This Electric HOT Hatch Is Well-Priced! (Cupra Born 77kWh 2023 Review)

[@howardtang618]

I ordered one today. Interesting to see the comments, most people suggest Tesla model 3, but I personally hate Tesla model 3 and Y. I have tried them, They are not comfortable at all. I have watched every single review for cupra Born from UK, I have yet to see one with negative comments on its comfort and drivability. I believe it will sell like a hot cake. Afaik, today it has sold over 200 units in the first few hours after pre-order open.

[@gbw28]

That’s awesome that you’ve ordered one. I’ve watched heaps of reviews about the Born and it seems like a great car. Love the look of it too, also this red colour is magnificent on the Born. What colour did you go for?

[@howardtang618]

@@gbw28 I was deciding between Blue and White. And ended up getting a white one.

[@gbw28]

@@howardtang618 Nice! Enjoy your new ride when it arrives.

[@bt8671]

Will sell very well and is a solid electric, with no real competition in its price bracket. The more volume of elec that enter Australia the increased money spent on the charger network, the more elec cars people will buy and in turn more elec options will be come available.

[@GlenB1963]

Looks great, big battery and range. Price seems bang on. Elon Musk will never get one cent from me as he has shown his true colours. I like the kona, but this just jumped in front. Tom, I can't wait for the real world range test.

[@chasingcars]

I look forward to doing that testing soon!

[@AL-ib3lu]

The 2023 Kona looks amazing

[@alexandermoore2982]

Cupra's copper accents are cute, but work much less well when the car they're on isn't a neutral (i.e. black, white, grey). On this red car the difference in color between the body and the accents are so minimal it looks rather off, they should offer a black or gunmetal accent option with this sort of body color.

[@chasingcars]

Red is the only bright colour.

[@Zuzoz]

Dear Tom @Chasing Cars, I'm sorry you only reviewed the higher range Dinamica seats, while the car you drove had the standard version of the seats. Can you remember how they compared to each other? So, apart from the material (and massage function), is there any real difference in the seating comfort?

[@coldude2559]

It's a bargain @ 62k ....not!

[@chasingcars]

OK!

[@EnShinNoi]

It's not the 4 seats that bothers me, it's that the "middle seat" has been made into a bucket. It looks worse and has created uneven ground for a dog.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, seems like they thought it would be storage for two outboard passengers. Maybe that’s appropriate for Europe, where this size of car is a family vehicle (not like here)

[@jakeeus]

I thought it was a great idea for the passengers. Nothing worse than sitting in the back of a car and losing your stuff all over the place because there's no where to put it

[@Nardi330]

The hole in the middle is perfect for the tissue box. My GR Yaris has something similar in the rear seat too.

[@neverleftthe80s29]

Need to point something out here. There was not just 1 car shown in this video. The inside of 1 car had the option packs fitted with the blue seats with 4 seats, the one you were driving in was standard grey interior. You should have shown us BOTH interiors, that would have been great to see them. Thank you for the video in saying that.

[@chasingcars]

Did as much as I could in howling rain conditions.

[@neverleftthe80s29]

@@chasingcars Shame about the rain, appreciate those issues. Really good video, like all of yours I must say, I was watching and went hang on there is 2 interiors here. I do like the Born a lot, I think they will sell very well. I do not understand why they cannot finish the inside of the door panels better, especially the back doors with some arm padding material.

[@WarrenWilliams3112]

@@chasingcars The middle rear head rest threw me on the Drive test. Makes sense.

[@Dan4096]

Can't wait for the road during test!

[@granthaley867]

Even the Tesla model 3 Standard range plus will be noticeably quicker to 100 kph. Disappointing Cupra won't be offering any app support in Australia.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, that is disappointing (but imagine it’ll come later). The 0-100 claim seems slow, let’s see what we get in independent testing.

[@chrisj7903]

Who needs astonishing 0-100 times .... you can hardly do it anywhere nowadays! Born does 0-100 in 7 secs, a tad slower than the 1995 Nisson 200SX I enjoyed for many years. That car was no slouch ... and Born will still be heaps of fun too.

[@thehoysauce]

Would like to have known if the seats fold down flat. Could you include that in future reviews, please?

[@edl8111]

Is it a LiFePO battery ? Expensive, small, extra $ to bring it up to other car levels. Some are saying cheapest EV compared to Atto 3 (refuse to buy an Atto when they increased the price the day before I was booked in for second test ride/order placement). $62k vrs now Atto 3 $51k. Can't wait for MG4 drive. Sales people at Cupra so in the dark as to battery types, ranges, anything technical from my last "showroom" visit. Couldn't even quote boot space, tech details on the Hybrid. Pass.

