NEWCOMER TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET, Cupra has joined the rush to EVs with its first battery electric vehicle, the Born rea-wheel drive hot hatchback.
We’ll be watching this with interest, since it is notoriously difficult to gain a foothold in the hotly contested and, let’s face it, overcrowded Australian marketplace.
The Cupra Born EV promises a range of 511km, plus a “class leading” price, yet to be announced.
The hotly anticipated next Cupra has accumulated significant interest in Australia, with the second highest number of registered enquiries behind only the Formentor plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and performance SUV range.
Cupra’s intersection between design, performance and technology perfectly aligns with the interests of Australian buyers, so they tell us. Therefore, high specification and ‘e-Boost’ performance will be standard when the Born arrives in March/April 2023.
The Cupra Born deploys 170kW of power and 310Nm of torque for 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds (quick, but hardly headline material). Teamed with rear-drive, the Born will be unique in the market as a dedicated ‘hot hatch’ with instant responses from the throttle and steering.
Engineers have focused on matching steering, ride, handling and electronic stability control (ESC) tune to the instantaneous electric thrust unique to BEVs with a view to driver appeal.
Progressive steering, sports suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels are standard. Dynamic chassis control, 20-inch alloy wheels and wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres will form part of a Performance Package option – one of two packs available.
A high level of technology includes LED headlamps with Light Assist (Auto High Beam), a 12-inch infotainment display and 5.3-inch driver display, DAB+ digital radio, 4 USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless phone charging.
This is bolstered by active safety technology including adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, lane assist, front assist, park assist, side assist with rear traffic alert and more.
Additional luxury is on offer through the second, Interior Package, including heated and power adjustable front seats, Beats premium sound and more.
Built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform – MEB – the Born features space equivalent to the larger Leon hatch, boasting a 385-litre boot volume.
Cupra Australia director Ben Wilks said the Born will cement the allure of the Barcelona brand in the local market.
“The Cupra Leon, Formentor and Ateca have been widely praised by Australian and international media for their clear design, performance and technology focus.” Mr Wilks said. “The Cupra Born takes these attributes to the next level.”
“The Born is a BEV with a long 500km-plus range, exclusive rear-wheel drive hot hatch dynamics, plus the interior space and versatility of a larger vehicle. Its specifications are ideal for progressive Australian customers who will also be drawn to pricing similar to our other great hot hatch, the Leon VZx.”
The Cupra Born will arrive in Australia in March/April 2023 with further details to come along with pricing.
Specifications
- 82kWh battery (77kWh useable), with 170kW eBoost, 310Nm
- 511km Range
- AC: up to 11kW
- DC: up to 170kW Fast Charging
- Mode 3 (32A) Cable
- Metallic Paint (Glacial White, Geyser Silver, Quasar Grey, Rayleigh Red) or Standard Paint (Vapor Grey)
- 385L boot volume
- 19-inch Black and Copper Typhoon Alloy wheels
- Tyre Pressure Warning System
- 7 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain, Centre)
- Heated power folding mirrors
- LED Headlamps
- Front Fog Lights integrated into headlamps
- LED Tail lights
- Dusk sensing lights
- Light Assist (Auto High Beam)
- Rear tinted windows
- Rear Roof Spoiler
- 5.3-inch Digital Cockpit
- 12-inch Infotainment System with DAB+
- Wireless Phone Charging
- Apple Carplay and Android Auto (wired)
- 2 Front and 2 Rear USB-C ports
- Leather heated multifunction steering wheel and Satellite buttons
- Ambient interior lighting
- SEAQUAL front bucket seats
- Floor mats
- Driving profile selection
- Sports Suspension
- Progressive Steering
- Keyless entry and start
- Alarm System
- Auto dimming rear view mirror
- Dual zone climate control
- Aluminium Pedals
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
- Lane Assist
- Park Assist
- Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and Exit Warning
- Driver Fatigue Monitor
- Pre-Crash Assist
- Rain sensing wipers
- Top View Camera (360 Camera)
Options
Interior Package
- Aurora Blue Dinamica Front Bucket Seats
- Heated front seats
- Front seats with 12-way power adjustment and massage function
- 4 Seats (2 Front, 2 Rear)
- Heated washing jets
- Beats premium sound 9 speakers, 395W amplifier, sub-woofer
Performance Package
- 475km Range
- Dynamic Chassis Control
- 20-inch Firestorm Alloy wheels, Black and Silver
- Wide tyre package – 235mm Michelin Pilot Sport 4
- 4 Seats (2 Front, 2 Rear)
Premium Metallic Paint
- Aurora Blue