Cupra Born review | Cupra Born

The Cupra Born is based on the Volkswagen ID.3, but is more rewarding to drive
Sporty hot-hatch with great handling and striking looks
'Real world' driving range of 215 miles

Cupra Born Design & Powertrain

The Cupra Born is based on the Volkswagen ID.3 in terms of both powertrain and body style. That means a 58 kWh battery, a 204 PS electric motor, and rear-wheel drive. There are more powerful models available with a 77 kWh battery and 230 PS electric motor - but more on those later. The body has had a number of cosmetic additions, with copper trim details added on the outside and in the interior. The styling changes do succeed in making the Born more interesting than the ID.3 – but if you prefer a car that doesn’t shout “look at me”, then the ID.3 may be the one to choose.

What's the Cupra Born like to drive?

Cupra has made three main – but relatively minor – engineering changes to the Born. Firstly, the Born sits slightly lower – 15mm lower at the front and 10mm lower at the rear. Secondly, Dynamic Chassis Control is standard. Thirdly, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has been tweaked to allow slightly more wheel slip than is the case with the ID.3 (which appears to display virtually zero slip).

These three changes sound – and are – relatively minor, yet the Born is more of a driver’s car. So is this because it offers more performance? No; the figures are exactly the same as for the ID.3, ie. 204 PS of power; 310 Nm of torque; 99 mph maximum speed; 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds.

Is the Born better to drive because it’s lighter? No. If anything, with a kerb weight of 1811-1934 kg, it’s even slightly heavier than the ID.3.

The Born in ‘V3’ trim has 20-inch alloy wheels, which are larger than the typical ID.3 wheel size, so, based on many other cars, this is likely to result in an uncomfortable, firm ride. However this isn’t the case; the ride quality remains good – presumably thanks to the Dynamic Chassis Control.

The handling feels more fun than the ID.3, which is likely to be the result of slightly lower suspension and the greater adjustability of the car thanks to the more relaxed ESC settings. However as well as being fun to drive on country roads, the Born is refined at motorway speeds.

The best can be extracted from the car in Sport mode; there’s also Comfort and Range mode. You might expect steering wheel-mounted paddles to adjust the level of brake regeneration, but instead there’s just a ‘B’ setting on the gear selector, which is positioned on the right-hand side of the driver’s display, somewhat hidden away behind the steering wheel rim.

Along with most new cars, virtually all controls have been moved to the touchscreen. There are shortcut buttons along the bottom of the screen, but you still need to press a total of four buttons to change the drive mode and then return to the original screen.

The Born’s head-up display is useful to provide driving information without looking away from the road.

Cupra Born trim levels

Whether you’re an eco-conscious commuter or looking for something that adds a dash of excitement to your daily drive, there’s a trim level to match. Let’s break down what each of the 4 options has to offer:

V1

Simple and stylish

The entry-level V1 trim is anything but basic. It’s packed with everything you need for a smooth electric driving experience. Expect sleek 18” alloy wheels, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a suite of safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. With the V1, you get the essentials for a comfortable, connected drive, wrapped in Cupra’s signature sporty style.

Born V1 offers

V2

Added comfort and convenience

Next up is the V2, which adds a few more creature comforts to your drive. It includes larger 19” alloys, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel – perfect for those chilly UK mornings. You’ll also benefit from upgraded upholstery and more advanced tech features, such as wireless phone charging and enhanced driver assistance systems. If you’re after a little extra luxury without breaking the bank, the V2 is an ideal choice.

Born V2 offers

V3

Improved performance and premium features

The V3 trim takes it up another notch, delivering a sportier and more dynamic experience. Along with 20” alloy wheels, this model gives you sports suspension for a more responsive and engaging drive. Inside, you’ll find upgraded bucket seats, a panoramic sunroof, and even more tech, including an advanced head-up display. If performance and top-tier comfort matter to you, the V3 is designed to impress.

Born V3 offers

e-Boost

Unleash extra power on demand

For those craving more excitement, the Cupra Born offers the e-Boost option. Available on select models, e-Boost ramps up the power to a thrilling 231 PS (brake horsepower), giving you an extra surge of speed when you need it most. Whether you’re overtaking on a busy motorway or simply want a bit more punch in your daily drive, e-Boost ensures an electrifying performance. It’s the perfect blend of efficiency and exhilaration, turning your Cupra Born into a true electric hot hatch.

Born e-Boost offers

Charging the Cupra Born

The Cupra Born has an official WLTP combined driving range of 263 miles. You can expect 210-220 miles in real-world driving.

The Born can rapid charge at up to 135 kW. This translates to a 10-80% charge at a 150 kW rapid charger taking around 30 minutes. Charging from 0-100% takes 6 hours 15 minutes using an 11kW AC wall charger, which is most likely to be found on a three-phase electricity supply at commercial premises.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen ID.3 is a refined and comfortable car but it’s not a particularly rewarding driver’s car. Cupra has taken the ID.3 and by making just a few relatively minor changes has produced a car that is more rewarding for people who enjoy driving. It’s all the more surprising that this has been achieved without any enhancement on the performance front. The Born is even more interesting in its higher power 231PS e-Boost guise.

Updated: Sept '24 (First published: Jun '22)