This EV Has A Secret Weapon: It’s Fun to Drive! (Cupra Born 2023 Review)

[@chasingcars]

So, the Born arrives with a fantastic chassis - but no app, no nav and limited connectivity out of the box. Which matters more to you?

[@acde9355]

No app and limited connectivity could be the main problem. But I believe they will solve these problems as soon as possible.

[@willsmyth639]

@@DB-DB-DB-DB it’s a splinter group from seat who’s been here in the uk for over 70 years also it’s using all (vag vw/Audi group product, the early Cupra headlights had seat writing in them as they were from a seat car

[@danielhockin6705]

Great to hear it’s dynamically sorted and most importantly fun! Negs for me are no V2L and no frunk. Great review. Thanks. 😊

[@mondotv4216]

Did I hear you right when you said there's no app and it's not likely they can retrofit it? The whole point of OTA updates is connectivity with the car. My BYD Atto 3 didn't come with an app, navigation or Apple Car Play and Android Auto. But no big deal - it has all those things now. Come on, if a relatively unknown Chinese manufacturer (although it's a huge company) can do it why the hell can't VAG with all their resources? It's almost like they don't want their cars to get better without buying a new one...

[@geoffreyjones6019]

@@mondotv4216 bit strange if so, definitely has an app in the U.K., not sure why it wouldn’t in Australia.

[@austinadams2820]

Tom, you are so kind. I'm taking delivery of my Cupra Born in a few weeks' time so I am defiitely a fan. I have just got rid of my Ioniq-5. Why? The ridiculously huge Ioniq-5 turning circle, making parking in an apartment parking lot a nightmare. No one ever seems to mention turning circle. The Cupra Born is great in that regard. You also don't mention that the Cupra does not have seat memory or lane keeping.

[@selgeaus]

Good to see more non-SUV EVs being added

[@chasingcars]

Yes it is.

[@marcpacey]

Great informative review Tom. Very clear that you’ve become a fan of the Cupra brand - which is a very good thing .

[@bryanjuni706]

I can tell you really like this car! haha. Tone and pace of your talking was every so slightly on the excited side! Very well presented! Genuine in nature. Love love love your reviews! :)

[@chasingcars]

I like cars that are entertaining to drive. I hope I made the upsides and downsides clear.

[@bryanjuni706]

@@chasingcars You did! I went into this review coughing at the price when you first mentioned it at the outset. Then after hearing your views on the interior and exterior, and in particular the pros of driving ability, i was like 'yeah, you know what, i can see myself spending that money on that car!'. I do like your honesty about its handling both pros and cons. Yes it is part of the Volkswagen group, however do you feel it is a branch that you would invest in in Australia for the long term/ have you heard any negatives in terms of aftermarket support? Or am I way off point here? Thanks again! awesome review!

[@mondotv4216]

It's not the wheelbase that dictates no frunk. It's the whole MEB platform that doesn't support a frunk.

[@TassieEV]

Love the wind turbines. So as Cupra has forgotten about Tasmania, well done...not, guess you order it pretending to be in Victoria then bring it across to Tasmania and swap rego out from Taxing Dan's State to Tas Rego. Tell Cupra they need to deliver to ALL states and territories. Waiting on the Tavascan personally.

[@narvuntien]

I don't think its a bad car I think that all those niggles add up when combined with the price. I think it will be great in a few years when they fix all the annoying stuff. VW is getting there but they are still in the early stages working through the teething problems. The improvements in the Tavascan and ID7 show that they can do it. MG4 is still the big problem for this car, it wont have the quality that VW but it also wont have the same price. While otherwise providing similar specs. I think RWD EV Hatchbacks are just going to be fun in general. I have heard they might bring a smaller battery version and therefore a lower priced vechical that should be able to compete closer to the MG4 though.

[@whatthe6532]

MG4. Doesn’t have the quality of a VW. As a low mileage Golf 7 owner that’s a big win to MG. Water leaks, new DSG clutch, new fuel pump, suspension is groaning. It’s a disaster.

[@puttajay]

Quality of vw? Are you kidding the latest penny pinching models across the VAG to pay for diesel gate they make some of the cheapest and nastiest materials and awful build quality especially across the electric models the ids The multimedia system is awful and laggy and constantly crashes so don’t think the mg4 is competing it’s probably beating it easily

[@geoffreyjones6019]

@@puttajay The Cupra’s better built than the equivalent Volkswagen (the ID3), despite their being constructed in the same factory, and definitely better built than the MG4, I’ve been in them both, though the latter is a great car and £10,000 cheaper in the U.K.!

