Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Cupra Born review – a good-value and fun electric hatchback

"The Cupra Born is effectively a sportier, more distinctive version of the Volkswagen ID.3"

Carbuyer Rating

4.3 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Price
£34,535 - £47,165

Pros

  • Good to drive
  • Stylish design
  • Respectable range

Cons

  • No frunk
  • Some cheap trim
  • Frustrating controls

Verdict - Is the Cupra Born a good car?

It’s certainly better than the Volkswagen ID.3 on which it is based. In fact, the electric Cupra Born trumps its pricier electric sibling in almost every area. It’s good to drive, without feeling too uncomfortable, plus with a selection of battery and electric motor options there’s plenty of choice. All versions come loaded with standard equipment – even in basic V1 guise – and the interior feels plusher and more upmarket than its German counterpart. The Cupra Born begs the question: why spend more on a Volkswagen? Pick the Born VZ and it’s also an impressive electric hot hatch.

Cupra Born models, specs and alternatives

The Cupra Born was the first all-electric model from the sporty offshoot of SEAT, which has now been joined by the larger Cupra Tavascan. Sharing its platform with the Volkswagen ID.3, the Born is intended as an electric car ‘with attitude’ that aims to take on everything from the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 to smaller, plusher, but still fun-to-drive models like the MINI Cooper.

Longest-range electric carsThe longest-range electric cars on sale today

The Born sits alongside the petrol and hybrid-powered Cupra Leon, which itself rivals Volkswagen Golf-sized family cars like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. The Cupra range currently includes the Formentor and Ateca SUVs, though further electric models are planned in the near future.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Design-wise, the Born has more flair and feels less clinical than the ID.3 by comparison, yet it currently has a slightly lower starting price. Features like copper accents, dramatic LED lighting and 20-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels on top-spec models add some cool to the eco-credentials of electric motoring. Inside, a central display and digital instruments are just as crisp, and the software is marginally better to use than the VW's, even if frustrating touch-sensitive temperature and volume sliders are shared between the two cars.

Three versions of the Born are offered: V1, V2 and V3, while a high-performance VZ does a good job of transforming the Born into a guilt-free hot hatch. Basic models represent the best value for money – but don’t scrimp on kit. You get 18-inch wheels, LED lights front and rear, plus a 12-inch infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster. V2 brings bigger wheels, a head-up display and heated seats, while the V3 gets suede-effect upholstery and a massage function for the seats, plus those aforementioned 20-inch rims.

First confirmed at the Munich Motor Show in September 2023, the Cupra Born VZ gets an impressive 321bhp from its rear-mounted electric motor, while enhanced suspension, brakes and a sporty makeover help it stand out for keen drivers. It’s an impressive transformation that gives the Born VZ the ability to transform from a comfortable daily driver into a surprisingly fun performance car, making it the most desirable Born of the bunch.

Most buyers are likely to choose the 58kWh battery and 201bhp motor, which is the only option on the entry-level Cupra Born V1. Step up to V2 and you can spec the ‘e-Boost’ function, which brings an extra 30bhp and a faster 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds (versus 7.3 in the standard car). V2 and V3 cars are also available with a larger 77kWh battery, boosting range from around 264 miles up to 335 miles, while the VZ gets a 79kWh capacity for a range of up to 372 miles. 

Charging speeds of 125kW, 135kW and 185kW for the 58kWh, 77kWh and 79kWh batteries respectively mean a public charge from 10-80% can be achieved in as little as half an hour or so, while a home charge from a 7kW wallbox is possible overnight.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    150kW V1 58kWh 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £34,535

Most Economical

  • Name
    240kW e-Boost VZ 79kWh 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £44,625

Fastest

  • Name
    240kW e-Boost VZ 79kWh 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • RRP
    £44,625

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Genesis GV60 review – efficient EV SUV with added class
Genesis GV60 SUV
In-depth reviews
1 Nov 2024

Genesis GV60 review – efficient EV SUV with added class

Abarth 600e review – a feisty electric SUV with some drawbacks
Abarth 600e front tracking
In-depth reviews
1 Nov 2024

