The Cupra Born stands out among electric cars. This sporty hatchback offers features that surpass expectations for its size.
Our review examines why the Born is unique, focusing on its athletic design, rapid acceleration, and the Cupra brand's influence. We'll also assess potential drawbacks and evaluate whether its popularity is justified.
The Final Verdict
The Cupra Born delivers a sportier, more engaging electric vehicle. It adds excitement to the EV market whilst maintaining the practical benefits of electric cars.
Though not the cheapest in its class, the Born justifies its price through strong performance, attractive design, and competitive range.
The Born appeals particularly to drivers moving from conventional sports hatchbacks to EVs, offering familiar handling with electric benefits.
It successfully combines the thrill of driving with the efficiency of electric propulsion, making it a standout choice in the electric vehicle segment.
What is in the Review?
Savings: £2,592.00
Motorfinity Price: £34,903.00
Specific Trim: 169kW e-Boost V1 58kWh 5dr Auto
A Quick Overview
254 - 366 miles
Electric Range
99.42 to 124.49 mph
Top Speed
5.6 - 7.3 Seconds
Acceleration 0 - 62
30 - 35 minutes
kWh
DC Fast Charger 5-80%
385 Litres
Boot Space
About the Cupra Born
The Cupra Born, the brand's first electric model, continues to evolve in the 2024. It strengthens its position as a sporty, premium option in the compact electric hatchback segment.
The 2024 model maintains the Born's core identity whilst refining its technology. It expands powertrain options, further enhancing its appeal in the electric vehicle market.
How Many Trims and What is the Purpose?
The Cupra Born offers five trim levels: V1, V2, V3, VZ, and VZ First Edition. This range aims to appeal to different market segments.
Cupra's strategy caters to diverse customer needs, from those seeking a basic model to those wanting a fully loaded, high-performance vehicle. This approach allows Cupra to target a broad spectrum of the electric vehicle market.
The Key Changes in the 2024 model?
The 2024 Cupra Born emphasises enhanced performance, premium features, and a new high-end trim level.
The new VZ trim stands out as a high-performance version, featuring distinctive dark chrome VZ badging.
The Born's steering wheel has been updated with paddles for adjusting regenerative braking and satellite buttons for switching driving modes and activating boost. Seating options have also been improved, including a new comfort-enhancing armrest for the back seats.
Additional enhancements include new wheel designs and improved range. The exclusive 'Dark Forest' colour is now available, but only for VZ and VZ First Edition trims.
These changes collectively aim to boost the Born's appeal in the premium electric hatchback market.
Cupra Born Alternatives and Comparisons
The Cupra Born faces strong competition in the electric vehicle market, including the Volkswagen ID.3, Tesla Model 3, Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, and Polestar 2.
It holds its ground due to its performance, range, design, brand positioning, and technology.
For buyers prioritising performance, style, and range, the Born offers a compelling option with an edge over its rivals.
Its unique positioning as a sporty, premium-leaning EV helps it stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
This combination of attributes makes the Born an attractive choice for those seeking a distinctive electric vehicle that doesn't compromise on driving enjoyment or practicality.
The Range
The Real World Efficiency vs the Official Range
The Cupra Born offers three battery options: 58 kWh, 77 kWh, and 79 kWh, each providing different ranges.
The 58 kWh battery, ideal for entry-level variants, boasts an official range of 264 miles.
Real-world testing shows an average of 225 miles in summer and 190 miles in winter, still surpassing many competitors.
For longer journeys, the 77 kWh battery offers an official range of up to 341 miles, with expected real-world performance between 235 and 285 miles.
The top-tier VZ model, equipped with a 79 kWh battery, claims an impressive official range of up to 372 miles.
It's worth noting that actual range can vary based on factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and use of in-car features like air conditioning.
Despite these variables, the Born's range remains competitive across all battery options, particularly in its class.
The Range Comparison with the Competitors
The Cupra Born, whilst not class-leading in range, performs well overall compared to its close competitors.
