NEW Cupra Born vs VW ID.3 review - what's the best small electric car? | What Car?

[@whatcar]

Born or ID.3 - what would you pick? 🤔

[@gavinwyllie7855]

Cupra,the ID3 looks so boring.

[@vwukben]

Definitely the Cupra, better in every way.

[@Rinaldo11]

Cupra

[@owrang9756]

@@Rinaldo11 I have ordered the ID3 but the Cupra looks better. However both cars look anonymous.

[@臺灣是國家臺灣是國家]

Born 🥰

[@michaelwynn2085]

I’ve had an ID3 for a month and have no problems at all with the infotainment system. No delays in swiping reasonable intuitive. The car drives and handles really well. It’s bigger than a golf inside with a bigger boot.

[@gavincarter3425]

I love my ID.3. All reviews say how bad the infotainment is but I have had no issues and find it simple to use. My screen is responsive with a single touch, it’s smooth and I’ve had no glitches. Maybe the press cars have not been updated with the latest software. Best part about my ID.3 and electric cars in general is the super affordable running costs. You can’t go wrong with either of these cars. 👍🏻

[@RedBatteryHead]

Correct. There are still ID without the proper update.

[@antonthompson7838]

I’ve got a Golf mild hybrid and I’ve got the same infotainment system and it’s an absolute breeze to use (although it took me a month to get to grips with it) these reviewers only have the car from a couple of hours to a couple of days so they don’t have the time to get to grips with them, and the press cars they get are always laggy and don’t seem to ever get updated.

[@peternystrom921]

Same, i loove my ID infotainment, and is one big reason why i cant find any other EV that i like. Put the ID interior and Infotainment in like the EV6, i would buy a EV6 instantly, not as it is now.

[@tesla-spectre]

Yeah I always wonder why people think they need to talk stuff down. I love my Model 3 LR after 14,000km over 6 months now. Different people have different needs. Wish you lots of fun with your ID3 and anyone with any EV 🍾👍

[@EdsWorld56]

Another really good review. Succinct, crystal clear and fair, happily no gimmicks or stupid attempts at comedy or those irrelevant drag races up a disused airfield. Born for me

[@petewatson9866]

I know who really cares about a tenth of a second between cars, they are driving family cars not F1

[@tomquimby8669]

As always UK reviews are light on details. The ID3 can have matrix headlights and the born not.

[@mattallen1052]

Why do you never show the latest infotainment software in any of your ID.3 reviews? It is vastly improved compared to the old software shown in this video. Starting to think What Car are doing this on purpose… the new software has been out for months now. What’s going on with your review cars?

[@Stephenb033]

VW have recognised the problems and the interior quality has been improved for 2022 models so the door and dash trim should see a step up in look and feel.

[@robertshears8385]

Skoda need to come up with their version of the ID.3, hopefully showing some better details like that of the Enyaq, i.e. slightly longer with more boot space, physical buttons and dials and better interior plastics. Problems with the user interface should be sorted by now!! Poor development by VW, did they farm out their software to the same companies that provided NHS and Government software?

[@mkh656]

That ID3 screen and all the lagging reminds me of one of those cheap Amazon fire tablets!

[@adrianbyron-parker5797]

The Golf has just had (Last 24 hours) the SOC (Processor) upgraded due to the lag issues. Lets hope the EV versions have the same update!!

[@justinstephenson9360]

@@mkh656 You are so wrong...a cheap Amazon tablet would have been faster!

[@antonthompson7838]

@@adrianbyron-parker5797 I’ve got a 2021 Golf MK8 1.5 eTSI Style which has the improved infotainment system which looks the same but has a more powerful SoC and the GPU triples performance and so it’s a quicker and more responsive infotainment system, much better than the system at launch of the Golf 8. Do you have a Golf 8?

[@antonthompson7838]

Skoda are doing a ID.3 crossover variant, but first they are launching a Enyaq GT Coupe, it’s equivalent to the ID.5. Then they are doing the ID.3 crossover and said the design will be much bolder than they’ve done before!

