2023 Cupra Born electric car review

The latest machine from a new European brand appears to solve some of the biggest issues with electric cars and makes a compelling case for Aussie drivers.

You might not know the name but some of the numbers are pretty compelling.

The Cupra Born is a small electric hatchback with more than 500km of range and a sub-$60,000 price tag.

It’s also more engaging to drive than the average runabout EV.

Unlike most EVs, the 2023 Cupra Born is rear-wheel-drive.

Cupra is betting that there’s a gap in the market for a driver-focused zero-emissions machine with sportier genes, even if its latest offering doesn’t have the awe-inspiring power outputs of rival EVs such as Kia’s EV6 GT. With just 170kW and 310Nm, the Born is unlikely to win any EV traffic-light Grand Prix.

Jeff Shafer, head of Cupra product planning, says there’s more to performance than headline-grabbing power figures.

Cupra pitches the Born as a ‘hot hatch’, which is a bit optimistic.

“The ability to generate gaudy top line power numbers has become a lot easier in the electric motor era but ride and handling is still a fine art,” he argues.

And he has a point. There are few EVs in this price range that can match its drive experience.

While it isn’t as quick as more expensive EVs – the official 0-100km/h time is seven seconds, which is slower than most modern petrol-powered hot hatches – it still has decent shove off the mark.

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On twisting country roads outside of Canberra the Born showed off its sporty character.

Meaty, direct steering, rear-wheel drive and impressive body control make for a rewarding experience through the corners. The low centre of gravity, courtesy of the heavy battery under the floor, gives it a stable feel, reducing lean and movement when changing direction in a hurry.

For those looking to extract the most from the Born, Cupra offers a $2900 Performance Pack that includes grippier Michelin tyres, adaptive suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels. The trade-off is a lumpy ride, particularly around town, and slightly less range – 470km instead of 511km. And for all its talent, the Born can’t completely hide its nearly two-tonne bulk.

The Cupra Born shares its bones with the VW ID. 3 electric car.

It doesn’t feel as agile or eager to turn in to corners as a petrol-powered hot hatch, while the extra weight also serves to blunt acceleration out of corners.

The quietness of the electric motor means tyre roar and wind noise can intrude into the cabin at highway speeds, particularly on roads with coarser surfaces.

The Cupra Born hides its weight well on the road.

But overall the impression behind the wheel is one of composure and refinement.

The interior design is easy on the eyes, with a functional layout that bridges the gap between conventional and futuristic layouts.

Cupra customers enjoy a beautifully-finished cabin.

A large 12.3-inch central display combines with a small 5.3-inch digital display in the centre of the steering wheel to deliver all the necessary information to the driver. It’s less visually impressive than the digital instrument panels favoured by most rivals, but it does the job effectively.

Less effective are the airconditioning controls, which require you to dive into menus on the touchscreen to adjust the temperature. Standard fare includes smartphone mirroring, wireless phone charging, four USB-C ports, ambient lighting, digital radio and a 360-degree view parking camera.

Customers can choose a sports pack with high-performance tyres.

All the safety bases are covered, from radar cruise control, auto emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance to blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Designers have used sustainable fabrics in the cabin to enhance its environmental credentials. Recycled mircrofibers are used extensively throughout, while the seats are made from recycled plastic recovered from the Mediterranean Sea.

The cabin is a sophisticated space.

Buyers looking for something a little more distinctive can order a $2900 interior package that includes a nine-speaker Beats audio unit and heated, blue bucket seats with 12-way power adjustment and a massaging function. This option also reduces the number of seats from five to four.

The back seat is exceptionally roomy for such a small hatchback and the completely flat floor means the person sitting in the middle seat doesn’t draw the short straw.

Competitive charge times help make a case for the Born.

The Born’s 82kWh battery can be AC charged at up to 11kW and fast charged up to 170kW.

Initial customer response suggests Cupra may have found a valuable niche with the Born. The company says it has already sold 500 cars and ordering is unrestricted.

VERDICT 3.5/5

Keenly priced and fun to drive, the Born will appeal to buyers looking to dip a toe in the electric car market.

The Cupra Born electric car is on sale now.

CUPRA BORN

PRICE: $61,990 to $66,490 drive-away

MOTOR: 170kW and 310Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE: 5 years/unlimited km, $1590 over five years

SAFETY: Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, radar cruise, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert.

RANGE: 511km

BOOT: 385 litres

SPARE: Repair kit