[@stizzygrayson5541]

Cool car, but wait for the model refresh in a year or so’s time which has already been announced.

[@chasingcars]

Could be good advice

[@whatthe6532]

Yes. Will be softer inside and will ditch the haptic bs(Tomas from autogefuhl) controls on the steering wheel.

[@WarrenWilliams3112]

Did the announcement talk about when is the refresh is happening?

[@luckyluke95]

7:33 Why the interior is different when you driving ? It’s not the same seat ? Thanks

[@chasingcars]

Different filming cars

[@stephenmuller5098]

Looks neat. It will be interesting to see what the release of Sodium Ion batteries in the not too distant future will have on the resale value of a lot of the current range of electric vehicles.

[@benpatana7664]

Nice review Tom. I may be imagining it, but the vehicle you tested looks a bit average compared to the one you drove earlier in Barcelona. Are we getting a de-specced version here in Aus (eg blander interior etc.)?

[@SM-km7oc]

I'm interested in a small long range hatch, but it's a heavy car, did you get any impression of what its passing ability (ie 80-120km) was like ? Also, having such old fashioned "drum" rear brakes! did you get any impression of what the braking was like in real world driving? and finally, how quiet did you find it comparitively at 100km?

[@digitaldreamer8637]

Agreed. Very heavy for a compact hatchback. This is the issue. Tesla has the lightest and most efficient cars, but they lack the model diversity and European styling. What do you do? 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@iain8837]

The 80-120 is very good, EV excel in this area due to instant full torque, even if peak power isn’t wow! It doesn’t matter about drum brakes, you have to press the brakes pretty hard to even activate the brakes, so it regens most of the time without you realising.

[@adorolivar1340]

I have ordered Tesla Y and looking for a smaller hatchback but this Born is slow, heavy, no power tail gate and cost is not far from Tesla 3 so I guess model 3 still a more compelling buy

[@chrisrathjan1501]

Keen. But also really like one pedal driving in my previous EVs. Do you think this can be achieved via firmware update?

[@andrewmclean6555]

I love the VW Golf shape, practicality and driving dynamics, on all models. However, this car is too expensive given that a base model Tesla carries 5 people, has more storage space, has a way better infotainment screen and has the supercharger network. The Tesla is also more efficient and lighter. And, the MG4 is coming out next year, which will shake things up a bit….even if it’s a bit cheap looking inside and doesn’t look great. Sell the Born for $50k drive away and it would be a winner. Impossible I know given the cost to produce and import them. You may as well buy a Golf GTI.

[@chasingcars]

I think they’ll still sell every unit they can bring in - Polestar doesn’t seem to be struggling to do so at a higher price point and lower range - and the Born has a far better back seat. Adults barely fit in P2 rear … as I found out over six months with it

[@andrewmclean6555]

@@chasingcars The Tesla is however, really bumpy and uncomfortable on our awful Sydney roads, and I read the Polestar is worse. I love the look of the Polestar. Please car makers, put adaptive dampers on your heavy EVs. Our roads are hopeless!! But, I’m sure the build quality will be better than the Teslas. And the Born does look amazing.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, I didn’t love the ride quality of the Polestar 2 I ran - and Tesla ride quality isn’t great either! I am really hoping the Born rides comfortably. Maybe the performance pack on adaptive dampers is a better bet? Won’t be sure until we can, you know, hit bumps in them

[@paulpavlou9294]

I’ve ordered a fully optioned model which is closer to 70k. European reviews show the heads-up displays with the navigation module included which sadly isn’t in the Australian spect car. If you want navigation it’s only through google maps or Wase if you connect via cable and that goes for music as well. The Born has disc brakes on the front and drum brakes on the rear in this 2 ton car. You cannot get a sun roof as in the European models. Why wasn’t I told? I feel a little short changed. Please look at all the specs for a comprehensive review.

[@chrisj7903]

I've ordered one too. I'm pretty sure the HUD is actually included in AU, refrrred to as AR-HUD . I assume that AR stands for Augmented Reality 🙂

[@chrisj7903]

It's specced in the base model, doesn't require the Interior or Performance Pack

[@paulpavlou9294]

Well I had hoped so, but was told that it wouldn’t be included in the Australian spect car as the GPS module in Europe uses a SIM card that wasn’t compatible here in Australia, and so the module will have been left out. This GPS modular also controls the heads up display as I understand it. So I would like to think it’s coming, but it’s not a deal breaker if it doesn’t as there are too many other positives compared to other EV’s at this price point. It’s probably the only drivers ev out there that has some style and will be fun to drive.

