2023 Cupra Born EV 77kWh 170kW Australia Range Test Handling Charging

[@LudicrousFeed]

Get $$ off your energy bills by switching to Powershop using my unique link: secure.powershop.com.au/r/thomasg-meuyz2P?p=981 My account number: 830426943

[@benpatana7664]

Great overview of the car. Tom is very thorough in his approach and brings up issues that you wouldn't otherwise think of.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Thanks!

[@jasonarcher4150]

Thanks Tom for an honest review on the Born. It is nice to have some variety here in Aus, rather than just another SUV. Any onboard Navigation I have used is usually not that great and would use Waze in preference.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Yeah agreed, the lack of Nav is not a big deal for me as I’m also a fan of Waze as you know 😁

[@MatthewBayard]

I love the Tesla one. So easy to use. And can push from my phone before I leave.

[@17SJS]

Amen - so tired of seeing SUVs. The hatch form factor was the reason I've ordered this over a BYD!

[@gregeden4177]

I use Waze and would even if the Born had inbuilt SatNav. But I was disappointed that the heads up display is missing in Australia.

[@benpatana7664]

@@gregeden4177 Yeah, the HUD would have been nice, I agree.

[@dingbatt]

Having test driven this car, to me its advantages are a vehicle that is smaller than the Model 3/Y (a foot shorter) and it is a hatchback. The range for this size vehicle is impressive and I achieved efficiency that would produce a range in excess of 500km in a mix of urban and motorway driving. So it is a good urban vehicle that still can go “out of town”. The biggest drawback is the “offline” connectivity that VW Group vehicles have in Australia and NZ. When all its competitors, from Mercedes and BMW through Tesla, Ford, Kia and Hyundai, to BYD and MG, do have connectivity, it’s time for VW to up its game. The human/vehicle interface lets the Born down. Both the capacitive controls and UX are poor compared to the competition. There is a tiny space under the boot floor where you could store either a granny charger OR a type 2 cable, but not both. As it doesn’t have a frunk, that means taking up space in the boot. I liked it to drive, but I think its shortcomings (due mainly to VWAG) would frustrate me. Not really a “Hot Hatch” though.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Good summary

[@iain8837]

I have this car (with biggest wheels and tyres) and have just went a trip from CH to DE on holiday, driving it pretty much as efficient as possible. Some autobahn had no speed limit but I kept it 110kph as was busy and my daughter didn’t want to see 160! Plenty urban driving, 80-100 and nice full regen at roundabouts in Germany too. Went from 100% to 11%, 385km with 58km range left, consumption 17kwh/100km. Air con on at 21 deg c, low fan. Temperature most days 23 to 29 deg c (nice Oct here!). Really happy with the range and glad I got the bigger battery. Can’t imagine getting 500km or even more without absolute perfect conditions! Not saying it’s impossible but doesn’t sound that realistic. For me 440km is good summer range, winter ( below freezing here) is prob 100km or more less! But still ok.

[@bowie4759]

Thanks for your video on the Cupra Born. My wife and I test drove one about month ago, while I own a model 3 LR but my wife wanted something smaller and we really like the size and styling of the Born. Unfortunately while driving the Born we both kept touching the steering wheel controls accidentally. Which was very frustrating. And other things we weren't aware of until we spoke to the dealer were there isn't any satnav and the servicing is expensive. So my wife decided she would wait for the undated model 3 to come out even if it's a little bigger than the Born.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Good choice with the updated 3 Yes as you saw in my review, I commented that my hand kept nudging the volume control on the right hand side of the steering wheel and I don’t have big hands!

[@ad_fletch]

Sheesh it’s like the pod that digs into your knee in a Polestar. You wonder how such things got approved for production….

[@WarrenWilliams3112]

Great review Tom. A great level headed review. A good level of depth and details. Ive ordered a born, which is current sitting in a queue of 21 vehicle carrying vessels off Port Kembla. I agree GPS not a big issue. The lack of connectivity is really a major disappointment.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Shame really, otherwise a lot of the software could be excused knowing there is the potential of future OTA updates

[@davec110]

Been a new brand the pricing should reflect the no frills nature of the car. Pretty sure the MG4 and Dolphin with its $40k+ pricing will make this car unappealing. Comparing it with the similarly priced Model 3 just make the car more embarrassing to call it a hot hatch.