[@theairstig9164]

@@geoffreyjones6019 same factory but it’s a different RHD assembly line

[@paulpavlou9294]

I have a full spect Born and love the way it drives. I was very disappointed that we didn’t get the built in satellite navigation system along with all the added features like heads-up display with augmented reality and associated safety features that our northern hemisphere and American countries get. I would have liked to have been able to order the twin motor versions as well. The only other grips are that there is no over the air software updates or wireless connectivity or apps. It’s an electric car for god sake - it’s meant to packed with technology, but isn’t. So it’s a bit like driving my 1974 VW Superbug, eye catching seat of your pants driving and I love both these cars.

[@andrewyork8208]

The 1 year service schedule is a surprise in the UK its 2 years at any mileage - sounds like a deal has been done to keep the servicing income ! Maybe a new cabin filter would be needed in a dusty area but that would cost $20.

[@ID.SuperFan-tq8xi]

You can modulate regen simply with the brake pedal.

[@bradleybprentice1497]

I am now a Cupra fanboy. Thanks to Chasing Cars. Having just relocated back to Australia I am keen to get one ordered. Have not decided which one yet.

[@cameron_bracken]

Is it just me....or have i missed something really important that reviewers used to put in their EV reviews.....BATTERY CHEMISTRY.....its crucial info guys....come on.....if this has a Lithium-Ion, then its a big consideration, in that you only really have 60% of recomended usable battery. Its like a 10 second comment you guys can add in, and really points out an important sale point of difference....apologies for being Grumpy, as i really love Chasing Car reviews

[@bshah4831]

Great comprehensive review. Keen to hear about the variant with DCC and Michelin EV tyres.

[@andrewiverach659]

It looks neat and tight. Also doesn’t look like a science project. I can see alot of roof racks carrying pods with space savers inside on EVs in Oz.

[@Tesla_NZ]

Such a small car weights even more then a model Y. Why vw why?

[@NDHobart]

Hi Tom. I'm a little late to the party with this vid, but am looking at an MG4 vs Cupra Born for a purchase in the coming months. Sounds like the Cupra would be the pick, but would be keen to know your thoughts?

[@huckietam6746]

Excellent review. Nice car as well. Since you mentioned EV tyres, can you actual do a educational clip on how EV tyres are different ? And what if I put on a normal car tyres on a definately heavier EVs ? Thanks.

[@gbw28]

Great suggestion, I would be interested to know as well.

[@premacy2003]

Thanks for video. What chemistry is the batter?

[@MaxFromSydney1]

@Tom, You are spot on about the lack of a spare wheel on EVs. Do most buyers just not care about this?

[@acde9355]

EVs are much more sensitive about weight. I would rather manufacturers put the spare tyre as optional than standard.

[@benrussell917]

What is road on the Western spire of the ACT of which you speak? I'm a Canberra resident and am very disappointed I haven't found it yet!

[@robertmerkel8247]

Lots of unfavourable feedback in comments! For what it's worth, By all reports the Atto 3 is in no way a driver's car, and doesn't have the highway range of the Australian-spec Cupra. The MG4, while very well reviewed in the UK, doesn't have the range of the Cupra. I suspect the 77Kwh version, which is supposed to be on the way, will edge up pretty close to the Born on price. I'm also curious as to how it will ride and handle on Australian roads. As usual, it's hard to beat Tesla in rational considerations of EV's, but: The Born has better highway range than a base Model 3. The Born is cheaper than a base Model 3. It sounds like the ride/handling compromise of the Born is better than the 3. Yes, there are clearly some issues (annoying capacitative buttons, lack of the app etc etc) but this things sounds like it gets the fundamental right, doesn't have a lot of compromises compared to a petrol vehicle, and isn't that much higher in price than say, a Cupra Leon VZ, which is very similar in size, interior trim, and warm hatch intent.

[@jaredscott4829]

The 77kWh Born is sub 300km of range at 120km/h, a base Model 3 is actually superior.

[@user-on4rs5oj4y]

As an owner I can say the Born easily meets its 500km claim. I moved from a golf r and this thing feels fast compared to that when zipping around the city (no gearbox to wind up). It can't meet it on handling due to weight but it is close and that is saying something.

[@spidermania5726]

Hey Tom, random question but what brand is your jacket? :)

[@dingbatt]

People need to realise it’s not a $65K ICE car. It’s the equivalent quality of a $35K car with a $30K battery fitted. That $30K buys a lot of petrol! It’s almost like the VW group are trying, but not very hard, to push into the EV space. A car that is a foot shorter than a Tesla Model 3, but weighs 250kg more? Sure, the battery is bigger by 30% but you get a 10% better WLTP range? And I’m sure it’s a NCA battery so only charged to 80% on a regular basis. EVs are still primarily urban vehicles and I really liked the idea of the Born because I find the Model 3 just too big in some urban environments. The “offline” nature of VW’s connectivity in Australia and NZ is pathetic. Even BYD does it better.