[@chrisj7903]

I agree, but I'd really like a HUD. Fingers crossed ...

[@richieduck67]

4 seats is a deal breaker if you want option packs

[@chasingcars]

For some maybe, but wouldn’t be a deal breaker for my use - can’t remember the last time I needed the fifth pew

[@purplehazeffc]

@@chasingcars Same. My last new car I brought was May 2018. Have never had 5 ppl on board. 4 yes just a cpl of times.

[@WarrenWilliams3112]

It looked like greater comfort for the rear 2 passengers. That'll work for my needs.

[@AndrewSheldon]

I get impression back seat is one piece. Nice if you lowered it to see how it sits flat. Price will fall $50k to match tesla falls.

[@panderiz5]

In what world would you buy this over a model 3? Under 50k maybe

[@chasingcars]

A world where you don’t want a Model 3

[@chasingcars]

It’s also 10% / $6000 cheaper than a Model 3 RWD - like, some people would definitely think the jump is worth it but the prices aren’t that close

[@mrsjenz06]

Touché ​@@chasingcars ​​ also, a world where you don’t want to give Elon Musk your money and when you want an EV, that doesn’t routinely catch fire 🔥😒

[@panderiz5]

@@chasingcars fair enough, I just feel once your in that territory while it is that but extra there are some notable upsides that Tesla offers. That said, not all features some feel are as important and styling isn’t for everyone. Love the vids and the opinions you bring to the otherwise uninformed (eg me) 👍

[@panderiz5]

@@mrsjenz06 Who propagates this rubbish about these cars catching fire seriously? You read one headline from a lock bait media, wow

[@BreakingWildGaming]

the weight is a surprise. Thought it would be lighter.

[@chrisj7903]

Not really a surprise, EVs are always heavier than an equiv. gas-guzzler simply because the batteries need to be a LOT heavier (than a petrol tank) to give the EV repectable range. A typical hot-hatch weighs 1500+ kg these days, so adding several 100kg's for the batteries explains why they're 1900kg+. Note the reviewed Born is the big battery = heavier 77kWh version. There is a lighter 58kWh version overseas (about 100kg lighter from memory).

[@hsv215i]

Certainly an interesting car and one of the more compelling EV's but that price is ambitious.

[@chasingcars]

The sales numbers will be interesting

[@aaron1823]

It’s too heavy for such a small car, it’s slow, no OTA updates, VW software which is a nightmare, save up a little more and get a Model 3 RWD which smashes it..

[@hsv215i]

2,000kg is insane for a small car

[@chasingcars]

Hefty boi

[@GR8Tmate]

Get a Tesla Model 3 & put up with that gawd aweful build quality? No thanks - I would sooner take Cupra build quality any day over the week over that Tesla junk.

[@sad6549775]

@@GR8Tmate Agree. As a lexus owner that is 13 years old, this still feels too expensive for not having squishy luxuries everywhere. But, in saying that, most people don't care about fit and finish as much as enthusiasts do...hence, why MG or Tesla is selling.

[@chasingcars]

Hard to ignore that it’s $6000 cheaper than a model 3 RWD - may be worth the jump but the prices aren’t super close

[@cartmann227]

Great car and first review.

[@chasingcars]

Thank you!

[@neverleftthe80s29]

Got a question for you, is there any electric car available with a spare wheel/space saver? This is an impressive car, but need at least a space saver for driving out of the city. People seem to not even notice this anymore. Perfect 2nd car for me. No possible chance of getting that BS range. The only way of getting close is to turn off the AC and in absolute perfect conditions. Complete nonsense and it needs to be called out. -20% in real world driving at a guess.

[@chasingcars]

The only full EV we could find with a spare wheel is the Audi E-tron SUV, which has a space saver spare in Australia. All other BEVs we researched had no spare. Happy to be corrected on that. As for your remarks on range - we now conduct independent range tests. We have only just started but so far, the results of our highway test is 7% less than the WLTP claim: BYD Atto 3 (claim 397km, actual 366km, 8% less) Genesis GV60 (claim 465km, actual 435km, 6% less) Porsche Taycan GTS (claim 438km, actual 404km, 8% less) Mercedes EQB350 (claim 395km, actual 373km, 6% less) There was one outlier - the Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo, which did better than WLTP (claim 389km, actual 462km, 18% better)

[@neverleftthe80s29]

@@chasingcars That is fantastic information. Thank you. In a ICE vehicle the real range is not an issue of course, but it really matters with EV's in our country. I wonder if Cupra will offer a space saver that you can through in the hatch area as an option. Appreciate the response. Thanks again. I also think the Born in bang on at around 60K w/77kwh battery and it's high spec.

