Cupra Born test: an Iberian who does not lack spice

The 385 l of the trunk, bench (1/3-2/3) not folded, are identical to the ID.3. Too bad the floor is not completely flat when the rear seats are lowered.

Cupra Born VZ 77 kWh test (550km of autonomy): the best electric car of 2023 ?

To compare, The Tesla Model 3 equipped with a similar battery (but with 2 engines) is billed € 52,990 (without bonus) At a time when we write these lines ! But is the autonomy really there ? The small 230cv boost makes the difference ? Answer in our trial on more than 800km !

Cupra Born: ID.3 Sports version !

Already tested last year here (video below), the Cupra Born is the technical cousin of the Volkswagen Id.3 : same platform, same battery, same chassis and same engine, only the look and the interior stand out a little from the German.

Here is our test of the Cupra Born ! (Shot in 4K HDR)

With its 4.32m long, it is a little longer than the ID.3 (4.26m), But the wheelbase is identical. It stands out in fact by a more profiled front, specific rims, stronger stirrups, and a rear diffuser offering a clearly more sporty look.

We will still regret Drum brakes on the back at this level of range, especially on a sportswoman. I also find it a shame that the car does not offer No real distinction of the standard version : a small VZ acronym, for example, would have made the difference. Or a small, more assertive belly at the back ! On the other hand, these 20 “rims are really very successful !

Compared to the Tesla Model 3, this Cupra Born stands out by some unpublished characteristics such as the controlled suspension (optional) offering more choices between comfort and sportiness. However, no cameras in the uprights, of sentry fashion or even LED matrix fires, reserved for ID.3. We will be satisfied with 100% autonomous driving (Travel Assist, optional) rather effective (Unlike Tesla, you can change your way without having to reactivate it each time), but beware: Lane Assist basic offers only one mode ping-pong really not pleasant !

Nevertheless The design of this cupra is really flattering, You will tell me what you think in the comments, but I find it much more successful than the ID.3, a little too consensual.

Average habitability

This additional length facing the ID.3 unfortunately does not allow to gain in habitability and trunk: The Born Vz still has no fruit, this trunk at the front Very practical to slide your cables and some light things -like a pair of shoes.

As for the rear trunk, it displays a fairly standard volume of 385L (like ID.3), it’s quite close to a golf course.

A hatch under the floor of the trunk allows you to house the famous cables, but when traveling, it will be necessary to empty it to access it. It’s okay, but a bit just four.

Another disappointment, Our basic version has only 4 places ! The 5th is optional ! The absence of a central tunnel still allows you to house 3 people at the rear (including 3 car seats) without too much concern, even on long journeys, even if the space remains a little just for large templates.

Specific sports seats, bucket-style, with fixed headrests and a very pleasant texture (despite recycled materials) offer a good maintain. On the other hand, from the rear, we lose a little in visibility.

Equipment and technologies

Once on board, the impression of sportiness is there, thanks to this mixture of materials (fabrics, plastics, copper aluminum. ), and a fairly correct but no more finish (false seams on the upper part, but a lot of hard plastics below). It is certainly more rewarding than in the ID.3, and the small logo present on the steering wheel, transformers, immediately puts you in the mood !

The right global ergonomics is marred by very poorly designed touch controls : You have to slide on the steering wheel buttons to increase the soundtrack or speed of the regulator, but there is worse: and you have to activate the rear windows by a touch button (which is often active in toll, without doing it on purpose). Fortunately, the driving profile selector as well as the small Cupra button (which allows you to activate the sport mode) are both of real physical buttons !

As on the Born and the ID.3, We find our two screens, 5.3 “under the steering wheel and 12” on the central part. Unlike Tesla who puts everything on the huge 15 “slab, this small monitor is really practical for essential information (speed, autonomous driving, box selector. ) Even if consumption info is still missing ! We will console ourselves with the percentage of the battery, which appeared with version 3.0 of the system, which was sorely lacking so far.

Optional, The head-upstairs display (HUD) is really a good supplement, which avoids lowering your eyes during its driving to consult the speed, panel reading, GPS or even autonomous data data. As in the entire Volkswagen group, it offers very reassuring augmented reality to realize what the car is seen precisely, and indicate if necessary if a vehicle is too close or if it moves abnormally.

