Lastly, the Volkswagen ID.3 has made it to Australia. Properly… kind of.
After years of delays and tug-of-wars with head workplace to carry its electrified automobiles to Australia, the Volkswagen Group has handed the baton to Spanish upstart Cupra to tackle the top-selling Tesla Mannequin 3.
The Cupra Born is the model’s first electrical automobile, and is successfully the ID.3’s sportier cousin. It’s named after a progressive neighbourhood in Barcelona that blends medieval and gothic heritage with new boutiques, cafes and bars in addition to artwork museums – becoming then, the Born is one thing of an ‘previous meets new’ idea.
Based mostly on the Group’s MEB electrical toolkit, the Born is a rear-drive hatch aimed toward proving electrified motoring can nonetheless be enjoyable and attainable. Higher but, it’s priced identically to the Cupra Leon VZx and VZe flagships, giving clients the selection of 221kW petrol, 180kW plug-in hybrid or 170kW all-electric scorching hatchbacks.
Only one variant shall be provided at launch in Australia, full with the flagship 77kWh (usable) long-range battery pack providing a claimed 511 kilometres of WLTP-certified vary. That makes the Born the one EV in Australia under $60,000 to supply over 500km of driving vary.
Whereas nonetheless in its early days Down Underneath, Cupra is anticipating massive issues from the Born, forecasting over 1000 deliveries in 2023 ought to all go to plan with provide and logistics, which might make it one of many extra in style EVs within the nation – 700 builds have been secured for the Australian market up to now, with greater than 500 bought already.
There’s rather a lot driving on this little-ish electrical automobile, so how does it stack up?
How a lot does the Cupra Born price?
As famous earlier, the Born is available in a single 170kW ‘e-Increase’ specification in Australia, with the bigger 77kWh battery as customary – pricing begins at $59,990 plus on-road prices.
Cupra Australia not too long ago detailed nationwide drive-away pricing, which varies between states and territories – although doesn’t embody state- and territory-based EV rebate schemes. See under for extra.
The Born’s positioning is aggressive, given the dimensions, packaging, efficiency and driving vary. Cupra has successfully reached value parity with the similarly-sized Leon VZe plug-in hybrid, and no different EV for this cash presents the identical stage of efficiency or vary.
Nissan’s Leaf e+ is the Born’s most pure rival in Australia, given the absence of the ID.3 till 2024, being a equally sized electrical hatchback round $60,000. Nevertheless, the flagship Leaf’s $61,490 beginning value is dearer the newer Born, and its 385km vary in line with WLTP specs is properly off the tempo.
The outgoing Hyundai Kona Electrical Prolonged Vary begins at $60,500 for the Elite, providing a crossover physique (if extra compact than the Born) and the backing of a extra established model, although it could’t match the Born’s vary (484km). A brand new mannequin is due earlier than the tip of the yr, which can supply more room and tech with related vary.
The most important risk, nevertheless, is Tesla which presents the Mannequin 3 from $61,300 after current value will increase. The Mannequin 3 presents 491km of vary in base trim, in addition to a 6.1-second 0-100 time from its RWD single-motor drivetrain.
Additionally price cross-shopping is the Polestar 2, which at present begins at $63,900 for the Customary Vary Single Motor – a facelifted mannequin is due later this yr with rear-wheel drive and 518km of vary in base specification.
2023 Cupra Born pricing:
Cupra Born e-Increase 77kWh: $59,990
Worth excludes on-road prices
Drive-away pricing:
ACT: $61,990NSW: $62,490QLD: $63,490SA: $64,490VIC: $64,990WA: $66,490
Word: Drive-away pricing doesn’t embody state- and territory-based EV rebate schemes.
What’s the Cupra Born like on the within?
The Born follows a well-known theme to its MEB-based kin, with a pared-back method to inside design.
That’s to not say the Born doesn’t have a definite flavour. In typical Cupra vogue, there’s flashes of bronze or coppery highlights all through the cabin, and in the event you choice the Inside Package deal ($2990) you get a blue inside theme with Dinamica suede seat upholstery.
It’s swish from the second you get in, greeted by a stunning leather-based steering wheel. Within the Born, there are touch-capacitive buttons that are just a little less complicated than those employed by Volkswagen, if nonetheless just a little fiddly, with buttons flanking the hub to toggle the assorted drive modes.