[@malcolmstreet1]

Spec the MG4 up to Born standards and the difference is under $5k. Then sit in both - there is no comparison - the Born interior is a way nicer place to be.

[@hartoz]

The lack of connectivity is a real pain, and will have a knock on effect on sales. The Cupra is a nice-looking car, but it appears to half-baked with so much functionality not being available for the Australian market. For the price there are far more capable vehicles available even in Australia, I think the Tesla model Y would be a better bet if you paid the little extra, and if you spent a little less, the BYD Atto 3 would be a good choice. Handling looks good, the lack of a LFP battery is a shame. Basically VAG have managed to make the Cupra Born a flawed platform for Australia.

[@ralt61]

Yeah lack of connectivity is the thing that pushed me towards a model 3 rather than this car. All the connectivity features available in Europe are supposed to be coming to Australian Borns down the track. But you would be pretty annoyed as an early adopter purchaser if the earlier sold cars weren't able to be retrofitted with these features!

[@user-qx7ys5xl9t]

Looks way better than a Model 3 in my opinion. Better handling and ride as well but too heavy to be a true hot hatch. Interesting alternative to a Model 3 if you can live with some of the short comings. Good range , charging speeds and reasonable efficiency.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Good summary

[@malcolmstreet1]

Yes it's a good overview of the car. I have one on order and am frustrated by the poor software and connectivity, but not enough for me not to be able to live with it.

[@yggdrasil9039]

Love these extensive reviews Tom. Did exactly the same thing at 18:50 watching a rapid charger drift up to 125kW then down to 90kW charging a Polestar 2 (which btw has a pretty good route planner for identifying charging stations - I didn't like ABRP that much, not very intuitive) which took similarly about 20-25 minutes to get to 80 per cent. Something very satisfying about watching the dial and charge state gradually head up. 25:50 Great views through the windscreen and driving experience. Very nice!

[@LudicrousFeed]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes I don’t mind the Polestar interface

[@beezylife]

I would pick the Tesla M3 over this car.

[@pandasleepingzzz]

I wish Tesla's had Android Auto

[@hargeaux]

Why's that? I'm starting to really dislike the stripped back interior of Tesla. This feels like a proper car, no? What's your reasons for picking an M3 over this? Cheers

[@beezylife]

@@hargeaux the Born just felt a bit inferior compared to the M3 - smaller boot, no frunk, no glass roof (styling), less energy efficient, interior is meh (nothing to crow about), lower performance. Not to mention, the Born is still new and owner community support will limited.

[@hargeaux]

@@beezylife thanks for that break down, makes sense. It seemed from this video the energy efficiency was on par or slightly better than an M3? What energy efficiency do you see on the M3's? Seeing 157Wh/km is as low as it gets, right?

[@mickzed6393]

Nice work Tom. Interesting comparison with M3. Nicer interior than M3 and its handy being a hatch. Nice charging speed and its RWD. But range doesn't stack up that well, given it's largish 77kwh battery, which also makes it very heavy for a compact car. Has appeal, but not on my shopping list.

[@geoffreyjones6019]

Excellent and balanced review, thanks Tom. I collected my Born last week, the 58 kWh version, which I appreciate isn’t available in Australia. Have to say I love it, first ev I’ve owned and couldn’t be happier, the M3 is great but it’s too big for me - I live in Cornwall with lots of narrow, bendy lanes! I also prefer a hatchback. The only thing I wouldn’t be pleased about is the lack of connectivity, I don’t understand why that isn’t available in Australia, VW group really need to sort that out.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Great to hear! Would be a great sized car for those tight turns! Enjoy 🙏

[@joshd793]

Amazing in-depth review of the Cupra Born, good car just missing a lot of features!

[@gregeden4177]

Thanks Tom, I have a Born. The best bit was finding out I can use Tesla wall chargers. That little gem could be handy at a motel or camping area. Plus I now know what to expect at a ChargeFox charger. So far I have only driven in and around Melbourne and have exclusively charged on my home Tesion wall box. I have done a couple of weekend drives into the countryside with plenty of range for the round trip.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Glad you're enjoying it!

