Me & My Car: Auckland FC's Guillermo May and his Cupra Born

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Guillermo May: the Born handles 'changeable' Kiwi roads with no issues.

Guillermo May: the Born handles 'changeable' Kiwi roads with no issues.

Guillermo May is a striker for Auckland Football Club (FC). He drives a Cupra Born.

What are you driving?

I drive a 2024 Cupra Born EV.

Why this model and what do you like about it?

The Born is a top car. I chose it because it’s electric, so costs practically nothing to run, which is ideal. Plus, it looks great, it handles the road way better than I expected and has enough power when needed.

Cupra Born EV.
Born is Cupra's first full-EV, on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform.

What’s your favourite thing about the car, and why?

The interior is beautiful. It’s sleek and the large navigation screen is a game-changer, especially since I’m adjusting to driving on the left side of the road after moving from Uruguay; there are so many roads and routes I'm not familiar with.

The roads here are also very changeable very quickly, from motorway to small country roads, and I find the car handles them all with no issues.

Cupra Born EV.
May says he's even 'enjoying the drive' for city errands.

I love the sound system as well, it’s perfect for listening to local tunes nice and loud. I enjoy that a lot.

Anything you don’t like about it, or would change?

Not really. I’m used to driving a manual, so the switch to automatic has been a bit of an adjustment. But I'm getting used to it.

How well is the vehicle suited to your lifestyle?

It suits my lifestyle really well. It’s perfect for driving to training sessions or heading into the city. The car’s size is easy for parking. I love heading to the beach with my brother; it fits everything we need and more.

Cupra Born EV.
Trickiest thing about the Born is that's it's an auto, says May; he's used to a manual.

I’ve just moved into a new house with my brother and we’ve been driving all over the city to pick up furniture and appliances; I've found myself really enjoying the drive, which I didn’t expect. Every trip is a little adventure.

In terms of charging it, there is a DC station at the supermarket by our training ground. Which means I can do all my grocery shopping while it’s charging; it’s a win-win.

What do you always have in your car?

My football boots, of course, are always in the car. That way I know I'll never forget them. I also keep a bottle of water and my maté [a South American herbal drink]. My maté goes everywhere with me.

How long do you plan to keep it?

At least the next couple of years. Right now, as I adjust to a new life in a new country, it is perfect for me.

You win $10 million in Lotto this week, what car(s) are you buying?

I would keep my Cupra and have the $9,935,100.