The Born Ultimatum - is Cupra's new all electric hot hatch better than the ID.3?

[@princekareem]

Watching this on a massive lag because this car has only just become available in Australia. Cupra really broke your heart with this one!

[@fsr170409]

Great honest review, thanks for posting.

[@RedBatteryHead]

I got one. Fully in love with it. Sporty enough en good comfort. 7 plus seconds is way good enough to have 95% of cars eat your rubber. Super good seats and very silent interior. We in NL got more trim levels though.

[@Mordahay]

I can't wait for it to arrive, so you're satisfied with it, I've got about 3 months to wait, .I bought it with the e-boost pack, it was only 290 euros, and you get 19 inch wheels.

[@RedBatteryHead]

@@Mordahay mine is an "adrenaline" as they have trim level here. It has 19" too. The boost is just now available to order. I ordered in December. Got it since 1,5weeks. Range is excellent. 380km on highway.

[@Mordahay]

@@RedBatteryHead I love it, keep waiting :)

[@Mordahay]

@@RedBatteryHead its 77 kWh true?, mine will be 58, but I don't need more as I live on an island. (Gran Canaria) canary islands.

[@RedBatteryHead]

@@Mordahay mine is 58kWh too. Nice Place to drive around. Is there Fastchargers? Or can you get by with home charging good enough?

[@robhallam8047]

Ordered my ID3 Max Pro Performance back in July 21...after multiple "elastic" build dates I cancelled and changed my order to a Born V3 which should be on my drive by end of July...weirdly I think the frustrating VW delays have actually led me to getting the better car!!

[@iwannasun]

Did ypu get your Born yet?

[@DarrenMansell]

I've only just found this video looking for reviews of the Born in 2024. This is the best review out there. Thanks

[@AutoEV]

Thank you for watching and for sending such a lovely comment. Very much appreciated.

[@markdavidson7145]

Fantastic review again, by far the best EV reviews online (in my opinion). Got my V2 on order, just need to wait patiently on it coming……….

[@AutoEV]

Too kind Mark! Thank you for supporting the channel and taking the time to comment. I'm sure you will love the Born!

[@Stuart-e6y]

Just ordered one cant wait test drove it yesterday very nice 😊

[@StephenButlerOne]

How is it going? I ordered one last Monday, hopefully I get it by Xmas

[@Stuart-e6y]

@@StephenButlerOne fantastic car quick comfy fun a real joy

[@StephenButlerOne]

@@Stuart-e6y that's really good to hear. It's going to be a long couple of months for me waiting for mine. 😒

[@jimbojunior8236]

Very good, my v3 is on order - should come before the next ice age. Test drove it as well as the ID3, e208 and Skoda Enyaq. I found all of them very nice to drive with enough poke to put a smile on my face. Acceleration much more linear than my ICE car. Im not sure you will get that 'edginess' your looking for in electric, even my mates Tesla 3 is rapid but still undramatic - just like being in a very fast iPad - such is the nature of EVs from my experience so far. Anyway, enjoy your reviews, bad puns as well.

[@JessDemant]

After trying to sit in both cars recently I can say that the VW ID.3 screen is not so bad after some updates and is now in the same league as in Cupra Born, and also very importantly has VW ID.3 Matrix light and the opportunity to have a couple of bikes with a bike carrier and these are some huge pluses that must not be forgotten! However, the seats are maybe a little better in the Cupra Born, but the rest of the cabin is not in my experience, but is just a different design .....

[@RedBatteryHead]

Materials and inner design are better. Price point is better too. Bike rack option was my disappointment too. Still bought it 😁

[@JessDemant]

@@RedBatteryHead I chose VW ID.3 because of the Matrix light and the ability to transport bikes (and everything works perfectly so far), and then I think maybe the design lasts better in the long run because it is not so aggressive, but it is of course still a matter of taste so I can be wrong!

[@RedBatteryHead]

@@JessDemant I have done 2500km in an ID3 1st. And didn't notice the extra benefit of the matrix. Maybe when you drive a lot on dark roads in the country?

[@JessDemant]

@@RedBatteryHead I know someone who has had one of the first VW ID.3s where unfortunately there were problems with the glass roof (made a lot of noise), so he sold it and bought a Cupra Born, and he says he misses the Matrix light, so it is not only me who thinks the Mastrix light is good .....

[@RedBatteryHead]

@@JessDemant I'm not saying it's no good. I think it depends on your needs. I've done night mountain roads with the matrix and found them perfect. It's just that I don't see the extra cost for it. The lights on the Born are at least way Better than my ZOE, for sure. The ride quality, seats, interior, media interface, styling was my reason to buy the Born instead.