The big screen of 12 “is well defined and of a completely suitable size. It presents well with its clear interface, its small tiles for each function (GPS, consumption, carplay) and its specific font. On the other hand, as you have seen in the video, Ergonomics leaves a little to be desired : the menus (air conditioning, shortcuts) move over the screens and everything clearly lacks homogeneity. Nothing crippling, rest assured, especially if you use Carplay, but it will take a while before memorizing the different scenographic to access its settings or certain submenus. Other oddity, Tactile zones under the screen are not illuminated at night : to increase the temperature, it will then be necessary to grop !

Connection side, Two USB C sockets present in the central console which however has only one wireless load medium, impractical (the phone slides too easily and comes to be placed at the bottom of the storage). A very useful flap makes it possible to mask the elements present in the console, Unless you have placed your two cups in the right supports. Finally, two additional USB C ports are integrated into the rear, for the rest of the passengers.

Finally, Note the presence of an excellent audio system signed Beats (Apple, therefore), but clearly below that of Tesla, which offers a small bass box.

We will still regret that The mobile application has hardly moved an iota in almost two years ! It is still not possible to open the car in Bluetooth, to start it, to know the charging power (practical on the terminals that do not work properly) or to be able to prepare your journeys. However, the vehicle can be degreed, see if it is well locked, program a start or activate the heated seats. In short, the union minimum !

Powerful, but not really sporty

While the standard version offers only 58kwh of battery capacity and a power of around 200hp, This VZ version displays a much larger battery (77kWh), a boosted engine (230cv with a torque of 310 Nm) and a maximum speed of 160km/h:

• 77 kWh battery (net capacity)
• Autonomy 552km WLTP
• 231cv rear engine (propulsion)
• torque of 310 Nm
• 0 to 100km/h in 6.6s
• Vmax 160km/h

The passage from 200 to 230cv is made thanks to a small e-boost, a very punctual overhaul, but quite effective. Not enough to give you a real kick to the buttocks like Tesla, but sufficient for a slightly fast overtaking or an assertive toll exit, which can even trigger anti-pavingion.

On small roads, you will have to be careful, especially on wet soil, Because the 230cv sent only on the rear wheels can cause some frights in the well pronounced turns. Another point not to be overlooked: if you get back in a slightly muddy path, distrust, because we quickly get bogged down. On the other hand, On the snow, the car behaves pretty well, thanks to a weight rather well distributed between the front and the rear.

Eventually, These additional horses are rather welcome, but do not radically change driving : the car remains heavy (1,949 kg) and we might have preferred a double engine, as with Tesla, offering more stability, especially in the mountains or on a sliding floor.

Finally, thanks to the only rear engine, The turning radius is much better than at Tesla, which allows you to park in town very easily, A real good point against the American and his truck maneuver !

Big battery, average autonomy

Electric, The Born VZ finally offers a battery similar to a Tesla Model 3 Great Autonomy, namely 82kWh Raw and 77kWh net. In WLTP cycle, this model is displayed at 550km of autonomy, which is almost 100km less than a model 3 (629km with the aero rims).

• 77 kWh battery
• 550km WLTP
• Refill 170kW (CCS)
• 20-80% in 30 minutes
• 11KW in AC (7 hours per 100%)

The load power has taken a boost in the Volkswagen group in recent months and our Born is capable of reaching 170kW in CCS. It is roughly what we obtained at the start of the load (around 10%), but the curve descends quickly, so that we remain easily 30 to 40 minutes to refuel, especially in winter in winter in winter in winter in winter in winter The lack of battery preheating. And if you want to recover 100% (which does not make much sense, but it can happen), count between 1:10 am and 1h30 ! ::

Another disappointment, autonomy is still far from competing with that of a tesla with equivalent battery ! On the highway, we were able to travel a little more than 300/320km while the model 3 Great autonomy cheerfully exceeds 380 to 400km. It must be said that consumption fluctuates between 21 and 23kwh per 100km, where Tesla descends between 16 and 18, depending on temperature and speed.

Fortunately there is a heat pump (optional), very useful for harsh winters, and which saves a few kWh.

Planner: can do better

In Europe, The number of rapid terminals has literally exploded in two years ! Between Ionity, Fastned, Total, Allego and even Tesla which opened part of its network, it is rare to do more than 100km without meeting any fast charging station.

Our Cupra Born therefore allows you to travel with much more comfort than the 58KW/H version: Instead of preparing your journey to stop every 180/200km, you can travel 250 to 280km in one go (80%) while minimizing stress. In Switzerland, with slower highway (many 80/100km/h zones), we can even hope to reach 360/380km of autonomy !