[@TheSpyNZ]

MG4 & BYD Atto 3 are a better complete package IMO for a family SUV with good quality interior and boot space. IMO if an EV can do between 350KM to 400KM, then I would rather opt for that providing it's a good quality family SUV or Sedan rather than live with a compromise just because it can do 450KM in range.

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

Spoken like someone who actually understands how living with an EV goes. I've had my Tesla M3 RWD with 435km range since January and my wife has an Atto 3 standard range on order. I can confidently say without a shadow of doubt, I can't imagine any reason I would ever need to buy a long range EV. They're a waste of battery weight IMO. (But I would like the AWD and bit of extra speed with the more upscale Tesla😂)

[@scollyutube]

The best secret weapon would be these costing the same as an ICE equivalent class car. Otherwise why bother.

[@jimmyjamesred]

Did they change the alcantara from blue to grey? We didn’t order the interior pack as the blue interior wasn’t our taste. Cupra still telling me the grey offered overseas isn’t here? But the press car has grey??

[@chasingcars]

I think it's actually blue, but in the dim light we had for filming it looked grey to me at the time.

[@JJ-gl3qr]

I’d take a used Tesla 3 usuly in the range of 45k

[@theairstig9164]

You’ll be buying one used at that price

[@acde9355]

The EV is expensive for sure, but think about the fuel cost you will save and the impressively cheap maintenance cost (3-year plan for just $999, which is as cheap as a Mazda 3 as I just paid $331 for the service), and the smooth driving performance in the urban road that given by the nature of the EV. I believe that people would love this car.

[@vandur2322]

If you give me $30,000 now I will give you a $100 fuel voucher every week for the ten years you would keep a car. Does that sound good?

[@MaxFromSydney1]

@Tom, I’ve never sat in one of these, but in your video, the A-pillars look like a bit of a mess. How is front quarter visibility when cornering?

[@killertaxi100]

Any news when VW will start replacing that awful infotainment interface?

[@acde9355]

This infotainment system can be updated via the OTA system as long as it connects to the internet. This already happened in Europe and North America. It takes time to happen in Australia but they will definitely come.

[@killertaxi100]

I meant when they will go back to offering physical buttons, replacing the awful capacitive touch controls?

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

My modified 2014 leaf is doing a 0-100 in 6 , this needed to be low 5s min

[@rjbiker66]

The 0-100 time is about the same as the tesla 3 standard range

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

@@rjbiker66 - yeh i test drove one and thought no use same speed and no loan needed, i go out of town by car 3 times a year, ill just hire a car for those events. The leaf is actually more nimble, i have wide tyres etc, not carrying around 300kg of extra weight, dont get me wrong give me a tesla and ill take it. But i just wont pay that money for what will be a cheap car in a few years. All these EVs will be dirt cheap as 500wh/kg batteries land in a few years.

[@tonyhove981]

Tom you're really speaking to the hot hatch brigade... Doubt they will be switching over to electric any time soon esp at that price give the alternatives. It's still to be proven whether decision to offer hot hatch over SUV electric car is a good idea

[@whatthe6532]

SUV electric for me.

[@RARay11]

Not sure why cars are always more expensive in Perth

[@blazedkermit3338]

Cars are offloaded from the Eastern Seaboard and driven to WA?

[@RARay11]

@@blazedkermit3338 Probably

[@acde9355]

Fewer people mean more labour costs, I guess.

[@paulhumphreys8500]

All down to the state government, WA has the highest stamp duty rate and also does not offer any EV incentives…..

[@RARay11]

@@paulhumphreys8500 Totally agree. I have seen this while using price calculator. WA taxation is highest in the country. Sometimes the price difference is quite high.

[@OlyMar83]

What are they exactly charging for with their service costs? It’s an ev. How can Tesla charge less?

[@James-mw7zv]

Why so expensive? I will go with Tesla no comparison.

[@chasingcars]

It’s several thousand dollars cheaper than the cheapest Tesla right now ?

[@jeffjohnson3750]

Can the VW Group just make this an Audi and bring it to the US? I hate that we're forced to buy SUVs here.

[@therealjeffg]

No pricing for Tassie Tom?

