All-electric CUPRA Born is the brand's first EV and the evil twin of the VW ID.3
Four battery variants, 45, 58 and 77 kWh, outputs ranging from 110 kW (150PS) to 170 kW (231PS)
Headline 77 kWh variant achieves 540 km (335 mile) WLTP range
125 kW DC fast charging with 100 kms (62 miles) range added in seven minutes
Dynamic chassis control, wide tyres, sports suspension
European pricing to be announced later in 2021, ahead of 2022 customer deliveries
If Volkswagen’s ID.3 isn’t quite the electric Golf GTI you were hoping for, sister-brand CUPRA may have just the performance EV for you.
The Born joins CUPRA’s line-up as its first all-electric vehicle, and the first that will be delivered to customers with a net CO2 neutral certification. Taking its name from the Barcelona neighbourhood of El Born, the Volkswagen Group hopes this will be CUPRA’s first global vehicle.
Overtly sporty design
The Cupra’s design is certainly arresting, and that now-signature copper-coloured trim works well with darker colours. Visually, it’s a lot busier — and more aggressive — than its VW ID.3 cousin, but shares a similar profile and dimensions thanks to the modular platform architecture and shared battery module under the floor.
Full-LED headlights make an impact with their light signature, and sharp lines accentuate the body to create ‘a sense of movement’ according to the company.
There’s textures everywhere, from the copper trim, to the body panels, to the C-pillar with its three-dimensional patterns. It’s not overdesigned in our view, but rather just a bit interesting.
Wheels range from 18-20 inches depending on specification level, demonstrating that CUPRA is willing to sacrifice a little bit of efficiency for looks and performance.
The CUPRA Born’s dimensions are almost identical to VW’s ID.3 - 1,809mm wide, 1,537mm high with a wheelbase of 2,767mm. Overall length is 4,322mm, 60mm longer than the ID.3.
CUPRA amps up the sportiness over VW’s ID.3. Images: CUPRA
Interior raises the game over VW’s ID.3
Volkswagen’s MEB platform provides many opportunities for flexible product packaging, and while there are some shared components and materials with the ID.3, CUPRA’s design team has flexed their creative licence.
The copper-coloured theme extends to the interior trim pieces, breaking up slabs of black and grey. The architecture of the ID.3’s interior is visible, but CUPRA adds additional drive-mode steering wheel controls, sporty bucket seats finished in yarn spun from upcycled marine plastics, and unique infotainment display graphics.
Reminiscent of VW’s ID.3, with a sportier stance.
Three battery choices, up to 540km range
The most affordable CUPRA Born will offer a 110 kW (150 PS) engine, with 310 Nm of torque, 45 kW of battery capacity, and a very usable WLTP range of 340 km (211 mi). Like the Volkswagen ID.3, the Born will use nickel, manganese, cobalt (NMC) cells from LG Chem, at least in the initial stages of market launch until Volkswagen’s planned battery factories become operational.
CUPRA is a young brand, and was launched in 2018. In 2020, CUPRA achieved 11% growth over 2019, with 27,400 vehicles sold. The Volkswagen Group has plans to take CUPRA worldwide, and Australia will actually become the first non-European market for the brand when the petrol Formentor SUV arrives in 2022.