[@Porkonfork]

Thanks Tom, whilst calling the kWh charging l didn’t know if l was at an auction or at bingo lol😂

[@LudicrousFeed]

SOLD! to the highest charge rate 🤑

[@graememills7778]

Good review Tom, looking at the vehicle it seems like a good option if you like hot hatches, half those menu settings / UI I had in a Tiguan R so if you’re use to the VW/ Audi hot hatch family and looking for an EV, this car is probably a super easy transition. Also the fact they leave key features out that are available in other markets is disappointing however no surprise with the VW family.

[@LudicrousFeed]

If it had the full functionality of European releases then I think a lot of people would be looking twice!

[@desiii420]

this is price is comparable to telsa model 3 - supercharging network, lane centering, software, app, 100-km more range, more space- it's no competition which to pick. we want compeittion but value for money for consumers.

[@malcolmstreet1]

I bought a Born instead of a Tesla M3 because: I need a hatchback, the Model 3 is too big, I can't stand the Tesla control and instrumentation layout and regard it as downright dangerous, I don't like the Apple-like locked down environment, I don't do enough country driving for the Supercharger network to be a major factor, while I'd like the software to be more mature there's nothing in there I actually need. BTW, as he shows the Born's range is actually slightly longer than that of the M3.

[@desiii420]

then that's great to hear that it's connecting with consumer needs. there's always space for all types. @@malcolmstreet1

[@michaelharrington9966]

Thanks Tom another brilliant real life review. Must admit, I was surprised how good the traffic was for inner Sydney around 7am. Living in Brisbane, it appears the traffic congestion is worse in Brisbane. Thanks for your hard work for the ev community.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙏 Believe me traffic in Sydney gets worse with each passing minute past 7am 😆

[@MatthewBayard]

Missing too many features for the price. Lane centering , independent connectivity and one pedal mode.

[@hughdevaux2994]

Wife and I tried one and ordered one. Why not a Atto 3, M3, or a Y? None of those are in the small EV category. Why not a MG4, Dolphin or Ora Cat? Wanted to be able to test the car and get one this year (MG dealership told us that it would be end of 2023/early 2024 for delivery, Dolphin still not announced AFAIK) Connectivity ? Yes a bummer but not the end of the world for what is going to be a 80% urban drive Lack of satNav etc? I would rather take CarPlay/Android Auto instead of a poor satNav (Tesla excepted) Acceleration? Good enough Less tech is a good thing for non tech focused drivers. End result is a small EV that will be a no frill daily driver able to do the occasional longer trip and charge home in most cases. All those might only fit our individual circumstances but I would bet that a lot of potential customers would take a hatch EV from the VW group instead of Ora/GWM or even MG even if it means some compromise. Thanks Tom for showing us the car (bonus points for the local drive and local sport field parking) Just a note battery warranty is 8 years/160k kms

[@LudicrousFeed]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts I think we’re close with BYD Dolphin orders - possibly Q3 2023 We’re also close to MG4 officially launching Great to have more affordable options for the Aus market 👍

[@bshah4831]

In the UK we do the option for scheduled charging. I have 77kw Cupra Born and we have the option for the 20 inch Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres which improves handling but hits range.

[@satay8167]

MG4 is better value for a hot hatch. Basically you are paying for more lithium for such a big battery and therefore heavier.

[@LudicrousFeed]

I'm looking forward to reviewing the MG4 later in 2023 also

[@MarksElectricLife]

Nice review Tom! 👍 7 sec isn’t exactly “hot” for an EV hatch. Too many things missing to choose this over the Model 3, IMO.

[@LudicrousFeed]

The lack of scheduled charging would frustrate me the most

[@hargeaux]

​@@LudicrousFeed Don't people use Zappi chargers?

