Spanish performance brand Cupra has revealed the Born as its first EV, promising an electric range of up to 335 miles.
Joining the Ateca, Leon and Formentor in Cupra’s range, the Born is underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s modular electric toolkit (MEB) platform, which is shared with models such as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Skoda Enyaq iV.
However, the Born hatchback gets sportier styling and a broad range of battery and electric motor options. It also promises a more dynamic driving experience than other models using the same underpinnings.
Though the model has been previewed on various occasions, this is the first time it has been shown in full, demonstrating a bold look that includes a striking and angular front-end design, a full-width LED rear light bar and Cupra’s trademark copper styling accents.
Cupra is offering three battery sizes – 45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh, with these offering a claimed electric range of 211, 260 and 335 miles respectively. Models are also capable of rapid charging at up to 125kW, which Cupra says allows the car to be charged from five to 80 per cent in just 35 minutes.
A choice of electric motor sizes are also offered, including 148bhp, 201bhp and 228bhp, with the latter being the quickest model in the range, and able to reach 0-60mph in just 6.4 seconds. All models are also rear-wheel-drive for the time being, with a 50:50 weight distribution also being promised.
Inside, the Born comes with a large 12-inch touchscreen as standard, while Cupra is also promising generous levels of interior space thanks to increased storage spaces created from the use of its electric car platform. An augmented reality head-up display will also be offered, while a new Amazon-Alexa style voice recognition system is being introduced, accessed using the words “hola, hola”.
Cupra is prioritising sustainability on the new model, with parts of the seats made from Seaqual, a material derived from marine litter. Similarly, a ‘Dinamica’ microfibre material used on the seats is made from recycled polyester. Cupra also says the model is its first car to be delivered to customers net carbon neutral, with this being achieved from the use of renewable energy in the supply chain, as well as emissions offsetting projects.
Wayne Griffiths, President of Cupra and Seat, said: “The Cupra Born is a game-changer in the electric market and the impulse of the company’s transformation. Delivering stimulating design, instantaneous performance and offering an all-electric range of more than 300 miles, the Cupra Born will contribute to reducing global CO2 emissions and meeting European targets.
“Through its emotional sportiness, we want the next generation of young challengers to be part of this transformation. That’s why Cupra will use unconventional sales models to reach new people and take the brand beyond the traditional.”
First UK deliveries for the Cupra Born are expected at the beginning of the 2022, with prices not likely to be announced until the end of this year. The Spanish firm also says it will be offered under a subscription service that will ‘include the use of the vehicle and other related services’.
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