Cupra Born Review – Australia has a new hot hatch and it’s Electric!

This week I was invited down to Canberra by Cupra to sample their first fully-electric car and one that is already being delivered to customers in Australia after launching online orders at the end of last year. While some might be keen to buy a car sight-unseen, I wanted to drive one for myself to decide if it was my next car, so here goes – my Cupra Born review!

Now, I go on about this in the my video, and again here because I think it matters – there’s emotion involved in many people’s car purchase decisions. For me, Cupra sits high in my heart because it’s the sporty brand of Spanish car maker SEAT. And my first car was a SEAT Ibiza. Way back in 1996 I was one of the crazy few who stumped up to buy something from a then unknown brand, and one that disappeared some years later.

And – I loved that car.

Could the Cupra Born rekindle that love, and at the same time tick that “we have to go electric” box in my car loving heart.

How much is the Cupra Born in Australia?

Simply put, the car costs $59,990, but drive away, depending on your state that could be as much as $66,490 (WA). However, with EV incentives now in all states, you could pay as little as $57,490 drive away (after incentive) in QLD.

Unlike many cars today, the options here are pretty simple.

First up, there’s colour. The Standard flat Grey, as well as the Metallic Red, Black, Grey and white are no-cost option.

Only the stunning Aurora Blue comes at a premium of $475. But lock it in, trust me.

If you wanted something bigger than the nice looking 19 inch wheels with copper highlights that come as standard, then the 20 inch wheels are a $2,600 option as part of the performance package which gives you a little bit more punch under the foot, but does reduce the range to 475km down from 511km. Personally, I wouldn’t bother. 170kW of power is plenty, why you want for 182 I don’t know.

Then there’s the Interior Package, at $2,900 it ups the Audio system to a premium BeatsAudio sound along with a really nice set of bucket seats. I believe that option also gives the seats electric controls, so for my mind, I’d lock that in too.

The whole thing is a direct to customer model, so using the Online configurator you’ll know exactly what you’re after.

So – what do I think of the Cupra Born?

Over 500km range, 170kW charging will get you 100km range every 5 mins or so in that middle range of charging, and a full charge in half an hour. So honestly, this is a no anxiety EV (Save for those holiday weekends when everyone has a problem)

Outside the looks are stunning.

A brutal aggressive front end exerts a strong look of performance, it has a great stance.

Straight lines, and angles everywhere pointing into the road, this car doesn’t have a bad side, all angles are great.

And Cupra’s “copper” logo is the inspiration for copper highlights all around, both inside and out.

Inside, it’s utter premium. From stitching to material choices, there’s nothing – i mean nothing cheap about this car. When you first sit in it that pricetag starts to become justified.

The driver gets all the attention with a good angle from the infotainment screen, and a small instrument screen which is attached to the steering column so moves with the wheel adjustments.

Gears are selected on a strange toggle next to that instrument cluster, take joy from watching your mates try to move the car for the first time – very funny stuff.

In back, there’s more room than you’d expect. Being a dedicated EV platform there’s a flat floor which adds to the rear-seat comfort.

Boot space is ample, with 385 litres with the seats up, but this is the kind of area that will make someone comparing say the Tesla Model 3 to the Cupra Born jump straight to the Tesla.

Why by a Cupra?

Because you want to be different. You’re buying a Tesla, it’s like buying a Corolla – yep, it does what it says, but they are everywhere.

Cupra aren’t going to sell 3,000 of these a month, they’ve only sold 500 so far, but are confident of a good supply from the Factory.

However, the company doesn’t want to be a mass market seller, nor do they want to be seen alongside the likes of BMW or Mercedes in the premium space.

Cupra are hoping to speak to those who want the premium finish, appreciate the offering, but want something unique.

The range is excellent, and higher than the comparable Tesla, but add the colour and match the wheel sizes and you’re paying $7k more for a Tesla. Only a consideration if you need the boot space.

Frankly, this car is for the 30+ hot hatch fan that knows the world is going electric. So, why not jump all-in.

What’s not to love?

Infotainment isn’t amazing frankly, I didn’t like it in other Cupra’s, so knew that was coming here.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not wireless, but at least they are there, for me, that will be my screen 99% of the time anyway.

Likewise, in that same area, climate controls are digital, so tougher to adjust to, but I suspect that gets easier with ownership.

Final judgement – yes or no to the Cupra Born?

This car is a hands-down yes for me.

I’ve moved past the price, because comparing an EV to a petrol car is never going to end well for the EV. So As someone looking for an EV and someone who loves something unique, the Cupra Born offers that – in spades.

I – Want – One.

Web: Cupra