[@Richard1976]

I own a 2020 ID3 (software 3.2) for 2 weeks now, no bugs or software glitches. I love the car steering and infotainment slide functions are great and have no issues with them at all.

[@TomskiZima]

I put off buying a Formentor just to see how the Born turns out. Completely different cars I know, but I just like the Born for some reason

[@jonathanlegge1666]

I’d have the Cupra for sure. Only problem with Cupra? Goes back to my time with a Leon Cupra in 2001 - will spend more time explaining to people what a Cupra is, and end up saying it’s a VW in drag!

[@zzhughesd]

Insanely better looking Mr Cupra

[@1derekwinter1]

In your opinion

[@ragingsilver]

Cupra in every way is better to me. It's a great looking EV but still doesn't beat my personal fave EV, the polestar 2.

[@jondonnelly3]

The polestar 2 sounds like perfomers in a strip club.

[@bafattvahetere]

@@jondonnelly3 You should know.

[@RedBatteryHead]

The single motor Polestar is same price as the Performance Cupra. Specs on the Cupra trim are better.

[@1derekwinter1]

@@jondonnelly3 That’s just where your mind has gone 😏

[@danielcrease5254]

ID3 for me. Don't want my around town car to look quite so hot hatch. But its a gloriously subjective thing.

[@perandersen117]

I would choose the Born. However I do not get why nobody are talking about the fact that the ID.3 got way better safety? I mean, the number one safety feature of any car is the headlights..If you cannot see..well yea. The Born only comes with standard LED's. on the motorway the highbeam is off all the time as to do blind others. Meaning stuff can run onto the motorway from the side and you would not be able to see it. The ID.3 got IQ (matrix) lights. You are able to have the highbeam on all the time. This is something i havnt heard anyone talk about yet. Its always..uhh look at the bigger screen and the front of the car,

[@scottvessey915]

I'll stick with my ID.3 thanks. The one in the video was not on the latest software, and I prefer the simpler exterior and interior looks. I've customised the icon display, the widget display, and the shortcuts to make the car more personal - my muscle memory learned a long time ago where I had put everything. I was just waiting for him to touch the plastics that only journalists seem to touch...

[@bruts82]

Have a 2022 golf rental at the moment and the screen works like a dream My ones in for the exact issues u mention 2021 golf

[@peteruk8925]

The look and interior are much more desirable in the Cupra Born in my humble opinion

[@adrianbyron-parker5797]

The Golf has just had (Last 24 hours) the SOC (Processor) upgraded due to the lag issues. Lets hope the EV versions have the same update!!

[@spudshairy]

Ordered a ID3 family edition same colour and wheels in December. Got 11 month wait. I had gti pp went to get the R and came out with a ID3 on order. I loved the gti for looks I loved the R for speed but I loved the ID3 for being different and 0-40mph was all I actually need as live in town and work in town. Pretty nippy and just a nice car. I instantly knew it was what I’ve been looking for.

[@LIONtib]

I don't think the people looking at a GTI or R are also considering an ID3, and vice versa. Totally different cars.

[@1derekwinter1]

Good luck with the 11 month wait.We ordered our Family model in October with original March delivery date but still have no idea when we will take delivery.We have no build date yet…December or beyond?

[@jontallon73]

We've just changed our Mk7 GTI for a new ID.3 Family Pro Performance.

[@andymac3391]

I found the seats in the id3 to be incredibly uncomfortable no lower back support I was seriously contemplating ordering one no longer .

[@actuallyusingmyrealnameher5061]

My heart says Cupra but my head says VW as bucket seats feel a bit tight nowadays 🙂

[@DanRyzESPUK]

The Cupra Born looks better, and probably is slightly more expensive.

[@aadi8568]

Usually seats are cheaper than VWs, I doubt it would be more expensive

[@ItsMeYeah888]

@@aadi8568 Seeing as they now market them as Cupra, you never know.

[@DanRyzESPUK]

@@ItsMeYeah888 they made Cupra precisely to price the cars up.

[@Kurre.]

