Cupra Born 77 kWh – TEST. There are problems, but this car is “some”

The concept of a compact electric car is absolutely correct when it comes to this type of car. This is the most popular segment and potentially the best sales opportunity. Although I personally believe that electric cars are the best in the city, basically the basis of the electrification should be C-segment cars that are versatile, practical and unique – like the Cupra Born 77 kWh.

Why the Spanish proposal and not, for example, a semi-detached house from Volkswagen?

Cupra Born 77 kWh – TEST. This car will not leave anyone indifferent

While the visual identity of Volkswagen’s ID line worked well in the ID.Buzz prototype, the 3, 4 and 5 models, which currently form the basis of the range, are… completely useless. Yes, you may like them, but they are definitely the same as Golf. Maybe that’s a good thing, because a lot of futurism doesn’t make sense. On the other hand, just like the looks, these cars are quite smooth in all other aspects as well.

Cupra Born 77 kWh, which is structurally the same, has several advantages.

Yes, one of them is visible. As a matter of fact, I try not to focus on the dimensions, but many people are surprised by this model. A sporty hatchback, with big wheels, can make the right impression. Mainly in the natural color of turquoise and sea, with bronze inserts.

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I am also very happy that individual style also found its way into the interior. Although the concept is similar to the Volkswagen, the Cupra is more interesting. A slightly different design of the central console, beautiful materials at the front of the car and blue Alcantara they create very pleasant interiors that are comfortable to sit in.

You can also sit comfortably because of the armchairs, which are very nice. They are comfortable, hold well in the corner, have heating and massage.

The multimedia system also looks better. It will be quite ergonomic and pleasant, if not for the terrible speed of operation. Switching between functions takes a long time. So much so that you’ll be able to click on the selected tile twice more “because you probably missed it the first time”. There is drama! This is, for example, the only option to reset the on-board computer or dig into the car settings.

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Fortunately, the buttons for changing driving modes were placed on the steering wheel. At least you don’t have to deal with it. And some will be taken care of by Apple CarPlay / Android Auto. As long as it starts, because it’s not too fast either.

Fortunately, the interior of the Cupra is free of problems. The driving position is good, there are storage compartments and space is good. Also in the back, although I do not understand why it is impossible to order a five-seat version in such a “high” condition.. Well, this fifth seat is only an emergency, but it would be nice to have that option. It is available, but in less equipped cars.

It runs the same, but better

231 KM, 310 Nm and 7 seconds to 100 km/h. This is enough to make the Cupra Born 77 kWh a hotchat, at least on paper.

Admittedly, it’s not good, although I won’t deny the Cupra’s dynamics. It accelerates to the speed limit in Poland very quickly, clearly showing the difference between the driving settings.

However, like most electric cars, it does not encourage fast driving. Yes, it “connects” and you can feel the difference compared to a combustion car, but it doesn’t offer a very sporty experience.

However, it is perfect for everyday use as an agile and powerful hatchback. It can do a lot, and the recovery system works quite well.

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A bigger battery means more weight, but also a longer range. 550 km available according to technical data. And yes, if you try hard and the conditions are good, you will travel for a long time. But, Cupra Born 77 kWh is very sensitive to them.

It can achieve results under 15 kWh and close to 30 kWh in the city, and in the same way. It was the same during test driving outside the city – the differences were huge.

But in general, okay. 400 kilometers between charges is a cheap and decent result.

Has something changed here?

The sporty character of the Cupra Born is very clear. But has something changed here apart from fashion? Yes, the suspension seems to be more difficult, but fear over short bumps is due to the twenty inch rims and sports tires. These were very worn. So it was difficult to get 100% of the car’s capacity.

However, just like during the first drives, I have the impression that the car is more difficult and responds more willingly to the driver’s commands. At the same time, it is really agile, thanks to the rear drive and the large angle of the front wheels.

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How much for these wonders?

PLN 232,000 without subsidies and without the package of options that the test car was equipped with. Hey, they increase the price to 260 – 270 thousand. zlotys. A lot, considering the competition prices. Maybe on Kona Electric? It’s cheaper. Maybe less equipped (it’s all here), but the bigger Ioniq 5? The same amount. Or Megane E-Tech, for example? It’s also cheap (although it has a limited range).

The problem is that there are few direct competitors, ie hard electric cars. Most of them are … in that concern.

Cupra Born 77 kWh – overview and comments

Yes, this is the most interesting, or one of the most interesting, compact “electric”. Because it is. Because it stands outside, I love it and it runs perfectly. Is it better? I doubt it. It has great multimedia and more weather sensitivity than I expected. Moreover, despite the rich basic equipment, it is not cheap at all – add-ons are expensive. So the popularity will depend on the financing of the car. Because “by eye” Cupra can take a large part of the market.