The integrated planner is a little better on this version 3.0 of the ID system.Software that equips our cupra: No more 11kW terminals offered on the journey ! The system provides rapid terminals only (minimum 150kW) and charging times/battery percentages seem more fair than before.

The real problem is rather in the configuration: We would like to be able to tell the planner not to get out of the highway or to select only one network of terminals, which does not seem (yet ?) possible with our version.

Finally, The integrated GPS is not the most efficient, especially against Google Maps. In the medium term, it seems complicated to be able to compete with Tesla or Android Automotive for most manufacturers, who persist with their integrated GPS. Cut roads, caps, path optimizations, radars. None are really up to Google and even Tesla is struggling to make us forget her competitor.

Conclusion: a good price/autonomy ratio

Offered from € 46,500 / 46,800 CHF, this Cupra Born VZ is therefore now at the same price as Tesla Model 3 Propulsion (prices vary enormously at Tesla in recent months), While it takes the battery of the high autonomy version. In France, it can even be negotiated around € 40,000 with the maximum ecological bonus ! Unbeatable !

With its 300km (minimum) of autonomy on the highway, it is clearly the Best price/market autonomy ratio on this range segment. Too bad its efficiency is so mediocre against Tesla, because our 77kWh model offers almost the same autonomy as Tesla Propulsion with 60kWh, a roof !

A little less habitable than the Tesla (no fruit, average trunk), this Cupra Born Vz compensates by More versatility in the city, a more new look, and some very practical options, Like the controlled suspension, the head-up-up, or Carplay Wifi.

Eventually, It will suit very well as a main car for a couple or a family with 1 or even 2 children, with whom we can go punctually on weekends or on stress-free vacation. If you had a golf (or equivalent), it is clearly one of the best models on the market. But beware, the MG4 (soon to be tested) could make you hesitate, despite a slightly lower autonomy (but a canon price). And Since the beginning of 2023, the Tesla Model 3 Propulsion (510km WLTP) has returned under the € 45,000, Which has something to hesitate despite the slightly lower autonomy.

Cupra Born test: an Iberian who does not lack spice

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Summary

Notation history

• Previous note

Writing note

User reviews (0)

• Design.
• Cabin.
• Beautiful standard endowment.
• Piloted damping.
• Driving aid.

• Unknown character.
• Ergonomics of steering wheel controls.
• All-tactile.
• Plastic not flattering on certain commands.

Read the complete conclusion
Technical sheet / Characteristics

Gender	SUV
Motorization	Electric
Vintage	2021
Number of engines	1
Battery Type	Li-ion
Battery capacity	58 kWh
Announced autonomy	417 km
Mixed consumption	16.8
Autonomous driving	level 2
Number of places	5
Gearbox	Automatic
Fiscal power	150 kW
Maximum couple	310 Nm
Dimensions (h x l x l) in meters	1.54 x 1.81 x 4.32
Weight	1736 kg
Chest volume	385 l / 1267 l max

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Although sharing the same platform and the 58 kWh battery, the Cupra Born differs from its Germaine cousin, the Volkswagen ID.3, thanks to a typed sport design and interior. The very first Iberian electricity does not intend to make neighborhoods.

Presentation

Although owned by Seat, Cupra has become a full -fledged sports brand with its own logo. After the muscular versions of the Arona and Leon, as well as the unique model forms, here is the Cupra Born, the first Spanish electric car whose appellation pays tribute to a posh district of Barcelona.

Sharing the same MODULAR MEB platform, the same template and the same engine as the Volkswagen ID.3, our Hispanic is differentiated by a more aggressive aspect and a more sporty interior. However, is the ramage up to the plumage ?

Available for the moment in a single engine, the Cupra Born has an electric motor of 150 kW (204 hp for 310 Nm of torque) and a battery with a useful capacity of 58 kWh.

The announced autonomy is 424 km. Its price excluding option and excluding ecological bonus (€ 6000) is € 40,250.

On the options, the pretty Aurore blue which adorns our test Cupra is billed € 910 to which we must add € 1,000 to benefit from the 19 -inch Typhoon Cooper rims, as well as € 210 for the turned downstream windows.

Faced with Hispanic, competition promises to be tough with the Volkswagen ID cousin.3. The German has the advantage of being available in several battery capacities (45, 58 and 77 kWh) and finishes. Its attack price is less than € 35,000, but the Cupra has for her to be well.

