Cupra is pitched as the warmer, extra sporting cousin of the entry-level Seat model, and with the brand new Cupra Born VZ its first all-electric hatchback is lastly residing as much as the billing.
Unveiled in a single day, the Born VZ has a single-motor rear-wheel drivetrain boasting output of 240kW and 545Nm. Cupra claims the Born VZ is able to finishing the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds, and hitting a prime velocity of 200km/h, making it the briskest and quickest automobile up to now primarily based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB structure.
At present the quickest member of the Born household has 170kW/310Nm at its disposal, and requires 7.0 seconds to hit 100km/h.
Cupra has but to substantiate availability of the Born VZ in Australia, however an Australian spokesperson instructed us, “Born is without doubt one of the key components of our lineup and this subsequent iteration of our thrilling rear-wheel drive scorching hatchback is one thing we’re taking a look at very carefully for Australia”.
Given the Born VZ will turn into out there in Europe in the course of the third quarter of 2024, we might anticipate it to reach on our shores from both late 2024 or early 2025 if it’s given the inexperienced mild for Australia.
Along with elevated efficiency, the drivetrain is matched up with a battery pack that has a barely bigger web capability of 79kWh, up from 77kWh on the common long-range battery.
Going sooner is nice, however it’s not price a lot except it’s accompanied by improved dealing with. To that finish, the Born VZ has a brand new chassis setup — marketed as DCC Sport — that features up to date damper valve settings and spring designs up entrance, revised anti-roll bars, and new dampers and comes on the rear.
There’s additionally new “sportier” software program and {hardware} for the steering system, and “improved brake pedal feeling”. Whereas Cupra says the VZ has a extra “sturdy rear brake”, from the pictures it appears as if hottest Born nonetheless has a drum-only setup on the again.
Paddles are fitted behind the steering wheel enable the motive force to select from three ranges of regenerative braking.
Exterior modifications are restricted, with the important thing highlights being darkish chrome badging, wider tyres, and a alternative of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs: both cast or with 3D copper inserts.
For the VZ, two colors have been added to the Born’s palette: midnight black, and an unique shade of darkish inexperienced named Darkish Forest.
Contained in the cabin there are bucket seats, lifted from the Cupra Formentor VZ5 and Cupra Leon VZ Cup, and fitted with upcycled yarn and majority recycled polyester.
There’s additionally an ambient lighting system that may talk sure issues to occupants, together with the automobile’s state of cost, its proximity to outdoors objects, and when calls are coming in.
The centre infotainment touchscreen now measures 12.-9 inches diagonally, up 0.9-inch, the corporate’s newest working system, and comes with a set illuminated contact bar slider controls beneath.
Sadly the steering wheel nonetheless options capacitive contact buttons on the spokes. Choices embody a 425W 10-speaker Sennheiser sound system.
The Born and Volkswagen ID.3 are carefully associated, with the 2 automobiles sharing the identical manufacturing facility, underpinnings, general silhouette, doorways, and inside elements.
As such, we anticipate the long-rumoured GTX variant of the ID.3 to share most, if not all, its drivetrain options and upgrades with the Born VZ. Earlier rumours urged the GTX would have a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup with round 245kW.
MORE: The whole lot Cupra Born