@@aadi8568 it is more expensive, at least in sweden

[@RedBatteryHead]

If you compare specs you need several option package on the ID. Especially the seats are expensive upgrade. So yes, base price is higher. Yet, in same trim level they are currently 3K more cheap than the ID in NL. And the looks and interior are way much better.

[@rocket3man]

I have had the Id.3 for over 12 months now, I disagree with your assessment of the entertainment screen, mine has not had the Glitchy or laggy screen. It has had 4 updates so far and I have no problems with it. Interior could have been improved I agree - would I change for a Seat - no, the Id.3 has many features which are missing from the born.

[@philmorbey1827]

I am in the market for a new ev, what does id3 have that the born is missing? I prefer the look of the born.

[@rocket3man]

@@philmorbey1827 go to “battery life” detailed review of differences. One big difference is id3 has matrix ID headlights with cornering lights and they are outstanding. Id3 has the internal light bar which is great on navigation, collision warning and speed warning. Id3 has concealed high level rear camera which is protected by the rear badge and so is always clean the Born’s is exposed. The Id3 has Auto Unlock on approach the Born does not. The Born resets the drive mode to comfort between drives while id3 remains in the last used settings. I guess that’s why the Born is a bit cheaper on comparable vehicles. An id3 driver going to a Born would miss many of those items.

[@scottwills4698]

Why are you reviewing the old software in the ID3? Your also reviewing a £35k+ car (Cupra) Vs a £29k ID3. My Max Pro Performance cost me £34,600 and has a nicer interior - the Current build ID3’s have even newer software (V3.0) and upgraded interior. I think the Cupra looks better but not different enough for me to want to swap. As for the buttons on the steering wheel, I have never “accidentally” pressed them and they work perfectly well.

[@e-herm2726]

Thanks for nice video..does the Born have stiffer suspension? he is a bit sportier but the VW I find something charming.

[@davidho5447]

That ID3 infotainment screen is so glitchy it's unbearable.

[@VTOLfreak]

You can get the progressive steering and bucket seats on the ID.3 too. I prefer the look of the Born but the 77Kwh version isn't available yet in my country so I ordered the ID.3 Pro S. The extra performance option on the Born sounds like they are running the battery pack to it's limit which is not a good idea IMHO. (Battery degradation)

[@danielsandberg]

The part thar everybody leaves out, and made the difference for me when choosing the id3: The id3 can be purchased with Matrix LED wich are truely remarcable.

[@andrewherring7003]

Same here about the infotainment, I've had my ID3 a month and screen works fine and connects to android auto and apple carplay without issue.

[@nurnberg1561]

The new e-Megane with Google system and much better quality in the interior will be a much better option

[@NedNew]

Hmmm, I'm not so sure. They're not well equipped. Someone told me it doesn't even have an engine in it.

[@aw2078]

OMG Volkswagen is about to launch ID 3 Software 3.0 in the next weeks and this review shows not even current 2.3 version but an older version. There is no point in this video now...

[@insceman8515]

Having tried both, it’s the Cupra Born for me. Feels slightly better quality ( although still not great compared to our Golf Mk7) and a bit more sporty and younger feeling.

[@petewatson9866]

I think Volkswagen are still paying off the “Diesel Gate” bill, that’s why you are getting cheaper quality in Volkswagen now than in previous generations

[@Beastius24]

between these 2, it's the Cupra for me, hands down

[@MayYouLiveLongAndProsper]

I like the look of the formula E version of the Cupra ... Granted not practical for day to day use BUT looks cool ... If I was in the market ... definatly the better finished Cupra ... The front looks wicked

[@PHXRenegade]

I've got a VW ID.3, I don't have the same problems with the screen that's shown there. The only problem I do have with it, is that I sometimes swipe it as it's gesture controlled.

[@gavincarter3425]

Gesture control swipes can be turned off in the settings, this will solve your problem.

[@PHXRenegade]

@@gavincarter3425 Thanks for the tip. I had spotted that option, but it's not all the time, just now and again.

[@connclissmann6514]

In terms of total cost of ownership, I imagine any VW would fetch a higher resale price than a similar SEAT /Supra. Boring consideration, I know but the reviewer mentioned saving money in his consideration.