It offers better range than the ID.3, MG4 EV, and Renault Megane, making it an appealing choice. It falls slightly short of the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 in this aspect.
The Born strikes a good balance between range, performance, and practicality. Although it may not lead the class in every aspect of range and efficiency, it proves to be a strong all-rounder.
This balance enables the Born to meet the needs of most electric car buyers, positioning it as a versatile and competitive option in the electric vehicle market.
The Charging Capability
The Cupra Born offers competitive charging speeds in its class, particularly with higher capacity batteries.
Its fast charging capability enables quick top-ups on longer journeys, whilst various AC charging options provide flexibility for overnight charging at home or at destinations.
The VZ model boasts DC fast charging speeds of up to 185kW, allowing the battery to replenish swiftly.
This feature significantly benefits drivers on long trips, with the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.
For home charging, the Born offers 11kW AC charging where available, providing faster overnight charging compared to standard 7kW setups.
This range of charging options - from rapid DC charging to various AC speeds - ensures the Born adapts to different scenarios, be it at home, work, or on long journeys.
The Born's versatile charging capabilities, combined with its impressive range, make it a compelling choice for those transitioning to electric mobility.
It effectively addresses the charging needs of most electric car users, enhancing its appeal in the market.
Charging Capability Comparison With the Competitors
The charging capabilities stack up well against its competitors. It provides a perfect balanced mix of speed and flexibility - the maximum DC fast charging rate of 185kW for the VZ model is competitive in its class - it matches and exceeds many rivals.
The Born's 30 minute 10 - 80% charging time is on par with segment leaders, it makes it highly practical for long distance travel.
To do a precise comparison, it outpaces the Volkswagen ID.3 135kW and the MG4 EV's 150kW charging speeds.
Overall the charging speed of Cupra are robust and well suited to both daily use and longer journeys. It holds its own against key competitors in the electric hatchback segment.
Exterior - is it Impressive for a Hatchback?
The Cupra Born's exterior design is impressively distinctive for a hatchback. Its sharp, dynamic lines and sporty aesthetic set it apart from more conventional models.
Unique design elements include the C-pillar mouldings with a three-dimensional textured surface, which add a sense of dynamism and garners praise from experts.
The Born offers stylish wheel options up to 20 inches and sophisticated colour choices like Aurora Blue and Dark Forest, enhancing its premium feel.
Overall, the Born's exterior successfully blends sportiness, innovation, and electric car aesthetics.
This combination results in a visually striking hatchback that's likely to turn heads on the road.
The design effectively balances the car's sporty character with its electric powertrain, creating a distinctive presence in the electric vehicle market.
Comparison With its Cousin ID.3
Despite sharing ties with the ID.3, the Cupra Born's exterior is distinctly different, thanks to Cupra's deliberate efforts to create a more distinctive and sportier aesthetic.
The Born features sharper styling with more aggressive lines and a sleeker profile, contrasting with the ID.3's softer, more conservative design.
Its angular front fascia and sportier rear end with a prominent diffuser further set it apart.
Unique design elements like copper-coloured accents, a sharper LED lighting signature, and pronounced aerodynamic features such as C-pillar mouldings and side skirts clearly distinguish the Born from its Volkswagen counterpart.
This design approach effectively balances the practicality of the ID.3's architecture with Cupra's sportier brand ethos, resulting in a vehicle that presents a noticeably different and more dynamic exterior package, ensuring the Born stands out in the electric hatchback segment.
Comparison with the Current Sport Hatchbacks
The Cupra Born presents a distinctive, modern take on the sport hatchback concept, setting itself apart from traditional petrol-powered rivals.
It shares some design similarities with the Renault Megane E-Tech in terms of modernity and streamlined aesthetics.
While the Megane adopts a more SUV-like stance, the Born maintains a lower, sportier profile typical of hot hatchbacks.
The Megane's distinctive front light signature and two-tone colour options contrast with the Born's more uniform, sleek appearance.
