Cupra Born now available from under $60K

CUPRA has announced Australian pricing details of its Born EV hatch, the sporty rear-drive model now available to order from $59,990 plus on-road costs.

Offering up to 511km of claimed range, Cupra says the European-built Born not only offers class-leading range, but also “laser-focused” handling characteristics and “performance and dynamics that local drivers love”.

The small hatch is built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB architecture and delivers a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds from its 170kW/310Nm electric motor and 82kWh battery combination.

For comparison, the similar-sized Nissan Leaf E+ electric hatch develops 160kW and 340Nm for a slightly quicker 6.9s 0-100km/h sprint but is pricier at $61,490 + ORC, has a smaller 59kWh battery providing just 385km of claimed range and is an ageing model with an interior that looks dated next to the box-fresh Born.

Cupra supplies the Born with both AC (11kW) and DC (170kW) charging ports – compared with 6.6kW and 50kW respectively for the Nissan Leaf –  to enable charging times as low as 35 minutes (between five and 80 per cent when connected to a suitable fast charger).

In terms of standard specification, the Born includes 19-inch alloy wheels in a black and copper finish with tyre pressure monitoring, seven airbags, heated and power-folding wing mirrors, dusk-sensing LED headlights with integrated foglights, LED taillights, auto high beam and tinted rear windows.

The generously equipped single variantl also offers a rear spoiler, sports suspension, progressive steering, keyless entry and start, and a security alarm.

Cockpit features include a 5.3-inch digital instrument panel, 12.0-inch infotainment array with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio, dual USB-C ports front and rear, wireless device charging, a heated leather multi-function steering wheel, Seaqual bucket seats (with seating for four), auto dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control and aluminium pedals.

The Born hatch is offered in five colours (Glacial White, Geyser Silver, Quasar Grey, Rayleigh Red or Vapor Grey) and features a 385-litre boot.

Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, front assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, park assist, side assist with rear traffic alert and exit warning, a driver fatigue monitor, pre-crash assist, rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree camera system.

Premium paint attracts a $475 surcharge and Cupra offers a pair of option bundles for the Born comprising the $2900 Interior Package and $2600 Performance Package.

The former includes Aurora Blue Dinamica heated front bucket seats with 12-way power adjustment and massage function, heated washer jets and a 395W Beats nine-speaker premium sound system with subwoofer, while the latter adds 20-inch black and silver alloy wheels with wider 235mm Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and adaptive dampin.

Adding the Performance Package results in a reduced 475km battery range.

Speaking of the Born, Cupra Australia director Ben Wilks said it was important to the brand that the model arrived in Australia with segment-competitive pricing.

“We wanted the Cupra Born to arrive with pricing that bests comparable BEVs, but most importantly is comparable to the hot hatchbacks that Australians love and really engage with,” he said.

“To combine a long 500km-plus EV range with instant electric performance, and controllable dynamics through the sharp steering and rear-wheel drive chassis, places the Cupra Born in an exclusive part of the market.

“From range and pricing to space and driver satisfaction, the Born will be the most important vehicle that Cupra launches as it defines class leadership.”

The Cupra Born will arrive in Australian showrooms in March or April of this year. Service plans will be announced closer to the model’s local launch.

2023 Cupra Born drive-away pricing by state: