After a wait of over three years, I finally slid behind the wheel of the Cupra Born. This isn't just another electric vehicle; it's a significant model that marked Cupra's first full foray into the EV world and positioned itself as one of the first overtly sporty electric cars on the market.
Hot Hatch Vibes and Sporty Performance
Some may debate its status as a true hot hatch, often because the modern benchmark seems to be around 300bhp. The standard Cupra Born doesn't quite hit that figure, but it absolutely delivers the essence of a hot hatch. It boasts vivid acceleration, aggressively sporty looks, and a secret weapon: a magic button on the steering wheel that unleashes a more beastly character.
From any angle, the Born is stylish, with sculpted details that are a pleasure to drink in. Dark colours particularly suit the sharp bodywork. Inside, the cabin feels plush and stylish. A mix of soft-touch fabrics and harsh, angular designs creates a premium, well-put-together atmosphere that justifies its price tag.
Driving Dynamics and Real-World Range
The true joy of the Cupra Born is revealed on a twisty road. Bucket seats hold you firmly in place as you tap into the 228bhp power output. Body roll is well controlled, and the throttle and steering responses are excellent. While there are numerous settings to fine-tune the drive, the dedicated Cupra button activates a 'full naughty mode' that is an absolute hoot to experience.
When driven more sedately, the Born proves to be relatively economical. You can achieve up to 4.0 miles per kWh on a good day, with 3.0 mi/kWh being perfectly achievable. The official range is quoted at up to 354 miles for the 79kWh version, but in the real world, you should expect a more practical figure in the mid-200s, which is still very respectable.
Practicality, Pricing, and the Potent VZ
Like any good hot hatch, the Cupra Born is surprisingly practical. Rear seat space is generous, and there's good headroom thanks to the high roofline. The boot offers a usable 385 litres of capacity.
The model range starts with the V1 from £35,690 and extends to the rather bonkers VZ version. This top-tier model boasts a substantial 326bhp and 402lb ft of torque, but it will push the price close to £45,000. Standard equipment across the range is decent, and every model carries that sporty, hot hatch aesthetic.
It's not without minor flaws. The touch-sensitive steering wheel controls can be annoying, and the unusual front pillar design won't suit everyone's sightlines. However, these are small trade-offs for the sheer fun factor.
As a premium hatchback, the Cupra Born has a huge amount to offer. As a dedicated hot hatch, it might not fully meet the purist's brief unless you opt for the formidable VZ. But its core mission was to prove that heavy EVs can be genuinely fun and engaging. Having finally experienced it, I can confirm it has succeeded brilliantly. The Cupra Born is a very, very good car.