[@LudicrousFeed]

@@hargeaux You’d have to rely on a EVSE with scheduled charging capability or perhaps smart charging software like ChargeHQ

[@hargeaux]

@@LudicrousFeed yer, most of my installs have been with the Zappi charger - comes with a CT for only charging off excess solar and has full app access to allow scheduling and other settings. Not an ad, btw, just surprised people would rely on the scheduling in the car. Love your videos by the way Tom! Thanks!

[@oliver_mendi]

Great video! Please try the BMW i7, would love to see a review of that beast ;)

[@LudicrousFeed]

I’ll see what I can do

[@baljeetd]

Excellent review. Great hot hatch option. Lack of the fifth seat for some configurations is annoying.

[@LudicrousFeed]

My understanding is that the stock car without either interior or performance packs are 5-seats

[@jimmyjamesred]

We had one on order. Tested it and were very unimpressed. Felt it was quite plasticy, and no connectivity was quite a short fall. Cancelled the order and got a Mini SE instead. You should review one of those on your channel. Real go kart!

[@LudicrousFeed]

I did a brief walkaround a couple of years ago: MINI ELECTRIC CAR 2021 Australia Review and Test Drive | Tesla Tom kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2PWkIxmrduNicU

[@malcolmstreet1]

Two very different cars - the Mini range is too small for most EV buyers

[@r8grob]

Hi Tom, Great review and run through the cars controls. We chose this car knowing the shortfalls you mentioned but we liked the build quality and the look. It doesn't look like an EV and is nicer looking than the VW ID3. It is heavy also compared with the Tesla 3 and the MG4 LR. Our car is just awaiting the dealer delivery process. My wife will use this video to review the setup and control process.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Awesome! I’m glad you found the video helpful Enjoy!

[@iain8837]

30:44 Please learn how EVs function, D/B, D is regen when pressing the brake pedal, B is regen when lifting off the accelerator, mechanical brakes are used when pressing the brake pedal much harder in either mode. So you were using regen all along in D mode. And Cupra do not advertise this car as a Hot Hatch in anyway, only journalist refer to it as such.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Cheers I worked it out eventually 🥂 Apart from a few shortfalls, it's a great little car otherwise

[@phillipgrimm6896]

Thanks, Tom for a great review as always. I think this car is a very good alternative for anyone not wanting to buy a Tesla

[@LudicrousFeed]

Good point

[@jansenwilder1335]

Yes.. built quality of Tesla is average to poor.. they have advanced software features but yet Phantom braking happens to the Tesla cars..

[@pandasleepingzzz]

I feel the Kia or Hyundai would be better picks than the Cupra

[@MrJohnjake]

i had a test drive at the fully charged show and it was great really happy with it, if i wanted a hot hatch

[@LudicrousFeed]

Nice! Did you get to try out any of the infotainment features?

[@MrJohnjake]

@@LudicrousFeed no unfortunately i didn't, was too busy having fun and taking care of the car.

[@Schaneification]

Cupra Born is a ID3 with a New Skin . even built on the same line . It also cost more than a tesla model 3 and the model 3 is bigger and has better range

[@jimdonaldson64]

Thanks tom, nice car but still would not swap mod 3 or y for it; and I see they are opening a show room in Hobart for cupra.👍

[@robochan0970]

No app, no remote cooling / heating - dealbreaker. What a shame. Its a great looking car. Sat in one at the Fully Charged show in Sydney and really liked it. I love the look of the Tavascan too, but if Cupra are going to keep making poor decisions for the Aus market then forget it.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Agreed. We need Cupra/VAG to bring the full package from Europe

[@tlmoller]

Great detailed review!

[@LudicrousFeed]

Thanks!

[@tonyhove981]

Tom thanks for a great work... I had been a VWAG purchaser owing Jetta, Tiguans, Amarok and eventually Q5... so this car i was really excited to find out info as i consider my second ev. Currently have MY and didn't really want M3 but my have no choice. VWAG are really dropping the ball here with the compromised packaging on the tech side. This will hurt their reputation and move customers onto better packaged evees. So disappointed they chose to ignored competition and stuck with the ice formula.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Indeed there are a few limitations that would frustrate potential buyers particularly when it comes to software and connectivity

[@jamieplatt8422]

Acceleration test still made you smile I note 😅

[@LudicrousFeed]

😁

[@vijgai3]

Good looking little car. I can forgive navigation as I use Waze primarily but no connectivity is a big miss. Plus low regen & no one pedal driving.

