Electrical automobile (EV) costs are on the slide, and the Cupra Born is ‘Exhibit A’ of this growing development.
The sporty Spanish electrical hatchback arrived Down Beneath again in 2023 with a price ticket of $59,990 earlier than on-road prices, which held agency via turbulent occasions for EVs… till now.
Amidst cuts to costs throughout the EV market, Cupra has attacked 2025 with aggressive nationwide drive-away pricing for Born, discounting it by as much as $19,400. That equates to financial savings of 29 per cent – mind-boggling, even within the present local weather.
So, the place does that depart this new-age compact efficiency automobile? Nicely, it’s now cheaper than simply about all of its rivals.
You possibly can throw a blanket over the Abarth 500e, Sensible #3, Volkswagen Golf GTI and Mini Cooper SE, all of which sit within the $55,000-60,000 bracket earlier than on-road prices – an honest chunk greater than the Born.
WATCH: Paul’s video overview of the 2023 Cupra Born
Given the area of interest nature of an electrical Cupra hatch, there’s not a lot else you’d cross-shop it with.
Does that make the Born a slam-dunk choice for brand new automobile patrons chasing a European city runabout with some aptitude? Or is there extra to the story? Let’s discover out.
How does the Cupra Born evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Cupra Born in opposition to equally sized autos.
Cupra
Born
How a lot does the Cupra Born value?
The Cupra Born at present is available in only one single variant, with both 4 or 5 seats. Cupra is providing reductions to the tune of over $15,000 on MY23 and MY24 Born fashions till the top of March, or whereas shares final.
| Mannequin | Drive-away value |
|---|---|
| Cupra Born | $47,090* |
| Cupra Born with Inside Package deal | $49,990 |
On the time of publication, nevertheless, it seems Cupra Australia has exhausted its provide of un-optioned Born autos and is now promoting a stockpile of Borns with Inside Pack from $49,990 drive-away – the spec you see right here.
To see how the Cupra Born compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What’s the Cupra Born like on the within?
The Cupra Born has stacks of inside wow issue for a sub-$50k electrical automobile.
Upon sliding into the driving force’s seat, you’re greeted by an expansive glasshouse enhanced by a raked windscreen and cut up A-pillar.
Wherever you look there are distinctive, high-end finishes, and that’s accentuated by the $2900 Inside Pack fitted to our tester. The optionally available improve package deal brings entrance sports activities trimmed in blue suede, which oozes European luxurious.
Not solely are the pews fashionable, they’re additionally supremely snug with loads of cushioning and facet bolstering, plus adjustable lumbar and thigh help.
It doesn’t finish there, both. Each entrance seats function 12-way energy adjustment, three-stage heating and a therapeutic massage perform to prime it off – there’s actually no excuse for being uncomfortable within the driver’s seat.
That doesn’t change if you attain out and grasp the perforated leather-based steering wheel, which sit completely within the palms. It options ergonomic contours and heating for chilly winter mornings, in addition to an attention-grabbing woven centre panel.
Along with the 2 main contact factors, there are a number of different good touches scattered via the cabin. The central tunnel and door playing cards put on suede inserts, and metallic finishes could be discovered all through.
There are much less fascinating laborious plastics too, however solely the place you’d anticipate them to be. Whereas the cabin undoubtedly presents superbly, there are some flaws hidden beneath the floor, specifically within the know-how.
The Born encompasses a 5.3-inch digital instrument binnacle and 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, each of which boast clear graphic designs and uncluttered layouts. It’d be good if the instrument display screen was paired with a head-up show (HUD), because the font in your pace and effectivity readouts is on the smaller facet.
Angled in the direction of the driving force, the infotainment display screen is nicely inside attain, and defaults to a smartphone type app grid menu system.
Bodily buttons are nowhere to be seen, so it’s all about contact inputs, from the display screen itself to capacitative sliders that management audio quantity and cabin temperature. Cupra has gone down an analogous route by becoming the steering wheel with haptic buttons, and it’s all to the Born’s detriment.
Minimalist screen-centric interiors can work, however there was pushback in opposition to current VW Group know-how for good purpose. The haptic steering wheel buttons merely aren’t user-friendly – it’s straightforward to press the flawed button and clean plastic floor isn’t tactile to make use of.
For an inside that’s usually low on distractions, faffing round with steering wheel controls shortly turns into very distracting. The identical could be mentioned for the quantity and local weather sliders.
The infotainment system has sharp processing in its favour however is down on performance in comparison with some rivals, missing satellite tv for pc navigation or the choice of wi-fi smartphone mirroring. As an alternative, telephones must be attached by way of USB-C retailers within the centre console.
Cupra’s driver profile function is nice for moulding the system to your preferences, with the choice to arrange app shortcuts on the backside of the centre display screen for simple entry. A nine-speaker Beats sound system is reserved for Borns fitted with the Inside Pack, and I wouldn’t say it’s an enormous drawcard.
One benefit that the Born does have over its rivals within the small automobile phase is loads of cabin storage. Deep storage bins are carved into the door playing cards, and a equally cavernous tray sits under the centre stack. A wi-fi charging pad is included into the centre console.