Another close competitor in exterior design is the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Its retro-futuristic styling, with sharp angles and pixel-like lights, stands in contrast to the Born's more fluid, contemporary approach.
The Born maintains closer ties to traditional sport hatchback designs, whilst the Ioniq 5 presents a more radical departure.
Compared to other rivals like the Volkswagen ID.3 and MG4 EV, the Born appears much sportier. Both these vehicles feature more conventional hatchback silhouettes, whereas the Born's stance is notably more athletic.
This design approach helps the Born carve out a unique position in the electric hatchback market, appealing to those seeking a sportier aesthetic.
The Headlights of the Vehicle
The Born's front end is distinguished by its sharp, angular LED headlights with a distinctive light signature. These headlights feature a slim, elongated design that stretches towards the wheel arches, creating a wide, sporty appearance.
Seamlessly integrated into the front end, these lights contribute significantly to the car's modern and aggressive look. The design not only enhances the Born's visual appeal but also reinforces its sporty character, setting it apart in the electric hatchback segment.
This cohesive front-end design, with its emphasis on sleek, integrated lighting, exemplifies the Born's commitment to combining style with functionality. It effectively balances the car's electric vehicle identity with Cupra's performance-oriented brand ethos.
The Difference in Exterior Across Trims
The Cupra Born maintains consistent exterior design across trim levels, with subtle variations in wheels and minor styling elements.
The base V1 trim features 18-inch wheels and standard LED lighting. V2 adds 19-inch wheels and privacy glass. V3 introduces 20-inch wheels and advanced LED headlights. The top VZ trim has unique 20-inch wheels, copper accents, and bespoke badging.
Higher trims offer more colour options and slight bumper design refinements. Cupra keeps the Born's distinctive styling consistent across the range.
The Interior Design Features - Do They Maintain the Boldness That the Exterior Offers?
The Overall Design - Is it Modern or Minimal?
The Cupra Born's interior blends modernity with minimalist design. It features a lean, uncluttered layout focused on modern aesthetics. The sleek, driver-oriented dashboard emphasises a futuristic feel, aligning with its electric powertrain.
Reflecting Cupra's performance-oriented image, the Born includes sports seats with good lateral support. Copper-coloured accents throughout reinforce its sporty character.
The interior aims for a premium ambiance, using high-quality materials with attention to detail. This approach sets the Born apart from more mainstream electric vehicles, offering a balance of sportiness and refinement in its cabin design.
How Good is the Infotainment System?
The 2024 Cupra Born features a 12-inch option in the 2024 variant. The display is crisp, responsive, and user-friendly, with sharp graphics.
The interior adopts a fully touch-based control system.
All functions, including volume and climate control, use touch sliders. Even the steering wheel has touch-sensitive buttons. While this approach may not appeal to those preferring physical controls, the touch interfaces are responsive and high-quality.
A standout feature is the optional augmented reality head-up display, which projects navigation arrows onto the windscreen. This advanced technology, available at an extra cost, enhances the driving experience with its innovative approach to navigation.
This all-touch design philosophy reflects Cupra's commitment to a modern, streamlined interior, though it may require some adjustment for drivers accustomed to traditional controls.
Infotainment System Comparison
The 12-inch touchscreen is crisp, colourful, and certainly eye-catching. It's like having a mini TV right on your dashboard! And with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connecting your phone is easier than ever.
Compared to the Volkswagen ID.3, it's familiar territory. The Born adds more style. It's more like a much more stylish elder brother of Volkswagen ID.3.
The Renault Megane E-Tech might have a slight edge in usability if you want the right mix of buttons and touch, but Born's system looks more premium.
Compared to the MG4, Born's system feels more upscale and feature-rich. It's like comparing a fancy restaurant menu to a diner menu—both will feed you, but one feels more special.
The Overall Interior
Cupra carries out its unique exterior qualities into Born's interior as well. It is not your average electric hatchback interior. Like its exterior, Cupra has gone for a sporty, upscale vibe that sets it apart from its Volkswagen ID.3 cousin. Like the infotainment system, it feels like a more upgraded interior version of the ID.3.