[@LudicrousFeed]

The initial part of brake pedal usage is regen until a threshold is reached before the friction part kicks in

[@SS-yw7vo]

Why no connectivity? Who was the genius that said that will get the buyers kicking our door down?

[@LudicrousFeed]

Yes that's probably the most disappointing thing about an otherwise decent EV

[@timgriffinau]

Interesting they took the sat nav out. The main complaint of the VW ID.3 seemed to be the sluggish interface which this must also be based on and one of the hacks I saw was to take the sat nav off one of the settings (presumably so it wasn't running in the background) so maybe this is a work around to make the interface more responsive.

[@LudicrousFeed]

The infotainment responsiveness during my test wasn’t TOO bad, it wasn’t perfect either though 🤷

[@malcolmstreet1]

I drove an ID.3 hire car in the UK for three weeks in May, and didn't have nearly the problems with the infotainment and control interface that I'd expected.

[@peterhegarty5469]

Good review thanks Tom. It is a great drive, nippier and better turning circle than the Tesla M3, but still a few bugs to be ironed out IMHO.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Agreed

[@SickocrowAU]

Almost every EV car review I've watched there is always the dreaded "will this charger work?" moment. That chargers malfunction or simply break is a huge hold out for me. Chargers should be bulletproof by now.

[@LudicrousFeed]

It’s the reality of non-Tesla DC charger reliability anxiety in 2023 unfortunately

[@paulmcfawn]

Very good review Tom, getting better with every one you do now. Re the Born is it fitted with a heat pump system? I assume not in Au? In the UK its listed as an option for the Born at over £900 extra

[@LudicrousFeed]

Thanks! I’m starting to get into a groove with these reviews - glad you’re enjoying them 🙏😃 According to the zecar article, yes heat pump is included: zecar.com/details/CUPRA-Born/77-kWh/tracker?id=3604cb7e-00f6-11ec-9907-c018856cac80

[@paulmcfawn]

@@LudicrousFeed Thanks Tom I couldn't find the answer, Cupra Au don't mention it in the brochure for the Born - much appreciated. Paul

[@Aaronkt]

I like the packaging/size of the Cupra , I don't need a Model 3 sized car. But it's 1927kg for the 5 seat & 1927kg for the 4 seat , the Model 3 is 1752kg. My 2003 V8 VY one Tonner is 1840kg The Cupra also seems to be a bit behind in features that the Teslas have that I wish I had on the Livewire , I.E the control you have over the charging & general connectivity. For me the M3 is still at the top of the list of cars that will be replacing my ICE car

[@LudicrousFeed]

This is where the supposed smaller Tesla would be a great option!

[@Aaronkt]

@@LudicrousFeed Yes , hopefully that car makes it to RHD markets

[@ad_fletch]

It’s ironic - lots of ppl wait for a decent compact EV, then they give us one with only a massive battery that makes it too heavy. Range would still be decent with 58kWh. Just odd.

[@zagan1]

I am thinking of buying this car. Pretty expensive though it is the top tier model with on rims and interior as options. Everything else is in the car which is the same as a 77kw v3 trim in UK, Europe. $66, 000 base or $69000 fully upgraded. Drive away.

[@hartoz]

Spend the extra for a model Y, or save a little cash and got for the Atto 3.

[@geoffreyjones6019]

@@hartoz Depends what size of car he wants, I found the MY and Atto 3 too large, though I wouldn’t be happy with the lack of connectivity, I don’t understand why that’s not available in Australia.

[@markeaton6734]

Wow for the price of the car there seem to be a lot of "doesn't includes" that would make it almost impossible to pick this over a model 3.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Unfortunately that seems to be the case

[@robertn915]

Can you do software updates via your mobile phone? That would be a small saving grace. You could get a 4/5G dongle and use it elsewhere as well.

[@LudicrousFeed]

No. There’s no connectivity full stop at this stage until further notice from VWAG

[@robertn915]

No even Bluetooth. Well as a technophile then it's a hard pass then.