[@appkazooio1501]

It should be pointed out that the 77Kwh (335 miles) version is only 4 seats

[@bigboldbicycle]

0:08 "Mediterranean Alpha Romeo"... Forgive me in thinking that Alpha Romeo IS already Mediterranean? 😄 1:18 very good getting Born Identity into the script.👏

[@AutoEV]

Hmm, technically I suppose you have a point. They’re Milanese which is quite far inland from the Mediterranean, although close enough your argument may hold water (if you’ll pardon the pun).

[@bigboldbicycle]

11:30 the person in VW who decided to use so much capacitive touch controls need go on a basic training course for UX design and ergonomics. A classic case of "just because you can doesn't always mean you should"

[@Jewsonemp]

Great video. I ordered my V2 at the end of March just before the increase (nearly £2.5k) so I think the reported prices in the video are now out of date.

[@1dfsv]

About temperature control, i don't find it silly, you can tap too for fine adjustment. Can also tap with 2 fingers for seat heating. Only complain is the buttons miss backlighting. Can it be that it happened some update meanwhile for this tap function or nobody that reviewed the born new about these features? Also the wheel buttons are ok, you get used to them, the only drawback is that they are plced a bit too much far out which makes indeed easy to touch without wanting. But from that to wanting physical buttons? Not much, these work just fine and feel futuristic.

[@narvuntien]

Australia is in a wierd place with the electric hatchback. We aren't getting the ID3 but we are getting the Cupra Born. We are getting the ORA Cat which you have shown on your channel before but didn't mention as a competitor. We are also getting the much cheaper BYD Dolphin hatchback. Originally, this was out of my price range but with our recent change of government we are getting EV incentives (plus what my state just anounced) which has pushed this into my price range.

[@ianwolves007]

Hope its good as ordered one last week ;-) My first EV and a replacement for my 2019 Corolla Hybrid, Was a tough decision between this and a Polestar 2 so hope I made the right choice

[@AutoEV]

It is good. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@Mordahay]

me too, I ordered it a month ago :D

[@RedBatteryHead]

Polestar cockpit was more cramped I think. The outlook from front screen is tight too in the polestar. I think you made a good choice.

[@ObiePaddles]

It is adding to the born legacy…

[@heliharris69]

Good review... Yes the 77kwh battery is available now but if you have that... You can't have the glass roof not in the UK anyway... No reason why given. I've just ordered a V3 58kwh with Eco boost (230hp).. with the sunroof and all but one of the options and packs available.. and it comes in at just under 43.4grand...So not cheap.. and an estimated delivery time of 6- 8mths...

[@bluebobx]

I've seen elsewhere that the reason given that the bigger battery version doesn't allow the glass roof is down to weight. Not sure whether this weight limit is somethng government imposed, or something like loading on the suspension parts.

[@feng2shui]

Great Bourne jokes, seat should pay at least for a nice weekend in Spain for that!😂👏

[@AutoEV]

Oh, I like your thinking!!! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@vinceblack5353]

Hello, do you prefer the Cupra Born over a Kia E-Niro model 2021?

[@AutoEV]

Well I am currently filming a new episode with the new Niro EV, so you may have to wait for that! However, they are two quite different cars, so their appeal is varied. I will also be running a new Cupra Born eBoost as my new long term test car in October, so will get to spend a bit more time with it doing everyday style things. Of course, we will be doing a Long Term Diary on our findings too, so make sure you stick around for that.

[@Brokenbritain2024]

You needed to set an individual profile instead of the standard ones. It should then be more dynamic.

[@garethjones2125]

I was expecting the performance numbers to be better for a Cupra car. This seams like a Seat version of the ID3 with some Cupra trim and badges and not in keeping with the direction Seat were trying to take the Cupra brand. They should have put a higher powered motor and updated suspension in a truly Cupra branded car, even if that was at the expense of range.

[@AutoEV]

Absolutely agree. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@MrCallaghj]

Currently in the market for an EV, been set on getting the Megane E-Tech, bht there is just something about the Born. What one would you choose?

