Cupra secures 200 more Born BEVs for Oz

CUPRA has secured a further 200 examples of its Born electric hatchback for the Australian market after “almost” selling out of its initial allocation of 400 units.

The Spanish importer says only 35 examples of the initial allocation remain available, and that the additional vehicles will be available for online order immediately with deliveries slated for “later in 2023”.

“Initially, it was Cupra’s intention to cap pre-delivery orders at 400, but such has been the response that a further 200 Borns have been allotted to Australia in the short term,” said Cupra head of product and planning Jeff Shafer.

“We won’t at this stage estimate a total for 2023 Born sales, but there’s no doubt that this early reaction bodes well.”

Mr Shafer said that with the Born complementing the brand’s best-selling Formentor, the Leon and the Ateca, Cupra Australia has “moved beyond” 2100 customer orders.

Available from $59,990 plus on-road costs, the Cupra Born offers up to 511km driving range from its 82kWh battery, and a 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds courtesy of its 170kW/310Nm electric motor.

The rear-wheel drive Born is available with AC (11kW) and DC (170kW) charging ports 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 fog lights, LED taillights, auto high beam and tinted rear windows.

The generously equipped single variant 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 damping.

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

Initial allocations of 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.