Cupra Born review

It was a long time coming, the Cupra Born. We first saw it as the Seat el Born concept – named after a particularly trendy neighbourhood in Barcelona – way back in March 2019. Since then it’s not only gone from concept to reality (and actually got better looking in the process), but switched brands completely.

So why the brand change?

Well, if the Born had been a Seat, normal VW group procedure would have dictated that it needed to be slightly cheaper than the Volkswagen ID.3 (as is the case with the Leon and the equivalent Golf). If you’ve sat in a lower-spec ID.3 and poked around at some of the cheap plastics, though, you’ll know that the Volkswagen has already been designed on a budget. Even the facelifted car doesn't scream 'quality' at the top of its lungs.

As a Cupra, the VW Group can price the Born slightly higher than an ID.3, charging a little bit more for some sharper design and a touch more sportiness. Apparently.  

How has it changed since that El Born concept?

Cupra says it has spent more time and money on refining the styling of the Born. It gets a much angrier face than the equivalent ID.3, as well as little flicks on the side skirts, a longer rear spoiler, dramatic 18- to 20in wheel options and a slightly chubby-looking diffuser (which is exaggerated in the lighter grey exterior colour).

Speaking of colour, Cupra describes its palette as “sophisticated neutral”. From what we’ve seen on the Formentor and its hot Leons, that means a mix of petrol blue, a couple of shades of grey and that all-important copper detailing.

Despite all of the extra styling work, though, in the flesh the Born does look remarkably similar to the ID.3. It’s the boxy shape, the identical glass, the short overhangs and the similar C-pillar that really give the game away. Whether that’s a bad thing will be down to personal preference.

You mentioned extra sportiness?

Correct. All Borns get Cupra's 'e-Boost performance pack', which amounts to a rear-mounted electric motor able to drive the rear wheels with a maximum of 228bhp for a short amount of time under full throttle. Bear in mind the most powerful ID.3 available right now makes... 204bhp.

There is however one other Born that makes... quite a bit more than that. 326bhp, actually. It's called the Born VZ, and it's the closest thing to a hot hatch Cupra makes. No dual motor here; a more powerful single motor sends everything to the back wheels for 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. Stiffer springs and anti-roll bars make it more agile, and grippier tyres give it more, er, grip. As we explain in the Driving section, it's fan-blummin'-tastic.

Non-VZs manage zero to 62mph in a still respectable 6.6s. And you can have your Born with either a 59 or 79kWh battery for between 264 and 342 miles of range.

There’s a few minor hardware tweaks to try and distance the Born from the ID.3 too, including wider tyres and suspension that’s 15mm lower on the front axle and 10mm at the rear. You also get the option of the VW Group’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) for £830 no matter what powertrain you pick, and the traction control can be loosened into ESC Sport.

How’s the overall experience?

Better than the VW ID.3. The road manners are crisper without sacrificing comfort, the interior functions just as well and the screen menus are less irritating to operate. Marginally. It comes across as a likeable and useable electric car. Sets new standards and does very little differently, but it’s a safe option. Just don’t buy into the ‘electric hot hatch’ line (unless it's the VZ). It’s swift but detached to drive.

What about the range?

Not sure if you’re referring to the battery range or range range. But as we've mentioned the former, let's touch on the latter. There are three trim levels: V1, V2 and V3. Prices start from £35,495, but it's at least £41,795 if you want to unlock that bigger battery with the 300-mile plus range. A mooted, budget Born with a 45kWh battery never materialised. Boo. The VZ is £44,625.

The Born is an entirely predictable and yet very well executed first electric car from Cupra. Just don’t go thinking it's an electric hot hatch. Unless it's the VZ, in which case... it pretty much is. With modest power (as these things go) we weren't expecting much, but it's second only to the Ioniq 5N for EV hatch fun. Yeah, it's that good.

Beneath that, the Born is merely competent around corners; it’s not involving or fun. It’s more about the style, and this does undoubtedly look and feel cooler then the VW ID.3.

Think of it as an ID.3 alternative with a slightly plusher interior, lots of copper-coloured detailing and a pointy snout and you’ll be much closer to the mark.