By saying an upgraded version of ID.3, we don't mean that it is all fancy and flashy—that is not the case. The vehicle's dashboard is sleek and minimalist, dominated by a fancy 12-inch touchscreen—this gives it a perfect blend of simplicity and modernity.
The Cupra Born's interior is a testament to quality. Soft touch surfaces and high-quality plastics abound, and the use of recycled materials adds a sustainable touch, making it a cherry-on-the- top for environmentally conscious buyers.
The sporty bucket seats in the Cupra Born are not just for show. They are designed for both comfort and support, providing a premium and upscale feel that will make your driving experience a comfortable one.
The overall design has a distinct Cupra flair, with copper-coloured accents sprinkled through.
The car has an unusual gear selector. Instead of a normal gear stick, it has a small knob on the side of the dashboard. This feature is a nod to a bygone era when gear shifters were bigger.
Interior Across Trims?
Across all the trims, the sleek, minimalist design has copper accents - it's the Cupra's signature look. The 12-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on all trims.
You will find the compact 5.3-inch digital driver's display behind the steering wheel in every Born.
The other things that you will find constant are the use of eco-friendly materials, the distinctive copper-coloured accents, the gear selector, the supportive seats and a driver-focused layout that is all constant.
Now, since everything is present in all trims, what is unique? Various things add a more premium feel to higher trims.
The V2 trim, a mid-range Cupra Born trim, has heated front seats and a heated steering wheel—these features are not available in the V1 range.
The V3 trim takes luxury to the next level. With 12-way power-adjustable seats and a massage function. This trim is designed to make you feel indulged and pampered on every journey.
Finally, the VZ trim tops it off with sportier bucket seats and unique styling touches.
The Front and Rear Space - The Best in its Class?
Contrary to the common belief that sport hatchbacks lack space, the Born pleasantly surprises with its ample roominess.
The front seats offer plenty of room; it is spacious even for taller drivers.
Moving to the back, the Born continues to impress in terms of space. The rear legroom is generous enough for a car in this class.
The headroom is generous. Considering it is a hatchback. it can accommodate the taller driver. It is an ideal choice if you want a sporty electric hatchback that does not compromise the head and rear room.
Driving and Performance
If you think that an electric hatchback will be boring to drive, you're in for a big surprise.
The acceleration is unusually brisk for an electric vehicle.
Overall, the vehicle delivers a more engaging driving experience than many electric cars. It's easy to drive.
Handling - Does it Really Shine There?
Indeed, it does shine when it comes to handling the vehicle. The steering is precise and nicely weighted. It feels like the wheel is connected to your thoughts. Through corners, the Born is planted and eager.
Regenerative Breaking
The car has gentle regenerative braking. It gives you a smooth ride and lets you use both pedals like in a regular car. This makes it easy for anyone to drive, even if they're new to electric cars
Comfortable or Agile?
This electric vehicle is fun to drive. It's more agile than its cousin, VW ID.3.
But is it more comfortable or agile? It's definitely more agile. It's not harsh, but Cupra has prioritised handling over plushness.
Leaning more towards agility, the Cupra Born is still very comfortable.
You'll feel more of the road surface than you would in a standard Volkswagen ID.3. It's not bone-jarring, but it's firmer than your average electric hatchback.
The seats are supportive, the cabin is well-insulated, and the electric powertrain provides smooth, vibration-free acceleration. The suspension, though a bit firmer than some rivals, still does a decent job of soaking up larger bumps and potholes. The long-range also adds more comfort.
Compared to its competitors, the Born is sportier. It's more agile than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the standard VW ID.3 and about on par with the Renault Megane E-Tech in terms of handling.
So, while the Born prioritises agility, it maintains good comfort for daily driving and longer journeys.
Acceleration of the Cupra Born
The Born's acceleration is pretty zippy, especially for a compact EV. In the standard version, it can go from 0 to 62mph in about 7.3 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a small hatchback.