The usual automobile will get sustainable black material, produced from plastic waste fished out of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s good to the touch and is cozy to sit down in, and actually doesn’t really feel all too totally different from the sportier material trims used elsewhere within the Cupra vary and throughout the VW Group.
Go for the Inside Package deal and also you get even cooler Aurora Blue Dinamica suede upholstery that’s additionally partly produced from sustainably-sourced supplies, full with electrical adjustment and massaging capabilities. Simply notice this bundle (and the Efficiency Pack, for that matter) take away the centre rear seat – i.e. the Born turns into a four-seater.
Suede highlights within the doorways add to the athletic theme, and there’s loads of adjustment within the seats and wheel – guide in the usual automobile, electrical with massaging within the Inside Package deal. I’ll say, nevertheless, the exhausting plastic door trims take away from the in any other case upmarket atmosphere.
Forward of the motive force is a 5.0-inch Digital Cockpit show, which isn’t what we’re used to from the combustion-powered vary, however is a function that’s widespread to MEB-based vehicles – we simply haven’t had them right here but.
It’s retains info and distractions to a minimal, and utilizing the touch-capacitive sliders on the steering wheel you may toggle a few views prioritising totally different info.
I like a Volkswagen Group digital cluster, however this feels a tad primary to me. It’s about simplifying issues and preserving a very powerful issues in entrance of you, however with no head-up show (accessible overseas) you’ll end up wanting down for this sort of info somewhat than having it extra straight in your line of sight.
The column-mounted gear selector is one other fascinating transfer away from custom for Cupra and the Volkswagen Group, although we’re seeing numerous manufacturers transferring to this fashion of shifter to declutter the inside. It’s fairly easy to get the cling of – flip forwards for D/B, flip backwards for R.
Then there’s that huge 12-inch central infotainment system, of which you’ll be largely acquainted with from the newest Formentor and Leon.
The place it differs from different Cupra fashions is that it’s missing embedded satellite tv for pc navigation in addition to wi-fi smartphone mirroring. It does, nevertheless, have wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to DAB+ radio.
As we’ve assessed in different fashions within the line-up, Cupra’s tackle the newest VW infotainment system is among the higher ones, with fastened shortcuts and intuitive menu layouts to make up for the dearth of bodily switchgear. It masses issues rapidly and is attractively styled.
It’s a disgrace the model’s know-how hero misses out on the flagship tech bundle – which Cupra’s native crew says is all the way down to a technical difficulty stemming from these options being tied to the MEB platform’s related automobile structure, which as but hasn’t made it to Australia.
Lovers of sunroofs may even be disillusioned to know the fastened panoramic roof in abroad markets isn’t provided on native fashions, neither is the flash augmented actuality (AR) head-up show.
“The Born had solely been developed as a related automobile. We weren’t capable of, within the timeframe, develop the connectivity capabilities [for Australia] – there are some technical causes behind that – however we knew we would have liked to have that automobile within the preliminary section of Cupra, so the manufacturing unit developed this model for us that doesn’t have the connectivity operate which does have an effect on a couple of of the automobile’s methods,” stated Jeff Shafer, head of product and planning for Cupra Australia.
Mr Shafer added we will anticipate to see updates “year-on-year” that might carry these options to our market sooner or later, although it’s unclear precisely after we’ll see them added.
Storage, in the meantime, is fairly good up entrance. There’s a deep pair of cubbies beneath sliding drawers, the higher one concealing cupholders and a slot for keys and wallets, whereas the decrease part hides beneath the centre armrest and incorporates the wi-fi cellphone charger in addition to a deeper storage space for bigger objects.
I’m a fan of the padded materials surrounding the centre tunnel in addition to the copper highlights all through, which contrasts properly with the blue upholstery as featured within the non-compulsory Inside Package deal. I additionally like that the wi-fi cellphone charger doubles up as a holder with hole for cables when wired up for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Shifting to the second row, the Born’s boxier proportions and taller roofline pay dividends.
At 6’1 I’m above common peak, and may match fairly comfortably behind my very own driving place – which may’t be stated for lots of EVs at this finish of the market.
Knee and legroom is sweet for the category, whereas headroom is great. I’ll notice, nevertheless, is that the ground feels just a little raised and longer-legged folks will get that knee-up feeling, however it’s removed from uncomfortable.