Abarth 600e review – a feisty electric SUV with some drawbacks

The top 10 best family cars 2024
Best family cars
Best cars
1 Nov 2024

The top 10 best family cars 2024

Hyundai Inster review – the brand’s smallest, most affordable EV
Hyundai Inster front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
1 Nov 2024

Hyundai Inster review – the brand’s smallest, most affordable EV

Have You Considered

Abarth 600e review – a feisty electric SUV with some drawbacks
Abarth 600e front tracking
In-depth reviews
1 Nov 2024

Abarth 600e review – a feisty electric SUV with some drawbacks

MINI Aceman review – a sporty small EV with an upmarket cabin
MINI Aceman tracking
In-depth reviews
29 Oct 2024

MINI Aceman review – a sporty small EV with an upmarket cabin

Most Popular

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!
Carbuyer Car of the Year – Dacia Duster
News
23 Oct 2024

It’s official – the Dacia Duster is the Carbuyer Car of the Year 2025!

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
1 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Best used cars: our 2025 Best Used Car Award winners
Carbuyer best used cars 2025
Best cars
30 Oct 2024

Best used cars: our 2025 Best Used Car Award winners

More on Born

Love your new Cupra Born or your money back
Cupra Born Love Me or Leave Me deal
News
17 Oct 2024

Love your new Cupra Born or your money back

Cupra launches its new ‘Love Me or Leave Me’ deal on the Born, encouraging buyers to try switching to an EV
Best cars for under £300 per month – top 10 in 2024
Cars for 300 a month
Best cars
24 Jul 2024

Best cars for under £300 per month – top 10 in 2024

There should be a new car for everyone for £300 a month – these are the best deals out there
Feistier Cupra Born VZ gets 322bhp and sports suspension – yours for £45k
Cupra Born VZ front quarter
News
18 Jul 2024

Feistier Cupra Born VZ gets 322bhp and sports suspension – yours for £45k

Spain’s hottest electric hatchback is on sale now – meet the £45k Cupra Born VZ
The 10 best hatchbacks to buy in 2024
Best hatchbacks
Best cars
3 Jul 2024

The 10 best hatchbacks to buy in 2024

Hatchbacks are the ideal car for many drivers, with plentiful interior and boot space packaged in a small footprint – these are the best
Top 10 best small electric cars 2024
Best small electric cars
Best cars
31 May 2024

Top 10 best small electric cars 2024

Looking for a compact, zero-emissions car? These are the best small electric cars on sale
Hot car deal: striking Cupra Born EV for just £218 per month
Cupra Born hatchback front 3/4
Deals
16 Apr 2024

Hot car deal: striking Cupra Born EV for just £218 per month

A family EV with a sporty edge: our hot car deal for April 16th is the Cupra Born at just £218 per month
Today’s hot car deal: sporty Cupra Born EV for £288 per month
Cupra Born hatchback
Deals
18 Mar 2024

Today’s hot car deal: sporty Cupra Born EV for £288 per month

The Cupra Born is a well-rounded all-electric hatchback that’s great to drive, and it’s our hot car deal for March 18th at just £288 per month
Top 10 best small company cars 2024
Best small company cars
Best cars
23 Feb 2024

Top 10 best small company cars 2024

Are you after a small company car with equally compact Benefit-in-Kind bills? These 10 cars should be on your shortlist
Skip advert
Advertisement
The best company cars 2024
The best company cars hero
Best cars
8 Jan 2024

The best company cars 2024

With budgets and Benefit in-Kind tax to consider, choosing a company car can be full of pitfalls; we pick out some of the best
MG4 vs Cupra Born – which should you buy?
Hero image
News
6 Oct 2022

MG4 vs Cupra Born – which should you buy?

The electric hatchback segment is developing rapidly; we compare two of the best options available
Kia Sportage gets glowing five-star Euro NCAP safety rating
Kia Sportage - Euro NCAP
News
6 Jul 2022

Kia Sportage gets glowing five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

Euro NCAP’s latest safety tests result in top scores for Kia, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes
New Cupra Born: line-up broadened with faster e-Boost versions
2022 Cupra Born - front 3/4
News
1 Apr 2022

New Cupra Born: line-up broadened with faster e-Boost versions

The electric Cupra Born is now on sale; prices start at £34,715

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024