[@AutoEV]

The Megane would still be my choice UNLESS you needed more rear seat space or you have the budget for the Born VZ........but that review is still to come.😉

[@MrCallaghj]

@AutoEV looking forward to the review, defo one of the best channels ive come across, no budget for the VZ unfortunately, going for another test of the Megane on Fri and will likely place an order, 3 mths build time so not long to wait

[@112deeps]

I test drove Cupra Born after I got my Kia Soul EV. I like it & It drives really well and feels much different(better) than VW. Need to put it in sport mode to feel the heavy steering and no deal breaker. It's a shame VW is so behind the EV game compared to Kia Hyundai. It seems Kia is coming out with an EV every other month (well every 6 months at least. Cant compare with Kia Soul EV directly but regen is better in Kia and range in City is consistently 310 miles with 64 kWh battery. It just feels so normal to drive in Eco mode and pretty quick in the town. I would like to try Renault Megane E tech Electric seems to have much better range 292 with 60kWh battery. I noticed Kia and Renault not giving the option of Heat Pump in the UK with Soul EV and Megane E tech. Renault Megane in France has a heat pump option with 400 euro. While VW and Cupra charge £900 for a heat pump. I dont know how much the heat pump option with the new Kia Niro EV is at least its an option. EV are very strange as they calm you when driving it and do not encourage one to drive in sports mode, unlike ICE cars with Rev counter

[@louishiggins8881]

Good objective review (as ever). Test drove the ID3 last year, liked the car but thought the interior was "poor" so passed (much worse than my mk7 GTi). This year tried the Born, much better interior, so ordered 58kWh V3 with panoramic roof - big issue is delivery time, now estimated at 12 months !!! This is the "first generation" dedicated EV from VW/Cupra so I expect models will improve with time - I think it's just good enough. Still a bit concerned about range and infrastructure - but time (when I get the car) will tell whether it's the best (and most expensive) or worst car I've owned :-)

[@tomasbaeten9806]

What country is it with the 12 months delivery?

[@louishiggins8881]

@@tomasbaeten9806 I'm in the UK. I hope the timescales are worst case, I suspect VAG don't really know how issues with components and covid are going to pan out.

[@ronniebrown6225]

I do not like the VW ID3 or 4. but I do like the Cupra Born. given the choice, though I would much prefer the Cupra Formentor which I think is absolutely gorgeous, there is nothing I dislike about it.

[@Petelmrg]

It seems better all round than my id3 - but is it going to suffer the same supply problems? Looking forward to seeing how you think the Megane will shape up to it.

[@jedoka]

Do you think the E-boost version will be more ‘Cupra’?

[@davyboy4515]

Another 30hp I’d say so

[@grahamarnold2591]

Cupra BORN / VW ID3 ---AWD --the first too mkt - has a WINNER.

[@davyboy4515]

Can I ask if in the U.K. why do you need awd ? these electric rwd cars don’t get out of shape like ice cars, they hold the road solid.

[@stiglinneberg751]

MG or now SAIC Motor Corp Ltd. Is a Chinese state-owned automobile manufacturer headquartered in Anting, Do you want to support them?

[@gesp5151]

Unfortunately it doesn’t charge properly on ac or dc! Never hits specified figures in technical drop down on website and regularly half charged overnight apparently due to a battery safety issue!! Save up for an BM i4, superb

[@MayYouLiveLongAndProsper]

Why is it, auto journalists only seem to look at the top of the range models ? Also ... Everybody keeps slagging off the touch screen ... None of you seems to be aware of the voice control !

[@AutoEV]

To answer your first question, when we attend a launch (like this was) we can only test what cars the manufacturers have laid on for us. All the Borns that day were the same spec just different colours. Voice control is fine, but doesn’t excuse poor execution of technology when others do it much better.

[@MayYouLiveLongAndProsper]

@@AutoEV Fair comment

[@magnejohansen9640]

It looks amazing. But i want a AWD.

[@112deeps]

Actually RWD EV's drive better than AWD try a standard EV like EV6 or similar back to back AWD and RWD ..... I would consider AWD in Scandinavian country

[@blackhoundrise8431]

Looks like an uplifted ID3.

[@jbmaru]

"Weird, kind of Transformer badge": my thoughts exactly!

[@Mordahay]

in reality they are two opposing c's

[@RedBatteryHead]

It's called the "Tribal" Identity

[@mbingham10]

Went to look at one of these on Saturday, the car looks good from the outside especially in this colour, but the quality of the internal plastics is dreadful, anyone that goes to test drive one just tap the plastic on the top of the door cards not the best at this price point.

[@damianroddis4301]

Can not understand why VW don’t up there game and improve the build quality and style like the Seat missing a trick

[@minniesaab7255]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@alexanderfarquhar2712]

You keep saying it's more 'dynamic' than the ID3 ...what does that actually mean ...explain how that manifests itself ....oh and please try and find alternative words for 'nice'!

[@iain8837]

Hard to follow this review, it's not advertised as a Hot Hatch, only journalists say this. It's a heavy EV with slightly better driving dynamics than an ID3, and different styling. I have one, they are very common here, they are not bought by those looking for a Hot Hatch.

[@stacymedia]

The forthcoming Renault Megane E-tec is getting rave reviews.