Rear seat facilities embody a pair of USB-C ports behind the centre console (however no air vents), map pockets behind the rear seats in addition to a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders. There are additionally bottle holders within the doorways and the requisite ISOFIX and top-tether factors.
Value noting is the usual three-seat rear bench turns right into a two-seater when optioned with both of the extra-cost packages, making the Born a 4 seater. If you might want to carry three within the rear typically, we propose avoiding the Inside and Efficiency Packages.
The boot space is a robust level, with 385L matching that of one thing like a Leon or VW Golf.
Cupra doesn’t quote a determine with the 60:40 seat backs folded, however the house itself is good and sq., in addition to deep. It may’t, nevertheless, match the boot areas of the BYD Atto 3 (440L) and Tesla Mannequin 3 (425L + 224L frunk).
Like numerous EVs, there’s no spare wheel beneath the boot flooring. Cupra says each the usual and efficiency tyres on the Born have a self-healing design that works just a little like a run-flat design within the occasion of a puncture.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Only one specification is accessible from launch, the e-Increase 77kWh drivetrain which is the flagship globally.
The rear-mounted electrical motor generates 170kW and 310Nm, permitting for a claimed 0-100km/h dash time of seven.0 seconds, and a WLTP-certified driving vary of 511 kilometres on a full cost based mostly on a consumption charge of 17.0kWh per 100km. Cupra additionally quotes a 0-50 time of two.8 seconds.
Talking of vary and charging, the 77kWh usable (82kWh web) lithium-ion battery pack may be charged by way of AC at 11kW, or DC quick charging at as much as 170kW. The Born is the one EV on sale in Australia with over 500km of vary priced beneath $60,000.
It’s price noting the above specs are relevant to the usual wheel and tyre bundle. Choosing the non-compulsory Efficiency Package deal ($2600) with its bigger 20-inch wheels and wider 235mm Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres reduces quoted driving vary to 475km based mostly on an vitality consumption determine of 18.2kWh per 100km.
Whereas not accessible in Australia, Cupra does supply a smaller 58kWh battery pack in abroad markets like Europe and the UK with each the 170kW e-Increase drivetrain in addition to a lower-spec 150kW model.
The 150kW 58kWh Born within the UK quotes a mixed driving vary of 424km on the WLTP cycle, whereas the 170kW e-Increase motor with the smaller battery drops that barely to 420km.
Whereas it loses vary, the e-Increase 58kWh’s lighter battery unit means the Born’s 0-100 time drops to a scorching hatch-like 6.6s. For reference, the 180kW Cupra Leon VZ petrol-powered scorching hatch quotes a 6.4s sprint to triple figures.
Cupra Australia hasn’t confirmed any agency plans to introduce extra Born variants anytime quickly, although model representatives have left the door open to yearly updates and a possible line-up enlargement.
How does the Cupra Born drive?
Being my first ever expertise with a automobile based mostly on the MEB platform, I wasn’t positive what to anticipate while additionally hoping the Born would really feel like one thing of an all-electric MQB automobile.
Fortunately, Cupra Born follows its combustion and hybrid-powered stablemates in delivering a balanced and refined drive errs on the sportier facet of issues to dial in a little bit of enjoyable.
Leaving the Born in D means there’s little to no regen braking, and it principally scoots alongside like a petroleum automobile. It presents easy and easy acceleration, correct and fluid steering, in addition to a compliant journey that communicates the street floor beneath however isolates occupants properly.
If you would like extra regen, flick the column-mounted drive selector into B and the Born will do a lot of the deceleration by way of regen braking, although it gained’t come to an entire cease like rival. One gripe I had was the transition from regen to mechanical braking, which might be sudden and inconsistent which means gradual inputs when driving at metropolis speeds can take a little bit of observe to do easily.
It’s very quiet to spend time in, no matter whether or not you’re cruising across the Canberra CBD or at 100km/h on a rustic street, with a faint whirring of the electrical motor within the background and spectacular insulation from the surface world with regards to wind and street noise.
Even in Cupra mode, the Born doesn’t play faux engine noise which in some rival EVs can sound contrived, which means the brand new period of enjoyable for the model is had in close to silence. Cupra Mode additionally dials up extra aggressive regen and bypasses the awkward transition between regen and mechanical brakes by means of the pedal – the Born runs entrance discs and rear drums.
