Cupra, the Spanish performance brand that is part of the Volkswagen Group and that recently announced that it will launch a presence into Australia, has unveiled its first all-electric vehicle (EV) – a battery-powered hatchback called the Born.

Based on VW’s MEB modular electric vehicle platform – that is also used as the foundation for VW Group vehicles including the VW ID.3 – the Born is to be in four variants.

The entry-level model delivers 110kW and 310Nm, with energy coming from 45kWh battery. Range (WLTP) is 340km and 100km/h is reached in 8.9 seconds. Two mid-range models share a 58kWh battery set-up, with one delivering 150kW and 310Nm, a range of 420km and a 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds, while the other gets an e-Boost system that ups the power to 170kW and delivers a 6.6 seconds 0-100km/h sprint.

The top model receives a 77kWh battery delivering 540km of range, offers 170kW with e-Boost, has 310Nm of torque and reaches 100km/h in seven seconds.

The powertrain uses a 16,000rpm permanent magnet synchronous motor, integrated above the rear axle. Torque is transferred across the rear axle using a single-speed transmission with differential.

Fast recharging (125kW) is possible, with 100km of range delivered in as little as seven minutes in the 77kWh model. The battery can be recharged from 5 per cent to 80 per cent in 35 minutes. The Born is compatible with both AC and DC charging networks, and customers can have a Cupra-branded wallbox installed at home, controlled via the ‘Cupra Easy Charging’ smartphone application.

The underpinnings include a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear design, and ride comfort and handling is enhanced with optional Dynamic Chassis Control – enabling the driver to tune the damper and shock absorber settings across four modes – Range, Comfort, Individual or CUPRA.
In addition to 215mm-wide tyres available – on a range of alloy wheels between 18 and 20-inch – the Born will also be available with a 235mm-wide tyre.
In line with its CO2-neutral and eco-friendly mantra, Cupra has upholstered the interior with a range of materials, including an upcycled marine plastic yarn called SEAQUAL.

Up front is a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen that is standard on all models, and the layout includes a high centre console which combines connectivity points with a large storage capacity. The touchscreen display is the point at which the driver can access online services, downloadable apps, and safety and service features.

The infotainment system can display a range of data and information including 3D navigation, music, contacts, vehicle settings and driving data, as well as a host of additional functions.

The Wireless Full Link system means the infotainment system can be connected to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A new ‘Cupra Connect smartphone app is also available. Through the app, online services are available and remote access is provided to the car. Customers can view battery status, schedule and manage charging from the app.

The Qi standard protocol inductive charging for mobile devices is available.

The Born’s augmented reality head-up display projects driving information onto the windscreen, and appears layered over the real world. Displayed data includes driver assistance indicators, vehicle speed and navigation commands.

Safety and convenience systems abound in the Born.

These include Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist, Side and Exit Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Emergency Assist and Pre-Crash Assist. Visual warnings are displayed in the driver’s line of sight via the augmented reality head-up display system.

Additional systems include; High Beam Assist, a Top View Camera which gives a 360-degree view of the vehicle, and Intelligent Park Assist, which will automatically park the vehicle.

While the Cupra brand is set to launch in Australia in 2022, there is no word yet as to whether the Born will make its way here. One hopes that as Australia catches up with Europe in the EV uptake game, that will happen.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (June 2021) 

15 June 2021