Among the other competitors, let us quote the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric, the Hyundai Kia E-Niro and E-Soul, the DS3 Crossback E-Tense, the Hyundai Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric, the Citroën Ë-C4 and the Nissan Leaf II.

Ergonomics and design

Faced with ID.3, the Cupra Born is a longer hair with 4.32 m against 4.26 m. The width (1.80 m) and the wheelbase (2.07 m) are however identical. As for the height, the Volkswagen is slightly higher (1.56 m against 1.54 m).

The Cupra Born is distinguished by a resolutely sporting look with in particular front and rear bodysuits shields. The light signature is different with rear lights connected by a light strip, absent on the Volkswagen. Cooper copper inserts can also be cited (one of the distinctive brands of the Cupra), the specific rocker panels, the rear aerodynamic diffuser, the ribbed motor cover and the rear spoiler surmounted by its shark antenna.

This sporting aspect is found in the cabin with many copper inserts and part of the hammered dashboard. We take place in comfortable seats with impeccable support, covered with textiles composed of recycled plastic.

The armrests of the doors put on suede, a sort of soft leather resembling velvet to the touch. With large storage, including an inclined induction charger, the central console dresses with soft plastic reminiscent of neoprene.

The absence of a transmission tunnel makes it possible to free up enough space in the rear seats, especially for the person in the middle whose seat is a little firm. On the other hand, there is no aerator, only two USB-C ports allowing to recharge smartphones.

The 385 l of the trunk, bench (1/3-2/3) not folded, are identical to the ID.3. Too bad the floor is not completely flat when the rear seats are lowered.

The all-tactile, far from being the panacea

Like the Volkswagen ID.3, the ergonomics of this Cupra Born is one of the aspects that will be able to brake certain buyers. This begins upon entering the vehicle with the opening and closing of electric windows: exit The four usual commands positioned, you have to go through a key to order the rear windows with the same buttons as the front windows. This is not intuitive.

As for the 12 -inch central touch screen (diagonal of 30.48 cm), it has “touch areas” in its lower part. They allow the audio volume or the temperature to be adjusted. Not only are they too sensitive, but in use, it forces to leave your eyes.

One of the solutions is to go through the Holà, Holà vocal assistant, whose order is located on the multifunction steering wheel, not free from reproaches also.

Indeed, all the keys of the two branches are tactile with haptic return. Their manipulation oscillates between support and shift in the finger, which lacks precision. This does not bring consequences when it comes to adjusting the audio volume, but it is quite different when you have to lower it suddenly or increase the speed with the regulator, for example.

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Comfort and equipment

What characterizes the Cupra Born is its futuristic piloting station with a 5.3 -inch digital and customizable instrument handset (diagonal of 13.46 cm) displaying various driving information (instant, authorized, authorized, authorized, authorized, allowed remaining autonomy, committed report), to aid and navigation.

To the right of the instrument handset, we find the walking selector which draws its inspiration largely from that of a certain BMW i3, while being identical to that of the ID 3.

The functioning of the latter is simple: just apply a rotation in one direction or the other to go into drive, neutral (dead point) or R mode (reverse). The parking is activated by pressing the side key P. Mode B, corresponding to regenerative braking, is also positioned on the selector.

We would have appreciated that the latter was more worked with a metal or copper coating rather than in any plastic. Same reproach for the on-stop button positioned at the level of the contact key, on the steering column. Why not have placed a more stylish and coppery button, there too to create a reminder of the bodywork ?

Last element, and not least, the central touch screen is 12 inches against 10 inches for Volkswagen (diagonal of 25.4 cm), a real control tower slightly turned towards the driver.

Two types of display are available. The first, divided into three equal – and customizable parts – reveals the current functions such as navigation, driving aid used, driving mode, connected telephone ..

The second choice is more traditional with a large screen display corresponding to a main function such as navigation, the settings linked to the car, the audio … to the left of this screen are sorting sub-access to other functions (electric section, Settings, driving aids, comfort, etc.).

In the lower part of the screen, icons allow you to directly access navigation with real -time traffic, but also audio, telephone, location of charging stations, as well as vehicle settings.

We will not forget to point out compatibility with Apple Carplay (wireless) and Android Auto, whose recognition is carried out in the nasal appendix.

If the whole infotainment is fast and fluid, users are likely to be lost between the many menus and submenus. Again, the whole lacks in our opinion of intuitivity.