[@AutoEV]

Yes, it really is. We haven't had the chance to sample it up until now, but we hope to feature it soon, and (fingers crossed) we aim to have a group test video with its main rivals.

[@usfouru2]

What I find odd when watching this video and your other videos is the things you talked negatively about regarding the budget MG ZS EV facelift like the reach and rake of the steering wheel and specifically that the ZS EV facelift did not offer reach, the Cupra Born a much more expensive car with fewer features that didn't offer reach there was no negative comment on this when reviewing the steering wheel / speedo display. This is where I expect constancy in reviews but here we don't get it as it seems you ignore the negative elements on more expensive cars but when reviewing budget family cars you make a big point in highlighting the negatives that disappoint you. Expensive ID3s/Cupra Borns with less range than the Long Range facelift ZS with significantly less standard features than the LR ZS in terms of safety and tech this car didn't get away with your negate comments and there was little positives and no mention of the huge benefit of Vehicle 2 Load (V2L) either to power your house in a power cut. Take constancy out of the equation and you do present a good review.

[@AutoEV]

Thank you for your comment Jake. We do always try to be consistent, and will mark down expensive cars too. Watch my review of the Tesla Model Y for that, a car that fails to deliver the very basic functions of a family car for being uncomfortable, whereas other reviewers praise it because it’s fast. But I am digressing here. I review a car based on target market and audience. Now, let me be very clear on this; I rate the MG ZS very high, despite what everyone seems to think. But I did mark it down for its lack of adjustment in the driving position. The Born has that adjustment. But I do criticise the Cupra for not delivering a fun driving experience, because that is its main target audience. Cupra market this as a drivers car. So, in the same way I critique the Tesla for failing it’s market on comfort, I did the same to the Cupra for failing to deliver the fun it should deliver. The MG was marked down for not being as comfortable as some rivals for the driver. Each car is judged for delivering to the target market. It’s like suggesting a Range Rover SV isn’t criticised for not being fast enough, but saying that a cheaper 718 Boxster lacks speed. It isn’t the Range Rover’s job to deliver performance, but it is the Porsche’s, although it’s cheaper. I hope that makes sense, and goes some way to explain why we use different criteria for different cars. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Your support is very much appreciated, and I hope you continue to watch us. Bryan.

[@usfouru2]

@@AutoEV Hi Brian, Everyone's opinion is very subjective and we all have our own individual thoughts on things but as an owner of the MKI ZS EV now for 2 years which my wife now has as I wait for my MKII facelift ZS EV LR I would still disagree with your opinion on the ZS EV for comfort as I've test driven it 2-3 times and as a 6 foot driver I find it extremely comfortable and less willowy than the MKI and for a car between £28-30K for a 72kWh battery with all it's tech its a billy bargain and to compare this to other cars in some cases twice the price isn't really a comparison or a valid point as everyone who is looking at the budget end of the price range to buy their first EV would buy a ZS and will love it and benefit from having 'loads a money' left in the bank and will feel the extra comfort for knowing that. Keep up the great work as I still enjoy the reviews even though I shout at the screen from time to time.

[@AutoEV]

@@usfouru2 absolutely, everyone is different, and will have different views. But, I will say this, I really do like the ZS EV! Yes, I’m critical of certain aspects, but as I said in the test, my issue was that the price was getting dangerously close to better cars when the Exclusive trim with the bigger battery was considered. My advice was to stick with the smaller battery in the top trim, or go for the lower trim level with the big battery as I felt that was the best value in the range. Either way, I do love the MG, and so do you…..obviously!

[@AutoEV]

Oh, and as along as you’re shouting at the screen, you’re watching the videos, so keep that up!!!

[@112deeps]

@@AutoEV I assume you have tested Kia Soul EV --- such a nice EV - a sleeper that does everything well and that with 64 kWh battery its a shame there are no options for conveniences like in the first edition.

[@alunhoskins4513]

Definitely better looking than the id3...as are most cars to be honest.

[@paulhayes2189]

I'm not convinced here. I test drove it....nearly 20 miles test. Cabin is hardly innovative. Lower plastics well cheap. That slider thing for heating is dreadful. It drives OK and the front looks .a lot better then the id3. Also great seats. Side.profile.is still gawky and.overall profile is ugly. Honestly....its.going to date fast. Not for me....3 out of 5 star car

[@paulpavlou9294]

German or Chinese made? I’ll take and pay the extra for German made. Also in the real world try and buy a Elon Musk owned Tesla 3 in Australia for under 70k, good luck with that.

[@christrayling1852]

🥱

[@denu1879]

This car is so ugly...

[@alexanderfarquhar2712]

Suit you sir!