Let’s be actual although, nearly all of this automobile’s life goes to be spent across the metropolis and suburbs doing mundane duties, so having some obnoxious sound taking part in isn’t mandatory. The actual fact the energetic steering and eager chassis make even probably the most mundane of commutes that little bit extra enjoyable, nevertheless, is the place the Born shines.
Quite a lot of abroad stories have criticised Volkswagen Group MEB merchandise for being a bit boring from behind the wheel; the Born is something however. You’re feeling fairly related to it, and the rear-drive steadiness helps carry again reminiscences of enjoyable RWD compact vehicles of previous, maybe just like the previous-gen BMW 125i.
Flip the steering wheel and the Born’s nostril follows the place you’re pointing, with restricted physique roll and good grip even on the usual 19-inch wheels shod in 215/50 Continental EcoContact low-rolling resistance tyres. As soon as the entrance is heading in the right direction, the rear is introduced round by the rear motor and it’s fairly a chuckable factor.
We examined each the usual automobile and the Efficiency Package deal back-to-back, and whereas the broader and stickier 235/40 R20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres lend a extra assured stance and additional grip, it didn’t really feel fully mandatory.
There’s a appeal in regards to the base automobile’s marginally decrease ceiling, requiring extra exact and measured driving to get the perfect out of it. That’s to not say it’s a poor relative, however it appears just a little extra playful and sincere whereas providing higher vary and refinement.
By the winding B-roads outdoors Canberra, the Born demonstrated its sporty DNA properly. It’s greater than able to placing a smile in your face up a twisty mountain street, even when its energy output and 0-100 time aren’t fairly as thrilling because the figures quoted by the Leon VZx.
Pop it in Cupra and plant your proper foot and it’s deceptively fast in a straight line, simply hitting triple figures although it’ll taper off on the excessive finish as you’d anticipate.
Whereas the Born’s outputs aren’t fairly benchmark numbers for similarly-priced scorching hatches, the rear-drive steadiness and quick torque response make it actually enjoyable to punt round. As famous earlier, it has a little bit of previous 125i about it, giving it an old-school flavour in a new-school bundle.
One other facet of that sportier really feel is the way in which the entrance bucket seats maintain you in when you’re driving, providing good consolation for each day duties and longer stints, in addition to sufficient bolstering to not have you ever slipping about in corners. You’ll be able to set your driving place pretty low within the cabin too – simply how I prefer it – which once more lends a extra sporting vibe.
By way of driver help methods, the Born is pretty typical Volkswagen Group fare if lacking a number of the stuff we’ve come to anticipate.
Adaptive cruise management and blind-spot monitoring work as you’d anticipate, and the calibration of the previous is among the extra intuitive of its sort, if just a little conservative as we’ve discovered with the newest Group merchandise.
Nevertheless, there’s no Journey Help on Australian fashions. In response to the model’s representatives, options like Journey Help in addition to embedded satellite tv for pc navigation and wi-fi smartphone mirroring are tied to the MEB platform’s related automobile structure not like combustion-powered fashions, and the corporate was unable carry the Born to Australia with all of these items in place.
It gained’t be a deal-breaker for all, however given the Born is one thing of a know-how showcase, it’s disappointing such a distinguished driver help function is lacking. Cupra has stated it’ll like at bringing connectivity “over the following few years”, so anticipate the complete function set to turn out to be accessible finally.
What do you get?
Born highlights:
19-inch Black/Copper Storm alloy wheelsTyre strain monitoringLED headlightsLED tail lightsFog lights built-in into headlightsDusk-sensing headlightsLight Help (auto high-beam)Heated, energy folding mirrorsRear privateness glassRear roof spoiler5.3-inch Digital Cockpit12-inch touchscreen infotainment systemApple CarPlay, Android Auto (wired)DAB+ digital radioWireless cellphone charger2 x entrance, 2 x rear USB-C portsLeather multifunction steering wheelSatellite buttons for drive modesAmbient inside lightingSEAQUAL material entrance bucket seatsFloor matsDriving profile selectionSports suspensionProgressive steeringKeyless entry, startAlarm systemAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorDual-zone local weather controlAluminium pedalsRain-sensing wipersParking sensors entrance, rearTop View Digicam (360-degree)
Choices
Inside Package deal: $2900
Aurora Blue Dinamica entrance bucket seats12-way energy entrance seatsMassage functionHeating functionHeated washer jetsBeats premium sound system9 speakers395W amplifierSub-woofer4 seat inside (2+2)
Efficiency Package deal: $2600
20-inch Black/Silver Firestorm alloy wheelsDynamic Chassis ControlMichelin Pilot Sport 4 tyre package4 seat inside (2+2)
Colors
Customary: $NCO
Metallic: $NCO
Rayleigh RedQuasar GreyGeyser SilverGlacial White
Premium Metallic: $475
Is the Cupra Born protected?
