, there’s still one model in the CUPRA model range, CUPRA Formentor VZ, equipped with an Audi RS3 motor, that promises the nostalgic, dinosaurian sound. Maybe one day our paths will cross with one?
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