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Connectivity and application

The free mobile app (iOS and Android) MyCupra offers a general overview of the vehicle such as load control (capacity acquired and speed), remaining autonomy and air conditioning programming. It is possible to geolocate the car, but also to search for charging stations, parking spaces or restaurants.

Simple and fluid, the application goes to the essentials. We just regret that it is not possible to lock/unlock the openings remotely, to activate the warning or the headlights, to be alerted in the event of break -in and to import the routes as is the case With Cupra Connect.

This other mobile app for the manufacturer is dedicated to Cupra Ateca models (from the September 2020 vintage), Cupra Leon and Cupra formally.

Ruling and performance

With its 150 kW synchronous electric motor (204 hp, 310 Nm torque) authorizing a maximum speed of only 160 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 s, the Cupra Born is not a sportswoman strictly speaking, knowing that its weight of 1736 kg does not play in its favor in terms of reminders and agility. Nevertheless, thanks to her couple available immediately, she may surprise more than one at each restart.

This electric Iberian, which already has a very low center of gravity, has been lowered and its mass distribution is 50/50. On the small roads of the Vexin, we were indeed able to have fun with a dynamic adjustment chassis.

On the other hand, the feeling at the wheel is a bit lacking because of too multiplied direction. It remains precise, but does not raise certain information enough. In short, we would have liked something a little more surgical. Fortunately, braking is very effective, even if the pedal attack lacks a bit of bite.

In terms of driving aids, we find the best within the Volkswagen group, in particular the famous Travel Assist which, associated with the adaptive and predictive cruise control with limiter (ACC+), keeps the car in its way , keep the safety distances by automatically adapting the speed. The whole thing is done gently.

That’s not all since the car also adapts to the limitations indicated on the outskirts of the road, but also to turns, roundabouts and city entrances.

In the long list of driving aids (ADAS), note the collision alert, keeping the track, speed limiter, parking assistant and recognition of traffic signs. On the other hand, the blind spot alert, the detection of cycling or a vehicle approaching in the surroundings, or during a maneuver in reverse, are options. Ditto with the pre-crush function which allows you to activate “The pre-tensioning of belts and the closure of windows in the event of an imminent collision”.

Autonomy and recharge

Our Cupra Born had a 58 kWh battery (62 kWh raw) in useful capacity, whose autonomy in WLTP cycle is given for 424 km.

Our test protocol conducted in agglomerations, departmental, national and highway routes indicates an average consumption at 16.8 kWh, an autonomy observed of 358 km. As for recharging, the 58 kWh version accepts the DC current (DC) up to 125 kW, which allows to go from 5 to 80 % of autonomy in 35 min.

On the ground, we had the opportunity to test the ionity terminals of Rosny-sur-Seine Nord on the A13 motorway. Upon arrival at the terminals, our battery indicated 2 % of remaining capacity, or 9 km of autonomy. To reach 80 % (301 km), it took us 39 min, an invoice of € 11.70 for 47.2 kWh.

In addition to the fast load, the Cupra Born has an AC on -board charger) 11 kW allowing to go from 0 to 80 % in 6 h 15 min from a wallbox. On the other hand, it will be necessary to wait 32 hours from a domestic socket (1.8 kW AC) to reach 100 %.

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Strong points

Design.

Cabin.

Beautiful standard endowment.

Piloted damping.

Driving aid.

Weak points

Unknown character.

Ergonomics of steering wheel controls.

All-tactile.

Plastic not flattering on certain commands.

Conclusion

How does notation work ?

The Cupra Born stands out for its aggressive look and a lowered body line. Everything is accentuated by the choice of certain colors. But is it enough to transform an electric compact into a sports compact ? Unfortunately no, and we would have liked the Spanish manufacturer to go further in his approach, like the Formaor. What can we also say about the all-tactile that will disrupt many customers ? On a daily basis, the Cupra Born remains an excellent car to live with a healthy, reassuring and comfortable chassis. She is also spacious. As for autonomy, it is average without reaching the 424 km announced. Consumption is however very good. For those who are not satisfied with 150 kW, a more muscular version of 170 kW (231 hp), accompanied by the 58 kWh battery (420 km of autonomy), will be available from March 2022. In June it will be followed by a 170 kW Cupra Born this time with a 77 kWh battery (548 km of autonomy). A Cupra Born 110 kW (150 hp) with 45 kWh battery (349 km) is planned on paper, but its launch date is still unknown.

• Ergonomics and design