Wilder in appearance than its cousin Volkswagen ID3, the compact Born takes on the status of Cupra’s first 100% electric car.
Can “Born to Be Wild”, titled from the famous song written in 1968, portray the character of Cupra Born? Indeed, at first glance, the Spanish compact looks like it was born to be wild. His design more nervous than that of its cousin Volkswagen ID3 is lined with a more sophisticated interior, mixing copper contrasts and durable materials, characteristics revealed in detail during its static presentation. Above all, the first 100% electric car bearing the Cupra coat of arms stands out from its Germanic counterpart by a supply culminating at 230 hp (170 kW). It is obviously this version that we have chosen to carry out a first dynamic test, in the vicinity of Barcelona.
Up to 230 horsepower
By getting behind the wheel, the lights are green in terms of seating comfort, lateral support and lumbar reinforcement on our version, up to the very soft headrest. Only the dominant driving position prompts us to opt for a lower setting. Wise choice because the Born proves to be shy in nature when it comes to its sensations in the progressive direction associated with the controlled damping. The front end is lacking in bite, but without this generating understeer. Without the icing, the cake is still good for the benefit of a well balanced chassis, produced on the Volkswagen group’s MEB platform. In the absence of real emotion, despite the DCC Sport and the ESC Sport, our Born is a pledge of solid behavior at sustained speed, based on the consistency of the Michelin Pilot Sport tires mounted on its optional 20 inch rims.
417 km of autonomy
While its cousin ID3 remains at 204 hp, the Iberian compact can claim 230 hp via the e-Boost function, activated in Cupra mode or by means of a kick down for a period of 30 seconds. A quick shift to the rear seats makes us feel the firmness of the damping more than in the front, but the comfort remains correct, besides that legroom is generous. Note that the central place is not available on the long-range version (548 km), equipped with 77 kWh batteries. Regarding the regeneration of electrical energy, it is deployed using the control attached to the right of the Digital Cockpit. Although it is not possible to manage the intensity of this regeneration, the announced autonomy (417 km) reflects reality well, according to consumption that is also realistic. Obviously, it operates a few logical variations depending on the driving mode engaged (Comfort, Range, Performance, Cupra, Individual).
Expected in November
In use, the all-tactile environment requires time to adapt, while driving, to maintain concentration. In terms of new security technologies, Cupra is acquiring for the first time thehead-up display with augmented reality, optional. A brief drive in the 204 hp / 58 kWh and 230 hp / 77 kWh versions confirms that our test vehicle (230 hp / 58 kWh) inherits the best compromise in terms of performance and driving sensations. Its price is not yet established, but Cupra intends that it will not exceed 40,000 euros after deduction of the bonus. For the time being, the only tariff defined concerns its little sister of 204 hp, displayed at 34,250 euros, bonus of 6,000 euros deducted. Together, the aforementioned versions should represent around 80% of Born sales. The opening of orders is scheduled for this month of November.
Our verdict
Nervous in appearance, the Born does not deliver enough sportsmanship in her demeanor. It capitalizes on the solidity of its technical services, its sense of hospitality and its autonomy.
WE love :
- Raw performance
- Comfort and livability
- Realistic autonomy
We like less:
- Lack of character
- All tactile ergonomics
Technical sheet
TO BUY
- Cupra Born VZ 230 ch – 417 km
- Version tested: NC €
- Starting from 40 250 € (204 hp)
- Average manufacturer consumption / during the test (kWh / 100 km): 16.8 / 17.0
- CO2 (g/km) / bonus : 0 / 6000 €
- Fiscal power (CV): 5
- Country of manufacture: Germany
- Range offered: Electric from 150 hp to 230 hp, from NC to NC € (204 hp to 40,250 €)
DRIVE
- Motor: permanent magnet synchronous electric, 170 kW (230 hp) with e-Boost
- Transmission : propulsion
- Power (hp @ rpm): 230
- Torque (Nm at rpm): 310
- Battery (kWh): 58
- Range (km): 417 (WLTP)
- Weight (kg): 1,749
- Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,33×1,81×1,54
- Wheelbase (m): 2.77
- Max speed (km / h): 160
- 0 to 100 km/h (s): 6.6
- AV-AR series tires: 215/50 R19
- Test tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 235/40 R20
TO LIVE
- Elbow width AV / AR (cm): 144/140
- Rear legroom (cm): 74
- Chest at 5 (l): 385
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
- Head-up display with augmented reality: 1000 €
- Fixed panoramic roof: 1000 €
MAIN CONCURRENTS
- Volkswagen ID3, 204 hp, from € 39,880
- Tesla Model 3, 275 hp, from € 49,200
More informations :
Cupra Born – VIDEO: discovery of the electric compact
Cupra Formentor VZ5 (390 hp) test – VIDEO: the Iberian proud of his 5-cylinder
Cupra UrbanRebel: all the info on the supercharged electric city car