[@RedBatteryHead]

I've owned several Seat. They are not less in TCO compared to VW. Some Seat models are even more sought after.

[@1derekwinter1]

The Cupra looks like so many other cars on the road.Id.3 all day long and we've got no issues with the infotainment system.Works just fine.

[@td5742]

Great video thank you. Test drove an ID3 today and it was nice but felt a bit ‘meh’. Average. Cupra looks much better. What are the brakes like in the Cupra compared to the ID3? They felt really spongey in the ID3!

[@LIONtib]

Drove an ID3 a couple of times and the weird brakes are definitely the worst part. Got used to them eventually but they feel really strange. Didn't take that long to get used to the infotainment.

[@EmilsAdventure]

@@LIONtib they are more like the brakes you find in a race car. I actually liked it a lot.

[@1derekwinter1]

Bit stop start

[@DanLMH]

Good day to release this, now all the plug in grants have been changed again :D

[@granfersteve3815]

Sounds like the Born is the better choice, but when will it be available ? No prices, unclear on when all the battery versions will be available? Until it's actually clear how can you really choose?

[@1derekwinter1]

Why do you think the Born is the better choice?!

[@giancasoli6810]

I'm definitely gonna buy a Born

[@1derekwinter1]

That’s if any of us ever take delivery of our ev order!!!

[@gesp5151]

The Born stated 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

[@kasperholmj]

So the born drives better, slightly better materials, better looking - and here also got a better price tag! I'm waiting for the 77 kwh version of the Born and to see where it lands price wise. One downside I've noticed though is that Cupra doesn't offer the same LED Matrix headlights as the ID.3 does...

[@jondonnelly3]

I'll wait and see what the next gen is like.

[@bkmacc]

Imagine paying the money for a VW ID3 and having to navigate around that screen. No chance.

[@DavidBurns174]

When you drive the ID.3 all the so called failings of the interior fade away with the driving pleasure of this car, its just a pleasure to drive.

[@peternystrom921]

I did and i love it, best i tried so far, and im not even a VW fainboy.

[@MrSepox]

id3 looks way more futuristic

[@chrishyde1216]

Does the Cupra have a firmer/worse ride? These have the more practical hatchback shape and have smaller external dimensions, but I'd be tempted to pass on these and either go for a Tesla Model 3, or go cheaper and even more practical and go for the MG 5.

[@mikadavies660]

Totally not looking at either.... Horrible touch sensitive controls. Bland dark interior. Scratchy plastics... Then the chance of dodgy electronics! Big shame as they are both good looking.

[@alanjenkinson7812]

VW couldn’t give a hoot about their customers either. Get a problem and you’re on your own. In my case rejecting the car was the only option

[@molepatrol7529]

What’s it like on icy/ snowy roads being rear wheel drive? My old rear wheel drive was hopeless in a sprinkling of snow.

[@metoo3773]

I like the cupra and the Id3 . Looks awsome and drive well. However I agree, once you spec it up a bit it ends up being 48 thousand euros or something. An audi a6 is around that price and it is lightyears ahead in terms of luxury. So its gonna take some convincing to switch to this..

[@kitlai768]

Born ! Every time!

[@redpillnibbler4423]

I HATE the lack of dials and switches,it’s NOT big and it’s NOT clever.PACK IT IN!

[@leem5894]

Government grant reduction all of a sudden almost messed up my order of the Mokka e Ultimate bit luckily got sorted in time :)

[@Kysen10]

Did no one at VW use that digital interface? Just awful

[@vangelisstama]

It's like they don't drive their own cars!

[@peternystrom921]

The thing is, its not awful, its freaking brilliant.

[@garrybye4415]

I’m a bit of a dullard and I prefer the id3 looks, but can see the appeal of the Seat. Does the Cupra have matrix headlights? That’s a big plus of the id3 for me. Biggest grumble with id3 is the lack of standard alloys

[@eddienoel1149]

Exterior ID3 interior Born

[@544juanito]

Cupra but is all about the price,if is too pricey will be touching polestar 2 which in quality and infotainment is well ahead. I still waiting to try it or just see it in the uk but whennnnnnnnnnnn??????????????????????? Is in Ireland already

[@jontallon73]

Considered both, bought ID.3 , but the Life trim is grim. Step up to Family and it's much, much nicer

[@CesarEstevao]

I would go for the Born!!