[@650thunderbird]

When will we see an EV that the regional proles can afford? My guess is at least 10 years. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MatthewBayard]

Massive miss...No Travel Assist - the VW Group’s semi-autonomous highway cruising assistant - as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

[@theairstig9164]

Price over features. Sometimes we get the hero we need not the one we asked for

[@MatthewBayard]

@@theairstig9164 it's not that cheap

[@Schaneification]

LOL Born is a ID3 ... VW said we can rebrand The ID3 that sucks to a Cupra Born and People will not Know !

[@larryjenkinson5525]

🇦🇺 Not impressed - overpriced, underpowered, basic tech. Will wait to see what MG offers when/if they bring the MG4 twin motor to Australia.

[@Newie-sb6lf]

Only a 4 seater is a NO for most people as well!

[@theairstig9164]

That is a gamble

[@user-on4rs5oj4y]

I have a golf R, but this Cupra "feels" faster, such is the instant shove.

[@brendanmtaylor]

Way too many compromises- it’s not ready for launch.

[@Druze_Tito]

I have one question for all EV car manufacturers - what are they thinking with the pricing? 50K for a Golf sized vehicle? Give me a break. It's no replacement for any ICE car. And electric cars are NOT premium, not yet. They may never become.

[@TheSpyNZ]

You have never sat inside BMW iX, iX1, i7, iX3, Mercedes EQB, EQS, EQC or Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 series EV's then.

[@chasingcars]

Eh? The Golf GTI has been more than $50K for some time now

[@Druze_Tito]

@@chasingcars I did not talk about the GTI. I simply referred to Golf. Ordinary shmo don't need a GTI. The electric cars are much simpler to manufacture and the only price increasing factor are the batteries, compared to ICE. The ICE has much more complex composition and yet they are cheaper. I think the industry is wasting everyone's time and instead they should focus on building a more weight-efficient batteries. The current EV cars battery technology is expensive and has really poor performance. They are practically selling useless expensive cars. Useless - because there are not as many charging stations as there are petrol/gas stations. So you may end up in the middle of nowhere if you start a trip with an EV without making a trip plan.

[@Druze_Tito]

@@TheSpyNZ I have sat inside and driven a Tesla S P100D. Does that suffice?

[@TheSpyNZ]

@@Druze_Tito lol Tesla's are barren garbage inside and outside so no it does not suffice. BYD Atto 3 has better interior than Model S P100D

[@amon5124]

Who buys these cars ??? Driving is certainly one good aspect but there are so many other aspect, too. It is not a go-cart - it is a car in this day and age and $60000+ ??? I think we should start judging European and American brands with a bit more criticism.

[@Tesla_NZ]

60k premium euro car with drum brakes in 2023? Am I reading something wrong?

[@theairstig9164]

Regen takes care of the feel. If you want a drivers car buy something else

[@-PORK-CHOP-]

Looks nice, But I think I would wait until they can sort out the bugs before committing, seems like a beta model.

[@jaredscott4829]

Nearly 2000k, what a pig. How is this so heavy?

[@theairstig9164]

The battery in this and the ID.4 is stupidly heavy. Take that out and it’s a 1000kg car

[@allanchapman6250]

How much are they paying you

[@chasingcars]

By "they" I assume you mean Budget Direct, which pays my salary - it's well-known around here that our reviews are entirely independent of car manufacturer advertising dollars, Allan.

[@Mexxx65]

65K Way overpriced for what it offers ( a cheap alternative to a VW Vag product). EV cars in Aus HAVE to be priced same as outgoing ICE equivalent models.

[@acde9355]

Don't forget the cost saving from maintenance and fuel.

[@Mexxx65]

@@acde9355 Mmm Frequent servicing costs you...meant

[@TheRabzHimself]

Try living in NZ. It's $80k here

[@Spade080]

Seems overpriced when the only thing it seems to have over the competition is a subjective better ride? With everything else trailing Tesla. I own a Tesla but I would buy an Atto 3 over this.

[@robertmerkel4706]

I’m not sure I would - the Atto 3 is a good car and a bit roomier in the back, but has less range, slower charging, and multiple reviewers have made clear that the Atto 3 has a cushy ride but doesn’t handle particularly well. More variety is good!

[@geoffreyjones6019]

@@robertmerkel4706 the Born is ridiculously good fun to drive.

[@egaskrad]

Too much information in one video. Put everything down in a table on a webpage.

[@adrianwilliamson6861]

Do Cupra pay you guys?

[@JohnWickFour]

LOL, it looks nice but rest is downhill. And depressing for rest of VW cousins to come.

[@MarksElectricLife]

Seems like a cheap, nasty EV with a high price tag.