[@chasingcars]

Further info on this question: www.chasingcars.com.au/guides/which-evs-have-a-spare-tyre-and-spare-wheel/

[@narvuntien]

It's issue is that MG M4 is basically the same car for 20K less. MGs software isn't great but neither is the VW/Cupra software. Need to get the dual motor version and physical buttons (give me regen paddles like the HYD/Kia) Has a bit more power than I thought and the range is great. I am likely to give it a test drive when it gets here.

[@chasingcars]

MG’s track record of releasing cars truly fit for Australian roads and driving has been speckled at best - let’s at least wait to test the MG4 in local conditions before heaping praise on it, IMO. Admittedly it sounds nothing like their mediocre existing product based on positive (foreign) reviews.

[@narvuntien]

@@chasingcars we might not even see it in Australia for a year because of its UK popularity so if want RWD EV hatch next year this will likely be your only choice for a bit.

[@digitaldreamer8637]

Wayyy too heavy. We need VW etc to catch up to Tesla re motor performance, efficiency, packaging and software. VW knows how to make comfortable, ergonomic and stylish cars, but just struggling with the EV drivetrains.

[@stuw4055]

How were the windscreen wipers noting they’re sequenced for a left hand drive car? I imagine a bit annoying in those conditions and just due to laziness by car manufacturers.

[@chasingcars]

Honestly I didn’t notice this and it was pretty wet. Maybe on a much longer drive I would have.

[@stevenswann2835]

Agree. That big streak across my field of vision would drive me mad. Pretty poor from VW and Cupra not to offer RHD wipers. Especially on a $60k+ car.

[@WarrenWilliams3112]

@@chasingcars What does your Formentor have for wipers? I'm curious if the wiper config on the Drive test car, was maybe not fully spec'd for Oz, being a "one off" rather than full production.

[@Peter-vn8ue]

And the thick A pillar, hard to see vehicles approaching from your right without having to bob your head around to check.

[@methoxy66]

And they left the charging port on the same side, so for us its on the drivers'/roadway side. Which effectively rules out kerb-side chargers like the new ones being mounted to telegraph poles, unless you want your charger smashed off by passing traffic. Also, the standard 215/50 R19 tyres don't appear readily available in the event of needing a replacement.

[@AL-ib3lu]

Well priced until you compare it to the MG4.

[@chasingcars]

The MG4 hasn’t been priced in Australia (December 2022).

[@methoxy66]

The price with the interior package (that was recommended here) is the same price as the Hyundai Kona Elite Long Range, which is essentially the same size vehicle (on paper) with the same range (with its range proven on this very channel). All the safety and convenience features seem the same. The Cupra has the better styliing inside and out in a nice hatchback design, the great LED lighting, and the massaging seats (which no one online has ever commented on so presumably they aren't that great). The Kona Elite has the bland SUV styling, proper push button controls with a screen that no one complains about, sensible charging port location, and stock-standard tyre sizing. The MG4 isn't available in AU at this point, so there is no comparison to make. I went to my MG dealer to ask about future MG4 availability and trading in my MG ZS EV and was told "no idea".

[@drumaasepp9899]

How does the power sent to the rear wheels differ to a RWD ICE vehicle with an lsd? Im not familiar with how a single motor on the rear axle distributes power to either wheel. I’m just thinking (trigger warning) I wouldn’t call a 2 tonne rear drive ICE vehicle with an open diff a drivers car. I appreciate your thought so am asking honestly. Second question is does it have a vehicle to load or vehicle to house/grid function? Didn’t look like it form the footage but sometimes they hide it somewhere.

[@chasingcars]

It doesn’t have an LSD, so you have to drive around that trait, though I didn’t struggle on track - fatter tyres, ESC off, rear danced around nicely

[@andrewrobinson9279]

Great to see they got the battery size right, unlike MG and the ZS ev which has the smaller option battery.

[@chasingcars]

Yes, good battery size imo

[@NoLittlePink]

At this price, why not a model 3?

[@chasingcars]

Model 3 is $6000 more expensive, for one thing - not pocket change for everybody

[@waynehobbs5175]

More efficent than an MG EV ESSENCE and only $10k more. Looks roomier to. Panel gaps look ugly.

[@sad6549775]

Cupra's own line offers better options (yes, it is not electric). The money saved can be used to offset any fuel costs for the next 5 years. If you are trying to be green, only a limited number of household with solar can do so.

