Cupra born specified for Australia

CUPRA has this week revealed specifications for the electric Born hatch ahead of its March 2023 arrival, the sporty rear-wheel drive model to boast a 511km driving range (WLTP) and outputs of 170kW and 310Nm sufficient for a claimed a 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds.

Although pricing for the Born has not yet been announced, Cupra Australia director Ben Wilks hinted that it will bear a sticker “similar to our other great hot hatch, the Leon VZx” that retails from $60,990 (and is available drive-away from $66,490).

Locally, the Born is expected to be the second most popular model for the Spanish brand behind the recently released Formentor PHEV.

For the Australian market, the Cupra Born BEV will arrive as standard with progressive steering, sports suspension and black and copper Typhoon 19-inch alloy wheels. Its 82kWh battery pack which may be charged at a rate of up to 11kW AC or 170kW DC.

The unique-in-segment Born will be marketed as a dedicated hot hatch locally and has been tuned to deliver “instant responses from the throttle and steering”, the brand says. 

Its ride, handling and stability control tune have all been tailored to specifically match the vehicle’s sporting intentions.

For those who want more dynamically, adaptive dampers and larger Firestorm 20-inch wheels – shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres – are offered optionally as part of a Performance Package, one of two such packs available on the model. The Performance Package sees range fall to 475km (WLTP).

Other standard equipment inclusions include LED headlights with auto high beam, a 12.0-inch infotainment array, 5.3-inch driver display, DAB+ digital radio, four USB-C ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, wireless device charging, a rear roof spoiler, heated and power folding wing mirrors, rear tinted windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and LED ambient interior lighting.

The model is further equipped with keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, aluminium pedals, ‘Seaqual’ sports seats, rain-sensing wipers, securtiy alarm and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, lane assist, front assist, park assist, side assist with rear traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring and seven airbags.

Cupra Australia will further option the model with heated and power adjustable front seats upholstered in Aurora Blue Dinamica with seat heaters and 12-way electric adjustment, heated washer jets, and 395W Beats nine-speaker premium sound system as part of the Interior Package.

Built upon Volkswagen’s MEB dedicated electric architecture, the Cupra Born offers 385 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place (and to window height).

“The Cupra Leon, Formentor and Ateca have been widely praised by Australian and international media for their clear design, performance and technology focus,” said Mr Wilks.

“The Born is a BEV with a long 500km-plus range, exclusive rear-wheel drive hot hatch dynamics, plus the interior space and versatility of a larger vehicle.

“Its specifications are ideal for progressive Australian customers who will also be drawn to pricing similar to our other great hot hatch, the Leon VZx.”