The second row is equally spacious, with ample room for each individuals and their belongings.
A 3-seat rear bench is normal, however the Inside Pack turns the Born right into a four-seater, which might be how I might possibility the automobile.
With one much less potential passenger, every rear occupant has extra space to unfold out, and most adults will have the ability to discover a snug seating place.
Headroom isn’t a difficulty for six-footers, and the entrance seat backs are light on cramped knees. Air vents are a notable omission, however the home windows are good and large.
Street journey necessities together with books, snacks and electronics match snugly within the massive door bins and shallow map pockets, whereas a pair of USB retailers is available to maintain gadgets charged up.
The absence of a center seat permits the centre armrest and built-in cupholders to stay in everlasting use.
Behind the second row, the Born is blessed with 385 litres of boot capability, greater than any of its closest rivals. Along with uncooked area, you get baggage hooks and a 12V energy socket, whereas the rear bench folds flat in 60/40 trend.
There’s even a ‘ski slot’ opening between the boot and second row – good for journeys to the snow… if you happen to’re assured taking a rear-wheel drive EV up the slopes.
Dad and mom available in the market for a Born can tick the kid security field, as ISOFIX and prime tether factors are connected to each rear outboard seats.
| Dimensions | Cupra Born |
|---|---|
| Size | 4322mm |
| Width | 1809mm |
| Top | 1540mm |
| Wheelbase | 2766mm |
| Boot capability | 385 litres |
To see how the Cupra Born compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Only one drivetrain is at present provided within the Australian-market Born… till the sooner VZ arrives later this 12 months.
| Mannequin | Cupra Born |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 77kWh |
| Energy | 170kW |
| Torque | 310Nm |
| Drive sort | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1960kg (tare) |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.0 seconds |
| Claimed vary (WLTP cycle) | 511km (normal) 475km (Efficiency Pack) |
| Claimed vitality consumption | 17.0kWh/100km |
| Noticed vitality consumption | 20.4kWh/100km (equiv. 377km vary) |
| Max DC cost price | 170kW |
A brand new efficiency flagship – the Born VZ – will arrive throughout the second quarter of this 12 months, bringing with it a extra highly effective 240kW/545Nm rear electrical motor and a bigger 79kWh battery pack.
To see how the Cupra Born compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How does the Cupra Born drive?
The distinctive dimensions of the Born have a major bearing on the way it drives, and what patrons ought to in the end anticipate from Cupra’s smallest electrical providing in Australia.
I went into this overview considering the Born was going to be a light-weight, nimble metropolis hatch that’ll activate a dime and willingly dart out and in of site visitors. That’s not fairly the fact, and it was obvious as quickly because the automobile arrived in my driveway.
The very first thing you discover concerning the Born is that it’s fairly large. At 4.3 metres lengthy, this ‘little’ EV is longer than most rivals together with the Golf GTI, and it additionally stands fairly tall.
Then there’s the subject of weight. The Born ideas the scales at 1927kg – almost half a tonne heavier than the GTI, and 147kg greater than a base Sensible #3.
That creates some points for the not-so-little Born. Rewarding dealing with dynamics are a key USP for Cupra as a model, however I can solely think about that it’s very troublesome to make a 2.0-tonne electrical automobile that handles like a standard scorching hatch.
To Cupra’s credit score, they’ve imbued the Born with some entertaining driving traits, however the mannequin nonetheless has a clearly outlined dynamic ceiling.
You’re feeling the additional kilograms on the street, particularly when punching the throttle – acceleration is brisk and clean, however by no means exhilarating. After an preliminary burst of electrical torque, the thrills taper off when approaching 100km/h, which isn’t uncommon for EVs with extra modest outputs.
The warmer Born VZ is certain to handle this when it arrives in a couple of months. Set to reach in April or Might, the sharper flagship will arrive with an additional 70kW and 245Nm – sufficient to enhance the Born’s 0-100km/h dash by 1.4s.
When you can have some enjoyable with the rear-wheel drive format in sure conditions, the Born is susceptible to understeer when taking corners at pace. Regardless, rear-wheel drive hatches are few and much between, and the format stays a key promoting level of the Born.
When pushed rather less vigorously, the direct and well-weighted steering system within the Born is a pleasure to work together with.
Cupra has opted in opposition to piping artificial engine noise into the cabin, which could be considered as both a professional or con relying in your style. I didn’t thoughts the silence personally, however many worth sound as a key supply of engagement behind the wheel.
All-in-all, the Born feels extra like a heat small crossover of kinds somewhat than a scorching hatch. It gives a smoother experience than you may anticipate, gliding over imperfections within the street with ease.
The compliant experience is right down to a MacPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear unbiased suspension setup with passive damping and Cupra’s most well-liked spring charges, that are firmer however expertly judged for Australian roads.
Regenerative braking could be adjusted between the drive modes, with the sportiest ‘Cupra’ offering aggressive ranges of regen. It takes stress off the undersized rear drum brakes, and is a enjoyable strategy to gradual the automobile down, even when it gained’t come to a whole cease with out stepping on the left pedal.
