The Cupra Born, an all-electric hot hatch, brings Seat’s sporting brand into the electric era with a distinctive flair, diverging from the VW ID.3 framework it shares with the Skoda Enyaq IV. Embracing Cupra’s athletic identity, the Born outshines both the ID.3 and Enyaq in terms of driving dynamics. While its design bears a familiar shape, the exterior features trademark bronze embellishments, and the interior boasts sustainably sourced fabrics, combining style with environmental consciousness. Among the various battery and power options, the e-Boost version stands out, offering an impressive blend of performance and over 300 miles of range. However, more budget-friendly options are available for those with less extensive range or speed requirements. Explore our long-term test to discover the everyday experience with the Born.
Reasons to buy:
- Stylishly distinct from the ID.3
- Sharp and engaging driving experience
- Sufficient range for most drivers
Expert Ratings:
- Running costs for a CUPRA Born: 4 out of 5 stars
- Reliability of a CUPRA Born: 3 out of 5 stars
- Safety for a CUPRA Born: 4 out of 5 stars
- Comfort of the CUPRA Born: 4 out of 5 stars
- Features of the CUPRA Born: 4 out of 5 stars
- Power for a CUPRA Born: 4 out of 5 stars
Running costs for a CUPRA Born: “If the allure of the fully-loaded e-Boost version captivates you, be prepared for a higher price tag. While the entry-level Born is priced similarly to its VW ID.3 counterpart, opting for the e-Boost version will incur additional costs. Nevertheless, like all electric cars, the Born promises savings in running costs for both private and company drivers, particularly benefiting from lower Benefit In Kind and other cost-saving incentives. Homeowners with the luxury of a driveway can maximize these benefits, especially by capitalizing on overnight charging during off-peak tariffs.”
Expert rating: 4/5
Reliability of a CUPRA Born: “In theory, electric cars boast fewer moving parts and lower servicing costs compared to their petrol, diesel, or hybrid counterparts. Shared with models like the ID.3, ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, and Audi Q4 E-Tron, the Born’s reliability is still unproven. While the simplicity of electric drivetrains may lead to cheaper servicing, potential tech-related issues, such as glitches with the screen-based operating system, could arise. It remains to be seen if Cupra has implemented the latest updates to address these concerns.”
Expert rating: 3/5
Safety for a CUPRA Born: “Modern safety features abound in the Born, including sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. For those willing to relinquish control to the car, the Travel Assist package offers semi-automated driving. Additional safety measures include Emergency Assist, halting the car if the driver becomes incapacitated, and a system warning against opening doors into cyclists or oncoming traffic.”
Expert rating: 4/5
Comfort of the CUPRA Born: “With a layout akin to the ID.3, the Born provides an open and minimalistic interior, offering ample space for occupants. Sporting a taller stature than its Leon sibling, the Born’s higher seating position may appeal to many drivers. However, visibility at junctions and through corners is compromised, requiring adjustments in the seat. The sporty image is reinforced with one-piece, bucket-style seat backs, providing both aesthetics and comfort. While the Born delivers a responsive and comfortable ride over bumps, enthusiasts may still find more excitement in models like the Leon or Formentor.”
Expert rating: 4/5
Features of the CUPRA Born: “The Born’s minimalistic interior exudes a cool vibe, incorporating touchscreen controls for phone, media, heating, and ventilation. While this design choice may frustrate some users, tech enthusiasts will appreciate the central touch screen and touch-sensitive ‘swipe’ controls. The Born offers seamless wireless connectivity for Apple and Android phones, allowing on-the-go app usage. Voice activation is also available for those who prefer not to interact with the screen directly. Optional features, such as the Beats stereo system and F1-style steering wheel buttons in e-Boost versions, enhance the Born’s appeal.”
Expert rating: 4/5
Power for a CUPRA Born: “With three battery options and varying power levels, the Born provides flexibility to suit different preferences. Utilizing a single motor driving the rear wheels, the Born’s power options range from a 45kWh battery with 150 horsepower to a 77kWh battery exclusively in e-Boost trim for a maximum 335-mile range. The 204 horsepower version offers decent acceleration, while the e-Boost variant significantly enhances the Born’s sporty aspirations, outpacing its ID.3 counterpart. Despite delivering instant and silent power typical of electric cars, the Born falls slightly short of the acceleration found in top-tier models like the Ioniq 5.”
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