The Cupra Born arrives to market with a five-star ANCAP security score, based mostly on 2022 Euro NCAP checks.
It scored 93 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 89 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 73 for susceptible street consumer safety, and 80 per cent for security help.
“It’s nice to see one other absolutely electrical mannequin enter our market with the utmost five-star ANCAP security score,” stated ANCAP Chief Government, Carla Hoorweg.
“The momentum for protected and inexperienced fashions is rising, and this score will present additional confidence to customers and regulators to embrace security and environmental credentials as a non-negotiable bundle.”
Customary security options embody:
7 airbags incl. front-centreAEB incl. Pedestrian, Bike owner detectionAdaptive cruise controlDriver fatigue monitoringLane AssistLane departure warningLane preserve assistPark AssistParking sensors entrance, rearProactive passenger protectionSide AssistBlind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertExit Warning
How a lot does the Cupra Born price to run?
Like the broader Cupra line-up, the Born is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Additionally a part of the acquisition value is 5 years of 24-hour Cupra Roadside Help.
Cupra sadly now not presents a complimentary three-year Service Packs anymore prefer it did at launch, although you’ll see them provided with promotions once in a while.
The Born is accessible with three- and five-year pre-paid service plans, priced at $990 and $1590 respectively.
The corporate presents two various kinds of house wallboxes, that may be put in by means of JET Cost. The cheaper Pulsar Plus unit is priced from $1400, whereas the fancier Commander 2 system is $1990.
Sadly, because of time constraints on the launch occasion we weren’t capable of do a real-world cost check for the Born in Canberra. We’ll goal to do that as soon as we get the automobile in our palms for an extended mortgage.
We did, nevertheless, notice real-world indicated consumption figures with each wheel packages. The usual automobile was displaying low-17kWh/100km whereas the Efficiency Package deal confirmed mid-19kWh/100km – each near their claims, regardless of the drive route having a skew to high-speed, dynamic situations.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Cupra Born
The Born has sparked a brand new period for the VW Group.
It’s about time we bought some MEB love Down Underneath, and the Cupra Born is proof this new wave of electrical automobiles is one thing to be enthusiastic about. You’re not simply restricted to Tesla in order for you a very good EV at an attainable value that isn’t from a Chinese language challenger.
Whereas some will lament lacking options that ought to include updates, the Born presents a steadiness of efficiency, vary and practicality that betters nearly each different effort at this value level, and dials in a stage of enjoyable and engagement that hasn’t actually been seen at this finish of the EV market.
It drives very well, presents nice vary, and powerful worth when it comes to options and house packaging relative to key rivals – even with some omissions. Plus, you may spec some cool colors and trims to make it stand out that little bit extra.
Credit score to Cupra for injecting its sporting DNA into the Born’s platform, and for having the ability to usher in what’s successfully a flagship providing for a aggressive value towards present gamers.
Additionally props to the Spanish model for attaining value parity between the Born and high-spec variations of the Leon – together with the plug-in hybrid.
I’d like to see nicer supplies used on the doorways in a future replace – like we’ll see within the VW ID.3 when it comes right here – in addition to the complete suite of options included so Australian clients have the identical catalogue as the remainder of the world (together with New Zealand). Extra variants – particularly extra reasonably priced ones – would additional broaden the Born’s attraction in Australia in addition to Cupra’s.
If you happen to’re in search of a brand new EV round $60,000 be sure to make a visit to a Cupra Storage and provides this a glance. Skip the Efficiency Package deal, however in order for you one thing just a little particular nab one with the Inside Package deal – that’s Wongy’s scorching purchaser tip.
Bon fet Cupra, bon fet…
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