[@robhead1685]

Why is the review done against old id3 software? The system isn't like that anymore and hasn't been for some time

[@andrewparker5800]

Shame the comments about the interior materials are basically now out of date with the introduction of the MY22.5 car, and the functionality/UI of V3.0 of the car’s software.

[@dstrongbow2084]

I think Cupra Born just looks better both inside & out.

[@olimpiuchis1905]

Cupra all the way!

[@pauladams5673]

This and several other reviews miss the point when they start talking about the hardness of plastics. It is an old mind-set. This car interior uses recycled plastics and it is designed to be 95% recycled at the end of life. Once, we've bought a car, we've forgotten about things like hard plastics in just a few days & never think about it again. I love VW's approach so much , I have ordered an ID.3. The motoring journalists need to get their heads around the future.

[@metoo3773]

Can't agree more. Once the new car hype wears off, you wont be searching for cheap plastics. You just get in and drive the car. Who goes banging on their door trims while driving? No one. Im all for a sustainable future. Im sick of breathing co2.

[@Penguins247]

I thought you were on Chobham Common, glad to see I was right :)

[@robertlloyd7493]

Neither thanks

[@gesp5151]

Can’t disagree- VW EV platform is not good

[@MrGMawson2438]

Cupra born if I had the money to buy a car

[@TerraIAm]

I prefer the ID3 from the outside. Hopefully the infotainment will be improved by over the air updates. I disagree that the ID3 has the same size as a golf inside. Is much bigger inside.

[@Leo___________]

As a Cupra owner I don't get the Born. Who in their right mind will pay €50k for the rolling vasectomy that is the Cupra Born, when €60k gets you a dual engine Polestar 2?

[@mrzazzaable]

At that price just buy an Audi Sportback....

[@devonbikefilms]

Potatoe/potahto. They’re the same car. And they’re both too expensive for what you get, especially compared to the MG5 and MGZS, then there’s the new Ora Cat and the BYD Dolphin coming next year.

[@jedoka]

Has to be the Born for me

[@1derekwinter1]

Why?

[@jedoka]

@@1derekwinter1 It’s a personal choice - I like the exterior and interior design more than the ID3, but can understand that others may differ in that view

[@FutureSystem738]

Why would ANYONE buy a VW? Seriously!

[@luciano_doati]

I have been following and updating myself on how the Cupra Born works for three months now, I contacted some dealerships in Milan and to date there is no possibility of being able to try or see this machine, except for the one on display in Corso Como on display. . Is there any reason why this happens? Sono ormai tre mesi che seguo e mi aggiorno su come funziona la Cupra Born, ho contattato alcune concessionarie a Milano e ad oggi di questa macchina non c'è nessuna possibilità di poterla provare né vedere, se si eccettua quella esposta in Corso Como in esposizione. C'è qualche motivo perché questo accade?

[@Mordahay]

because of the semiconductor crisis, and the war, it's a general thing in electrics. my born is going to take about 5 months to arrive.

[@luciano_doati]

@@Mordahay ... I had an urgent need to change cars and so I turned elsewhere. I bought the Marvel MG ready for delivery at 0 km.

[@Mordahay]

@@luciano_doati great, looks like a good car :)

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

That ICE system is staggeringly bad - I hope for VWs sake that is a one off bad one. I cant get over how low rent and featureless the VW interior is - I have seen commercial vehicles with a better cabin than that dreary attempt. Seems like VW is punishing its own customers for diesel gate. The Cupra is way better looking inside and out and I'd take it all day long over the ID3. Im sure VW will sell ID3s by the bucket load just on the name and by offering attractive PCP deals, but by every measure I can think of, there are way better EVs out there.

