The Cupra Born is a shining example of “right car, wrong time”, much like pretty much all of its mainstream electric platform mates in the VW Group - the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, and the Skoda Enyaq.
Excellent EVs that landed here at the height of EV interest in New Zealand, thanks to the Clean Car Discount that were cut off at the knees (do cars have knees?) when the rebate was abruptly ended by a change in government that also saw the introduction of road user charges.
Adding insult to injury was that fact that each of the brands had spent years lobbying their respective head offices to actually even get access to the cars, only to have their sales chances effectively kneecapped (yes, I know cars don’t actually have knees) by the drastic shift in policy as soon as they did get them here.
Still, good news for the consumer, because despite the rebate disappearing, the cars got cheaper fast as distributors scrambled to clear the big backlogs of excellent EVs that were now piling up.
That means a Cupra Born V+ Debut Edition that originally landed here at $77,900 and had an on-road cost of around $70k after the rebate was applied dropped to $59,900, while the slick silver V+ you see here (a colour not initially available here at launch) is listed as $64,900.
But there is a catch - Cupra has confirmed that they won’t be bringing the Born to New Zealand after the current shipment has gone, instead putting all their EV eggs into the Tavascan basket. Which means whatever is in stock is all there is.
In fact the Born is listed as unavailable on Cupra’s website, so its whatever is left at dealerships. And if you were ever interested in buying a Born, I would urge you to get along to a dealership and grab one, because it is still an absolutely fantastic car.
Cupra promoted the Born as an all-electric hot hatch, and that is a pretty accurate description, as while it isn’t massively over-powered like today’s breed of 300+kW “hyper hatches”, the Born’s 170kW/310Nm powertrain packed into a compact 4.3m body and will scamper to 100km/h in a brisk, but not feral, 7.0 seconds absolutely nails the traditional definition of the hot hatch.
The one downside here is the same thing that afflicts all VW Group cars in that there is no online connectivity for the Born.
But the main thing is the fact that it is a fantastically fun car to throw down a winding road and, as an added bonus, is also RWD. Which, yes, is a departure from the traditional hot hatch definition, but one that actually makes it all the better.
The Born packs the same 77kWh battery as the other VW Group cars on the MEB platform and boasts a range of up to 548km - which I would personally argue is more than necessary, as a smaller and therefore lighter battery would make the Born even more hot hatch-y.
Still, 548km makes it an extremely usable and flexible EV, just one that also happens to be hugely fun. Plus it means you can go hard on a sinewy road for longer, so that is good.
Inside the Born is open and airy, comfortable and nicely appointed. Cupra’s traditional copper highlights are splashed tastefully throughout, while the controls are all nicely logical and sensible.
The one downside here is the same thing that afflicts all VW Group MEB cars in that there is no online connectivity for the Born. While some people may see this as an advantage (although those people aren’t typically EV buyers), it does mean that things like remote access to the car’s various charging and HVAC functions aren’t available here, neither are over-the-air updates.
The Born is an absolute blast to drive, with lively and razor sharp responses and a wonderful balance to its RWD platform.
Still, the superb handling and impressive ride comfort despite that handling more than make up for the lack of connectivity in my eyes, at least and I am an absolute sucker for any kind of device connectivity. Hell, even my rice maker is hooked up to the internet in case I need to cook some rice remotely.
So once again; if you have ever thought of maybe getting into a Born, I urge you to do it now, before it is too late. Although it may already be...
How much is the Cupra Born V+?
Depends on how good your bargaining skills are - the last price Cupra had the Born V+ listed at on their website was $64,990. It has since disappeared from the website, but if there are any left at dealerships you could probably get a pretty sharp deal.
What are the key statistics for the Cupra Born V+?
The Born is powered by a 77kWh battery, but with a 170kW/310Nm electric motor on the rear axle. While it shares a platform and wheelbase with the VW ID.4 and ID.5, it is almost 300mm shorter, giving it more hatchback-like proportions.
Is the Cupra Born V+ efficient?
Like all VW Group EVs it's about what you would, with Cupra listing its energy consumption at 15.4kWh/100km, a figure that is largely achievable in the real world. Unless you are driving the Born like you should drive a hot hatch and thrashing it everywhere. Then who cares what the consumption is?
Is the Cupra Born V+ good to drive?
The Born is an absolute blast to drive, with lively and razor sharp responses and a wonderful balance to its RWD platform. Not only is it superb fun going flat out, it is also impressively comfortable and practical, and more than happy to potter around docilely at urban speeds too.
Is the Cupra Born V+ practical?
Very much so. While it is a smallish hatchback in appearance, the fact that it sits on the same platform as vehicles that are sold as medium SUVs means its long wheelbase affords huge amounts of space on the inside. As roomy as an SUV, but with the style and agility of a hatch. That's the kind of practicality we like...
What do we like about the Cupra Born V+?
It's just a fun car to drive, regardless of whether you are popping down to the dairy or hammering it along a winding back road. It also happens to be comfortable, well equipped and looks great.
What don’t we like about the Cupra Born V+?
The total lack of any form of connectivity is a disappointment, but one it shares with all of its VW Group siblings. Oh, and you probably won't be able to buy one by the time you read this.
What kind of person would the Cupra Born V+ suit?
Anyone who wants a fun car that is also practical and - whisper it - sensible.