[@malcolmstreet1]

No, for the time being you'll have to go back to the dealer to get software upgrades.

[@andrewmullen4003]

But what was the actual range?

[@YTuberosity]

What's up with that start stop button. Terrible placement, and it doesn't even need to be used.

[@LudicrousFeed]

I guess it’s useful for those who want absolutely NO phantom drain (or close to it) when they leave their EV

[@manya3084a]

Wow, all that money and you are limited by a lot of missing features. Also, the settings on the display just look like a modified Android ROM

[@LudicrousFeed]

Yeah the software leaves a lot to be desired unfortunately

[@TassieEV]

That's crazy for the price they are selling it at no OTA or internet connection so means what no App either. Never mind no Sat Nav or lane keep assist very poor of Cupra. It could hurt them in sales or people may return it within a month of purchase or do a test drive and that will be it and jump to the competition. What software version is it since it's VW really is it 3.x or higher? Happy you've covered off on things that other reviews didn't even touch upon. Makes me worried about the Tavascan being hobbled by Cupra Australia and not giving us anywhere near the features but charge us the same price as other markets that get the features.

[@LudicrousFeed]

I try to be fair and find the best bits out of each car but I have to be honest also and tell you the shortfalls and how it would affect my daily drive

[@TassieEV]

@@LudicrousFeed I liked your review I'm not happy with Cupra Australia though. But another question and not sure if you did a night test drive but does it have matrix led headlights like the ID.3 has?

[@LudicrousFeed]

@@TassieEV Hmm I did do some night driving but can’t recall to be sure

[@hughdevaux2994]

@@TassieEV Doesn't seem the Cupra has it (at least based on European model) : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZPYk6imlNJ5aMk

[@jansenwilder1335]

Is the software running on the same platform as VW EV's ? The Born is a direct challenge against Atto3, Kona Ev , kia Niro, Id3, Mazda Mx-30,many choices. The Born is not meant to go against the model 3 .

[@LudicrousFeed]

Looks pretty similar to the ID3 screen from what I’ve seen online It’s natural to compare it to the current highest selling EV brand in Australia

[@hal3137]

Thanks Tom looks a nice package , what are they charging for the scheduled services.

[@LudicrousFeed]

Scheduled servicing 15000km/12m requirement $990 for 3 years or $1590 for 5 years

[@pandasleepingzzz]

​@@LudicrousFeed very reasonable cost

[@samj4348]

Was the ~500km range based on mostly 100km/h freeway speed the entire time? I've got an order in for a Born. The MG4 77kwh looks like a great car too but pricing was too close to the Born, and they still haven't announced the dealer delivery cost

[@LudicrousFeed]

I estimated 20% freeway at 100kph with the remaining in usual urban conditions

[@robski187]

RWD? FWD?

[@LudicrousFeed]

RWD

[@ianburnett4605]

Android auto connection is wired or wireless?

[@LudicrousFeed]

Wired only currently in Aus for both Apple/Android

[@terrancerush5072]

Hi is this the V3 or V2

[@LudicrousFeed]

Fairly certain it’s v3 …

[@digitaldreamer8637]

Look great. But it drives like an overweight pig. Feels so heavy. The suspension can barely handle the weight. The rear axle is at its limit. Avoid.

[@LudicrousFeed]

It’s a lot of battery for the size of this car

[@pmacgowan]

EV don't have engines, they have Motors :-(, Sad that can't get that small thing right, otherwise nice car

[@LudicrousFeed]

Ikr

[@pkerry12]

Buy a tesla is the only ev in Australia that is worth it.

[@markeaton6734]

While I do have a Tesla M3 and about to get receive my Y, I think the Kia and Hyundai are also good, just too much hassle to get with their stupid lotteries.

[@pkerry12]

@@markeaton6734 welcome to a left hand drive market where car manufacturers don’t care.

[@naresh2070]

ONLY TESLA.. DON'T BUY THIS EV

[@jansenwilder1335]

Only Tesla..? State your pros about it vs this "Born".

[@pandasleepingzzz]

The price seems high for such a lackluster infotainment system