Now, let's talk about the e-Boost version. It can reach 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds, a performance that surpasses expectations. If you're a performance-driven hatchback enthusiast, the Cupra Born is a must-have.
One quirk of the Born's acceleration is how seamless it is. There are no gear changes, no engine noise ramping up—just smooth, consistent power. It's almost eerily quiet as you zip past slower traffic.
Space and Practicality
It's sporty and very zippy, but it's still a hatchback at heart. It's pretty spacious and practical, too.
As we mentioned in the interior section, you've got plenty of room, either in the front or rear. Adults can fit comfortably.
The Boot and the Cargo Space?
You've got 385 litres of cargo space with the seats up. That's about the same as a VW Golf, which is decent. Fold those rear seats down, and you're looking at 1,267 litres. You could fit a small apartment's worth of IKEA furniture in there!
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How Good is the Cabin Storage?
Throughout the cabin, you'll find plenty of storage spots. There are good-sized door bins, cupholders, and a decent glovebox. The centre console has a handy spot for your phone, complete with wireless charging on higher trims.
Is it Best When it Comes to Practicality in its Class?
The Cupra Born offers good practicality for its class. Its 385-litre boot is competitive, matches the Volkswagen ID.3 and beats the MG4's 363 litres.
Passenger space is generous, with a comfortable adult room in front and rear seats. The Renault Megane E-Tech offers a larger 440-litre boot.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5, while slightly more prominent, provides even more interior space and practicality.
The Resale and Depreciation Value
How Strong is the Residual Value?
When it comes to residual value, the Cupra Born shows promising signs, but let's break it down:
The Born is still relatively new to the market, so long-term data is limited. Initial forecasts are optimistic.
Born being from the Cupra family is expected to hold the value well. It is expected to retain around 48-50% of its value after three years or 36,000 miles.
This puts it in a good position compared to many of its competitors. It's on par with the Volkswagen ID.3 and slightly better than some mainstream electric hatchbacks.
How Competitive is the Overall Price?
The Born's base model costs around £35,700, which puts it in the middle of the electric hatchback pack.
It's more expensive than the MG4 EV, which starts significantly lower at about £27,000. The MG is the value champion in this segment.
The Born is priced similarly to its Volkswagen ID.3 cousin, give or take a few hundred pounds depending on the trim.
It's generally cheaper than the Hyundai Ioniq 5, starting at around £39,400.
The Renault Megane E-Tech is priced competitively with the Born, starting at about £36,000.
With its impressive performance and features, the Born offers a compelling value proposition, particularly when you consider the sportier image associated with the Cupra brand. This should reassure potential buyers about the soundness of their investment.
The Insurance Cost
The Cupra Born falls into insurance groups 27 to 28, depending on the specific model and trim level.
It's a bit expensive to insure if you compare it with traditional family hatchbacks, but that's where you get it all wrong. If you compare it with electric vehicles, especially ones with sport pretensions, it is still an attractive choice.
It is similar to Volkswagen ID.3 - no surprise. It's slightly higher than the Renault Megane E-Tech, which sits in groups 24-26. But it's lower than some premium EVs like the Tesla Model 3, which can increase to group 50.
Remember, the insurance group is just one factor in determining your premium. Your driving history, where you live, and even where you park at night all play a role.
Price
If you are from our eligible audience, you can save big.
On average, you can save £8500 off Cupra Born across the trims. The entry-level variant starts from £35,440 retail from Motorfinity, but you can get it for only £27,175.
Remember that prices in the electric vehicle market fluctuate frequently, so these figures are accurate as of this review. It's always wise to check for the most current offers.
Motorfinity and the Cupra Born
Motorfinity offers exclusive discounts on the Cupra Born and other vehicles, potentially saving you thousands. Our personalised account managers handle the entire process, from enquiry to delivery, ensuring a seamless experience.
Are you eligible?
Our nation’s Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
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