As a metropolis automobile, the Born’s credentials are bolstered by the inclusion of fascinating comfort options. A surround-view digicam and parking sensors at each ends of the automobile make parking a breeze, regardless of its chunky dimensions.
Exterior metropolis limits the Born maintains its mature manner. Wind and street noise stays muted on the freeway, whereas adaptive cruise management is available to take a load off the driving force over lengthy journeys.
With that mentioned, the suite of superior driver help programs leaves a bit to be desired. The Born isn’t able to semi-autonomous driving, lacking out on the lane-centring function constructed into VW Group’s Journey Help system. It additionally misses out on site visitors signal recognition and pace limiting – no less than in Australia.
A slew of drive modes are at your disposal when the street turns twisty or tough, from eco and luxury to particular person, efficiency, and Cupra.
The latter gives essentially the most fanatic regen and throttle response, lending itself to spirited driving.
It comes at the price of effectivity – over one week over blended driving we noticed 20.4kWh/100km – however the Born can simply submit respectable vary figures when pushed sensibly.
To see how the Cupra Born compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What do you get?
Two possibility packages can be found with the Cupra Born, which comes as normal in a single trim degree.
Cupra Born highlights:
- 19-inch black and copper Storm alloy wheels
- Tyre stress monitoring
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- LED headlights, tail lights, fog lights
- Computerized headlights with auto high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Tinted rear home windows
- Rear roof spoiler
- 5.3-inch digital instrument binnacle
- 12-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wired)
- Wi-fi telephone charging
- DAB+ digital radio
- 4 x USB ports
- Encompass-view digicam
- Leather-based, heated steering wheel
- Entrance bucket seats
- Flooring mats
- Keyless entry and begin
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Aluminium pedals
- Sports activities suspension
- Driving profile choice
- Progressive (variable-ratio) steering
Choices
A pair of possibility packages are provided with the Born.
Inside Package deal: $2900
- Aurora Blue, suede-trimmed, entrance bucket seats
- Heated entrance seats
- 12-way energy adjustable entrance seats with massaging
- 2-seat rear bench
- Heated washing jets
- Beats premium sound system – 9-speaker, 395W
Efficiency Package deal: $2600
- 20-inch firestorm alloy wheels in black and silver
- 235mm Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres
- 2-seat rear bench
- Adaptive damping
To see how the Cupra Born compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument.
Is the Cupra Born protected?
The Cupra Born wears a five-star ANCAP security ranking, primarily based on 2022 Euro NCAP exams.
| Class | Cupra Born |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 93 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Weak street person safety | 73 per cent |
| Security help | 80 per cent |
Normal security options embody:
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre
- AEB incl. Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Lane Help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane preserve help
- Park Help
- Parking sensors entrance, rear
- Proactive passenger safety
- Aspect Help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Exit Warning
To see how the Cupra Born compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Cupra Born value to run?
Like the broader Cupra line-up, the Born is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Possession Program | Cupra Born |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| EV battery guarantee | 8 years, 160,000km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Whole service prices (3yr/5yr) | $990 – 3 years $1590 – 5 years |
To see how the Cupra Born compares with its rivals, use our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Cupra Born
Regardless of receiving no updates since its 2023 launch, the Cupra Born makes extra sense now than ever earlier than.
It stays a little bit of an oddball, with distinctive proportions and a efficiency chew that doesn’t fairly match its visible bark.
That’s to not say the horny styling isn’t welcome, as a result of the Born is a surprising automobile inside and outside. That optionally available blue inside simply pops, and all of the excessive site visitors areas are completed in top quality supplies.
Irritating capacitative controls and ADAS omissions compromise on a regular basis usability, however these drawbacks aren’t dealbreakers.
The Born is a sensible factor, too. 4 adults can journey in consolation, and there’s loads of room within the boot for weekends away.
We already knew all that, although. Extra importantly, the acquisition of a Born truly makes some semblance of economic sense now.
Many will argue that EVs proceed to be a dangerous purchase, and people who’ve purchased considered one of these over the previous few months would most likely agree.
But it surely’s additionally simple that the Born is at present a relative cut price in comparison with its rivals. As we communicate, you’d need to stump up no less than one other $10,000 to get into the closest electrical rivals – the Sensible #3, Abarth 500e, and Mini Cooper SE.
Pivoting to a petrol-powered equal doesn’t change the worth equation a lot, both. Need to get behind the wheel of everybody’s favorite sensible efficiency hero, the Volkswagen Golf GTI? That’ll be $60k on the street, minimal. Even a base Hyundai i30 N will set you again $55,000 drive-away.
The value wars are prone to proceed, particularly as the electrical automobile market grows, however that’s a common development that additionally poses points for extra conventional ICE fashions.
Maybe the extra urgent menace to the Born is the approaching arrival of its meaner twin – the Born VZ. However with none pricing data, it’d be irresponsible to make assumptions about what impact the brand new flagship may have on base Born values.
So, in case your coronary heart is ready on one thing sporty and (comparatively) compact, the Born is now a very good guess, no less than till the top of March.
Concerned with shopping for a Cupra Born? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here
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