CUPRA · Born

Born

Released December 2021

CUPRA's electric hatchback on the MEB platform, updated for 2026 with 58 or 79 kWh batteries and the 326 PS VZ, suited to buyers who want a sporty Golf-sized electric car.

Body: Hatchback
Powertrain: Electric
Power: 187–322 bhp
Range: 300–392 mi
Boot: 385 l

Electric

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the Born is one of the more enjoyable small electric cars to drive, with a balanced ride and handling, a good range and a quiet, well-finished cabin. The common criticisms are fiddly infotainment and touch controls and a high price next to rivals such as the MG4; Parkers found the brakes lacking in feel and the lower-powered versions unremarkable.

From autocar.co.uk, autoexpress.co.uk, whatcar.com and parkers.co.uk

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Performance

Powertrain: Electric
Power: 187–322 bhp
0–62 mph: 5.6–8 s
Top speed: 99–124 mph
Engine or motors: Single rear motor, 190 PS (140 kW), 231 PS (170 kW) or 326 PS (240 kW, VZ with APP550 drive); bhp converted from CUPRA's PS figures
Torque: 545 Nm (VZ)
Gearbox: Single-speed automatic
Drive: Rear-wheel drive

Range and charging

Zero-emission range (WLTP): 300–392 miles
Battery: 58–79 kWh
Fastest charging: 105–183 kW
Range detail: WLTP combined: 297–300 miles (58 kWh), 385–389 miles (79 kWh 231 PS), 389–392 miles (VZ)
Charging: 58 kWh LFP (61 kWh gross) or 79 kWh NMC (84 kWh gross); DC 10–80% in 26 minutes at 105 kW (58 kWh) or 29 minutes at 183 kW (79 kWh); 11 kW AC 0–100% in 6 h 30 min or 8 h 30 min
Efficiency: WLTP combined: 142.5–143.9 Wh/km (58 kWh), 144.4–145.7 Wh/km (79 kWh 231 PS), 142.6 Wh/km (VZ)
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km at the tailpipe

Practicality

Body: Hatchback
Seats: 5
Boot: 385 litres
Length: 4,336 mm
Width: 1,809 mm
Weight: From 1,899 kg
Boot: 385 litres
Towing: Bike rack towing hook optional
Size: 4,336 mm long, 1,809 mm wide, 1,543 mm high; 10.5 m turning circle; kerb weight with driver 1,899 kg (58 kWh), 1,964 kg (79 kWh), 2,004 kg (VZ)

Tech and safety

Infotainment: 12.9-inch touchscreen; augmented-reality head-up display available; Sennheiser AMBEO sound system
Warranty: 5 years or 90,000 miles (2 years unlimited mileage); battery 8 years or 100,000 miles

Pros and cons

Pros

Up to 392 miles WLTP range (VZ, 79 kWh)
79 kWh versions charge at up to 183 kW DC
Five-year or 90,000-mile warranty

Cons

385-litre boot
Top speed limited to 99 mph except on the VZ
58 kWh version charges at no more than 105 kW DC

Closest rivals

Model	Body	Powertrain	Power	Range	Boot	Released
VolkswagenID.3	Hatchback	Electric	168–322 bhp	241–371 mi	385 l	Jul 2020
HyundaiIONIQ 5	Hatchback	Electric	168–320 bhp	273–354 mi	520 l	2021
MGMG4 EV	Hatchback	Electric	188–429 bhp	251–338 mi	388 l	Sept 2022

Sources

Photo: cupraofficial.co.uk

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