[@arnoldtabor3767]

Volkswagen need to add as standard ... Wireless charging and a heads-up display ... And the packs you add should have a standard and plus one for design and one for all the other non design things ... And that shouldn't be more than £1000 each... How are VWs alternate brands doing better cars than Volkswagen

[@michaelwilliams7481]

The VW id3 doesn't look like it has had the latest software update, my information screen is nothing like what he is saying, if not it is a bad review.

[@davidbailey533]

Id3 all day cheaper to buy

[@DrChuckyXL]

Cupra 👍

[@brucekennedy5274]

Wow this review is brand new and the software demoed on both (but particularly the id3) is still shockingly bad. It’s one thing having a laggy £50 android tablet for your 5year old, but when your diving, you need the damn thing to work quickly and smoothly. May I ask any Id3 owners… actually how bad is it to live with? It’s the main thing putting me off getting one, which is a shame because otherwise I think they (both) look great EVs.

[@markbonnick9808]

I’ve had an ID3 for a couple of months. Was wary of the infotainment before I took delivery but it really isn’t bad. Nothing like as laggy as shown in the video.

[@Nelsonrgpereira]

I don't know how those units are handed to you, but my ID3 not even with software 2.1(the one you have on video) has that behavior.

[@jimt2349]

As an ID.3 1st edition owner, I think you're way off on the haptic controls. All new-style controls (screen, slider or touch) do take time to learn and use, but after a few weeks they're second nature. I generally do not strike them when I don't want to, unlike your example -- possibly due to an unfamiliarity with the button layout, understandable if you're always testing a different car. But once I got used to the sensitivity of them, the lightest flick or touch selects the correct intent, and I think they're last a lot longer than the usual spdt-type switch. I do agree that the plastics could be nicer, but I bought this nearly a year ago and at the time it was excellent value for the size of the battery. Hopefully, third-party updates will come soon (alcantara center console wraps are already here) Also, the recent 2.3 update screen speed is much better than the older UIs, and it didn't look that different in switching than your Seat example. CarPlay, though, renders these issues moot. Lastly, I'm not a 20-30ish boy-racer, and I prefer the more sedate and modern styling of the ID.3, but everyone is different and this will appeal to that segment who like to show off.

[@BritishTeaLover]

Either way, capacative only buttons on the steering wheel is an instant nope. Cheap, bad responsiveness, terrible UI, all so they can save a few pence on some additional bits of plastic. I have no idea why car manufacturers think it's a good idea.

[@mikadavies660]

Wow.... The ID3 looks like the seats were taken out of my old 2003 Polo... Which also had shocking electronics!! I have never purchased any VW since then as I was so put off by the clichy electronics.

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

*Up to £40k for the ID.3...???* That's just completely bonkers. 😲😬 £20k... _Maybe..._ 🤔 Not £40k though 😬

[@v795619]

Agree £40k is a big ask but the Golf starts at more than £20k now (and goes up to well over £30k) so expecting the ID3 to be cheaper than a Golf isn't realistic.

[@Tom-tr4em]

Gotta remember all the lane assist sensors acc and all the other goods the car has….

[@philthejet]

I hate those cheap seemingly bolted on un-integrated screens. Too bad the good people at VW didn't make something better. A major let down.

[@kevinbullas2328]

Too expensive…not for me…

[@Penafort]

I was thinking on buying that car and give a chance to EV but then I learned that car is limited to 160klm/h... Fk Absurd...

[@54stevemac]

cupra born

[@JR-rj8nd]

Cupra, easy choice

[@aub8670]

Take off the horrible copper cupra badges and put on seat ones and ill buy it

[@ThePepsaN]

Born - Love

[@jakehammond7972]

You put an id3 life against what looks to be a significantly better specced Cupra. And conclude it’s only slightly better in the 2 areas mentioned.

[@themaddaddy]

seat looks like a modified japanese drift car and its awful i think

[@Maceyee1]

Cupra messed up every switch in the vehicle lol

[@darrenspoors279]

Cupra 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Adam-lx4et]

Don't know why all the Id3 you have tested have dodgy infotainment after the initial boot up it's seems all fine, granted before the last couple of updates it wasn't great.

[@HowardWortonjb71]

Neither of these two are small cars.