Revised CUPRA Born ‘VZ’ is Born to Perform.
Revised CUPRA Born ‘VZ’ is Born to Perform.
The highly-respected CUPRA brand was formed as a development of the original ‘SEAT Sport’ moniker. Originally, these were sporty variants of SEAT models, but today SEAT is a company with two clearly defined brands with separate vehicle line-ups. CUPRA is an unconventional and emotionally-charged brand, which is defined by the progressive design and performance of its rapidly expanding European model range. The rear-wheel drive CUPRA Born was the Spanish brand’s first fully-electric car when it was launched at the end of 2021, and recent revisions have made the Born an even more desirable proposition than ever before.
Advance Platform Tech.
Named after a neighbourhood in Barcelona, Spain, the Born is based on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform and is manufactured at the same plant in Germany as the MEB-based Volkswagen ID.3. The MEB platform is also used by brands within the VW Group, along with Ford through partnership, and its architecture is aimed to consolidate electronic controls and reduce the number of microprocessors, advance the application of new driver assistance technology and alter the way cars are built. The Born achieved a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and it scored high in every category during the rigorous testing procedure. Drivers can take command of their Born with the My CUPRA app, which provides access to functions such as cabin pre-conditioning, vehicle location, programmable battery charging, and more.
Performance-Oriented Character.
Building on the foundations of the standard Born, the sporty VZ model comes with enhanced power, sharper driving dynamics and distinctive styling cues, whilst maintaining the zero-emission credentials that make it relevant in the world we live in. The new Born VZ distinguishes itself by way of numerous design enhancements that impart its performance-oriented character. The suitably aggressive front end of the VZ variant features larger air intakes and a revised lower splitter that not only looks more purposeful but also improves aerodynamic efficiency. Distinctive copper accents are a hallmark of the Cupra brand, and are more prominently featured on the VZ model, making an appearance on the wheels, badging and exterior trim elements. The side view of the car brings into focus more pronounced side skirts and bespoke 20-inch ‘Firestorm’ diamond-cut alloy wheels that can be specified with either black or copper accents. These stylish wheels enhance the car’s visual appeal, but they also accommodate the larger brake system that comes standard on the VZ variant. The sporty VZ treatment continues at the rear, with a redesigned diffuser and a subtle roof spoiler that contributes to the car’s stability at higher speeds. The taillight signature stretches the full width of the car, and remains consistent with other Born models. The Born VZ succeeds in its quest to look notably more athletic than the standard Born, as the design changes enhance both aesthetics and aerodynamic performance, with a low drag coefficient of 0.26Cd, as opposed to the standard Born’s figure of 0.27Cd.
Spacious Cabin & Boot.
The modern and spacious interior of the Born features some interesting design touches and sustainable materials, with copper trim details adding a dash of sportiness to the cabin. An unconventional feature, shared with the VW ID.3, is having just two buttons for the four electric windows, with a third button to switch the controls between the front and rear windows. The well-designed boot in the Born measures in at a respectable 385-litres behind the rear seats, and this space can be easily expanded by dropping the rear seat-backs when needed.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a CUPRA Born VZ 326hp 79kWh which looked striking in its Dark Forest premium metallic paintwork and 20” ‘Thunderstorm’ Aero Black/ Copper wheels. In addition to metallic paint, optional equipment fitted to my test car consisted of a Skyline Pack (glass roof) and a Sennheiser Sound System. Key standard features include dark tinted windows, full LED headlamps with adverse weather functionality, Dynamic Chassis Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, CUPRA Drive Profile, Enceladus Grey Cup Bucket Seats, CUPRA steering wheel with satellite controls, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 12.9” touchscreen with voice control and illuminated sliders, a 5.3” Digital Cockpit, Top View Camera, front & rear parking sensors, advanced keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, dual-zone air-conditioning, rear ‘VZ’ logo in Sulphur Green, Rear Traffic Alert, electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function, and an alarm system, along with a host of additional comfort, convenience, safety, and infotainment features. The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor in the Born VZ produces a hefty 326 hp and 545 Nm of torque for instant acceleration right from the get-go, and this results in a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 5.6-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 200 km/h (where permitted). An official battery range of up to 599km is impressive, and with a quoted battery consumption of 14.9 kWh/100km, it is quite possible that many owners will only have to charge their car once or twice a fortnight. The battery can be fully charged (0-100%) via a wallbox charger in around 8.5 hours, with a 10-80% charge via a DC fast-charging station (up to 170 kW) taking just 26 minutes to complete.
On The Road.
Behind the wheel, the Born VZ immediately distinguishes itself from the standard model with a more focused driving experience. The steering has been recalibrated to provide increased weight and feedback, and this results in a more direct connection to the front wheels. With precise turn-in ability and excellent mid-corner adjustability, the driver can confidently exploit the capabilities of the dynamic chassis. The Cup Bucket seats not only look amazing, but they also prove their worth during spirited driving, providing impressive lateral support during hard cornering. Despite its performance-oriented focus, the VZ remains impressively composed during everyday driving, with minimal wind and road noise getting through to the cabin – even at motorway speeds. Selectable brake regeneration modes allow drivers to choose a mode that suits their driving style, with intensity increased or decreased via wheel-mounted paddles. The CUPRA Drive Profile function allows the driver to select between Range, Normal, Sport, Cupra and Individual settings via satellite buttons, with the Cupra profile button proudly displaying the Cupra logo as an indication of the spirited performance available when required. Alternatively, the CUPRA Drive Profile can also be accessed via the touchscreen. The instantly-available torque (545 Nm between 0-5000 rpm) certainly creates a spirited and enjoyable driving experience. The gear selector is located on the right-hand side of the driver’s instrument display (similar to the VW ID.3) and it is very straightforward to use. A well-judged suspension set-up provides the car with an excellent ride quality, with only the most severe potholes and bumps transferring the impacts through the car. The combination of a low centre of gravity and rear-wheel drive provides the Born VZ with outstanding handling characteristics, while the car feels agile, sure-footed and refined at all times.
Verdict and Pricing.
The CUPRA Born VZ is a genuinely rewarding driver’s car that looks and feels sporty, with a comfortable and tech-laden cabin that is deceptively spacious. The revised CUPRA Born VZ is priced at €40,775 (inclusive of VRT Relief / SEAI Grant for private buyers, but excluding dealer delivery charges), and represents exceptional value for money. The Born is also available in e-Boost (231hp) specification with a 59kWh or 79kWh battery from €36,330 and €38,635 respectively.
Visit www.cupraofficial.ie for further information.
