Electrician with verve – Cupra Born e-boost

Cupra Born is one of the most attractive electric models on the Polish market. We checked to see if it has anything else to offer apart from a hot and angry look.

The name Cupra has been used by SEAT since 1996 to distinguish the sports variants in the range. 22 years later, to the surprise of many, it was released as a separate sub-brand within SEAT. At the same time, his thoughts have been changed, because under the name Cupra not only the fastest SEAT variants are offered, but also the most common models in technical terms, but they wear an attractive and powerful form. First, the Ateca appeared in the Cupra range, followed by the Cupra Leon and Formentor. The first electrical specialist offered under this brand is born.

Lightning by sight

The Cupra Born was created on the basis of the MEB floor panel dedicated to electric vehicles and is technically closely related to the previous Volkswagen ID.3 model. Both models, with the same technology and the same interior design, have, for example, identical doors. This is not surprising. This is one of the most difficult and expensive parts of a car to create. The Spanish brand’s Electrician looks a bit like a road-going prototype in the early design phase. Due to the short bonnet and high body (154 cm), it brings a connection with small minivans. A distinctive feature of the car is the rear drive and rear axle drive unit with a continuously variable transmission. Fortunately, these things do not significantly reduce the use of the car. The luggage compartment has an acceptable capacity of 385 l, which is four times larger when the backrests are folded down.

A timeless interior

If the appearance of body paint really evokes gratitude, then sitting in the cabin, we begin to feel some satisfaction. The practical dashboard is very similar to the one found in the ID.3 model. The number of buttons and buttons in the cabin is reduced to a minimum. There are two displays in the cabinet. The bit is placed on the operating column and adjusted along with it. A similar display behind the steering wheel and a wire lever shift to control the drive and direction of travel can be found in the ID.3. The multimedia system screen and some buttons are also the same. Of course, there was also the option of volume control. The Cupra logo appeared naturally on the steering wheel, which is similar in shape, but also two round buttons under the arms, which can be used to change driving modes. In contrast, and in our best opinion, the console between the seats, which in the Cupra is higher, more spacious and can be covered with a large aesthetic roller blind. The biggest annoyance is the operation of the multimedia system, which is not very intuitive. In addition, the buttons on the steering wheel and under the central display work easily – it is difficult to feel and look correct. Passengers of the Birth model will not complain about the lack of space. There is plenty of headroom and width in the back seat as well. Traction batteries are placed on the floor between the axles, so as with other electrics, the floor is slightly higher than combustion models.

Fast forward

Cupra offers the Borna in one of two sets of traction batteries with a net capacity of 58 or 77 kWh. They use power units with a power of 204 or 231 hp. In the tested variant with a large set of batteries, we have only the most powerful unit available. Compared to its domestic counterparts, the Cupra’s performance is impressive. Maximum torque is available as soon as the accelerator pedal is pressed. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in more than seven seconds. Enthusiastic acceleration is cooled by electronics. We will not go faster than 160 km / h. The recovery system works efficiently. With a little practice, we can use the brakes to stop the car regularly, which will have a beneficial effect on the battery charge level and the durability of the brake pads and discs. Rear-wheel drive has a huge advantage in urban traffic. The lack of additional drive components on the front axle allows the turning of a large wheel. Therefore, Born provides a turning circle between the nearest roads and half a meter short for city cars. In urban driving, the advantage is also a very good view from behind the steering wheel, thanks to the narrow pillars. We can also rely on the good support of sensors and cameras.

There is no denying that for existing users of combustion models, the Born switch can be a shock. The difference in handling, handling and performance is so great that users will have to change their behavior. But once they get used to the Cupra, the original combustion models may seem old to them. The Cupra can be praised for its precise steering and confident and stable cornering. And this despite the upper body. This characteristic of the car is the result of good weight distribution and placing the heavy battery flat on the chassis and a very stiff suspension adjustment. The comfort of horizontal compression suffers a little, which we can describe as average. Driving pleasure can last for a long time, as the actual range in winter conditions exceeds 340 km. It enjoys a high charge power, which reaches 135 kW. Thanks to that, we can charge our car in less than 33 minutes in good conditions. This is different. At the IONITY station on the A2 road, at a charging point with a power of 350 kW, the Cupra was charged with a maximum power of 60 kW.

Cheaper than a twin

The Electric Cupra, like competing models, is not bargain priced. The price list starts from PLN 187.8 thousand. PLN, but the presented variant of the electronic amplifier with a large set of batteries costs at least PLN 220,600. Twin ID.3 is more than 10 thousand. PLN more expensive compared to the model with a small set of batteries and about 24 thousand. PLN, when we compare the variant with batteries with a capacity of 77 kWh. In fact, Volkswagen left the most advanced technology for its design, eg a strip of light diodes for identification placed in the hole. It serves as an additional communication between the driver and the car, inside and outside the car. The Cupra has the same performance as the ID.3, but at the same time it has more style and character. And this can be important for many customers. But but. Let’s not forget that we still have other competitors. And among them is, for example, the Tesla Model 3, which, costing up to a thousand zlotys less than the test Born e-boost, is bigger, faster, has a bigger range and is more attractive. The Cupra can beat it mainly in build quality, financing options and a more reliable service network. The Born comes with a standard two-year warranty, but the traction batteries have an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty. e.g. During this period, the manufacturer guarantees that the battery capacity will not fall below 70% on the day of purchase.