[@chasingcars]

Your last comment is really dependant on the grid make-up of the state in which you live - also, some rapid charging providers use 100% renewable energy (including Chargefox)

[@bt8671]

Limited number of households, you make out like it's a very small number. It's like 3 million homes or 30% of the country and dare I say it's close to 80% for those buying electric cars

[@tonyt2508]

What the heck. Four seats if you get any options!! You're pulling my leg. Great car for car journalists.

[@chasingcars]

What do you mean by that?

[@jaisabai4155]

Any form of spare wheel inside that rear hatch which you opened?

[@chasingcars]

No spare wheel unfortunately.

[@stevenswann2835]

@@chasingcars Is there an indented space for one?

[@millin-avp-educationav-kin9128]

0-100?

[@chasingcars]

Claim of 7sec, let’s see what we actually get

[@KenanTurkiye]

Front reminds me of the Tesla Y the rear quarter Opel Crossland.

[@hal3137]

Wow weight issue on rear axle , no thanks.

[@chasingcars]

ADRs are quite a bit stricter on this than the rest of the world actually (are also Mercedes EQB350, which can have seven seats in Europe but not Australia due to rear axle load regulation)

[@rotoehu9266]

@@chasingcarswhen ADRs are stricter than infamously overbearing EU regs you know it’s time they were dumped…

[@jamesmoros1274]

Lol 62k for such a small unknown brand good luck.

[@Mexxx65]

Don't let me comment on Cupra's (Seats) return to Australia!!!!

[@chasingcars]

Seems plenty don’t agree with that - they’re holding 800+ orders for Formentor VZx ($67k DA).

[@jakeeus]

It's part of the VW group, I think its a pretty fair bet you know what you're getting. So I wouldn't call it small, given its backing, nor unknown since VWG products are generally pretty consistent. It's simply a new badge.

[@bt8671]

Only small because it launched less than a year ago. Orders way out stripping supply. Vw doesn't have elec in Australia so all demand for anything VW backed in this price bracket at the minute will be funnelled to cupra.

[@Mexxx65]

.... its not a Hot Hatch Tom .... its not even a Warm Hatch Its a VW ID.3 derivative, ie a RWD EV that drives like a FWD car. With just some Hot Hatch visuals. And 67k with cloth seats and no sunroof? The Premium model?? Hello Hyundai! 1990kgs and 310Nm.......(my magic number) 6.4!!!! Fgs my 22yr old warm hatch 206GTi is 5.4, a whole 1kg less for each Nm to move. And a Series3 1.8L 90's MX5, magic torque number was 6.2!

[@chasingcars]

You know just as well as I do that hot hatchery isn’t about straight line speed, it’s about handling! And not sure what you mean about driving like a FWD car - I had it in ESC Sport and it had the tail out very enthusiastically under throttle

[@bt8671]

Lol, better write cupra a letter saying their business is going to fail because people will buy 22 year old second hand french hatchbacks instead 🤣

[@whatthe6532]

@@bt8671 Hahaha

[@Mexxx65]

@@bt8671 Lol. I bought my 206 GTI for 3k with less than 1k on the clock, as a beater. IE it was cheap, a 3rd car! Not because I was looking for a French Hot Hatch! Still having said that, where I live in rural NSW, people will definitely buy old late model Peugeots. Not too sure about..Cupra's in the future.

[@Mexxx65]

@@chasingcars Well how does it compare to say a Ford Fiesta ST, or Focus ST, or the new premium BMW FWD Hot Hatch? I would be most interested in your opinions. Because just saying in isolation just driving on a smooth circuit in the wet, " had the tail out very enthusiastically under throttle", doesn't sat much at all. "enthusiastic" does not make a Hot Hatch...Excitement does!!!!

[@stizzygrayson5541]

Soon to arrive MG4 will destroy this and most other cheaper evs

[@bennybong360]

Looks like a Prius

[@chasingcars]

The new, cool Prius, or the old, distinctly uncool Prius? You tell me

[@whatthe6532]

@@chasingcars Tom you’ve got the gloves on. Good on you.

[@Peter-vn8ue]

My extended range BYD Atto 3 represents better value for money, has more features, 12.8 inch rotating infotaiment screen, 5 seats, bigger boot, 7.3 seconds to 100kms, sunroof, electric liftgate, OTA updates, and software that's responsive and works. This is just a VW id3 with different panels. It comes off the same VW production line in Germany. Given the VW Ev global supply issues, I read somewhere that only 500 Cupra Borns are allocated for Australia in 2023 with a delivery window of April to October.

[@pereldh5741]

Born..?! 😅

[@chasingcars]

Trendy neighbourhood of Barcelona.

[@richieduck67]

Born again?

[@chasingcars]

Yes

[@tonycoz2309]

Bit of coin

[@chasingcars]

That be the EV way