2023 Cupra Born Review | Rear-drive EV brings long range and smart design, but it’s no hot hatch

[@iain8837]

8:10 That’s because pressing he brake pedal activates regen, that’s why it’s a different feel. Mechanical brakes are only used with a harder press of pedal, regardless of the drive mode.

[@stephenwhitworth7701]

Great review Sam. I like the fact you were considered in praise and criticism. I don't get why established auto manufacturers have been so slow to hear criticism around screen based operation vs physical buttons and dials, to me it's a no brainer. I marked the Cupra down on that point. The absence of regen paddles was also a negative for me. Worst still is the total absence of a spare. I recently shredded a Pilot Plus four when a piece of concrete from a truck in front of me went under the wheel. If I had had to wait for a service support vehicle it would have been a long wait. Goop doesn't seal a shredded tyre. It's almost like car firms are trying to tell us that the real world does not exist. I am in the market for an EV; the Cupra Born was up there on my list, it isn't now. Are you listening Cupra? Oh and by the way, thanks for a great review Sam.

[@gesp5151]

The stated DC charging performance is 5-80% in 35 minutes on a 58(62) battery. So 75% of 58 is 43.5 so in 35 minutes it needs to average 75kwh over that range. The best I’ve ever achieved was 72 on ionity once - all this has been scheduled out to Listers and VWs solicitors in detail and none of my figures have ever been challenged at all! Not anything. Not one charge, one number: nothing. It simply doesn’t perform ever at that stated level. In contrast my BMW i4 just hits the numbers ever single time.

[@WarrenWilliams3112]

A number of facts incorrect, including no Sat Nav. 5th seat also lost with interior pack.

[@luckyluke95]

Beautiful car 😍😍😍

[@Neojhun]

Seems like VW knee capped this car soo it would not overshadow all their other products. This platform could easily be pumped up with more power just to the rear wheels and better tuning of driver handling feel. But I doubt any legacy automaker is willing to make a proper RWD Electric Hot Hatch. It would show the flaws of the past products.

[@kiwiramjet5625]

A “growl” with an EV?! I might be too much of a newbie, but I’d never expect a growl from an EV 🤔

[@gesp5151]

Even has a very unexplained and random battery safe mode to kill off any prospects of charging overnight on low tariffs reliably. Mine half charged on AC 75/80% of the charges. Utterly useless

[@electricdiesel1993]

What's the point for Cupra so-called rwd electric hatchback when it comes to cheaper fwd hatchbacks and SUV plus 4wd? 170kw is not much being a sport hot hatch with electrics.

[@Neojhun]

Ewww FWD Transverse mounted 4Banger is soo inferior to RWD Electric. Nice stuff ain't cheap.

[@electricdiesel1993]

@@Neojhun Look at the rear wheels behind the plastic hubcaps, drum brakes! I really don't understand this electric hatch regressed with drum brakes not only put off by complex mechanics, steel is very heavy, brakes shoes burning up at risk of dangerous braking and baneful repair costs it needs to be investigated by the ADR.

[@digitaldreamer8637]

2000kg! It would handle like a pig. Sorry.

[@MrTonifumi]

Vw has ditched those stupid window switches for their newer models. Dumb design from Germans who should know better. Same with capicative touch buttons on steering wheel on Golf

[@annakharuk6448]

$60k for a hatch? Okay, $54k here in Qld, but still. The award winning EV6? Awarded by who? Self-proclaimed? I totally support the movement towards EVs in general, but this car is a joke for the asking price

[@jay-uo2bi]

A Golf GTI is also $60k.....