2022 CUPRA Born Exterior Design & Features | hot hatch is Spanish brand's first EV
4New 2022 Cupra Born: hot hatch is Spanish brand's first EV
First fully electric Cupra model promises up to 335 miles of range and 231bhp
Previously known as the El-Born, the Spanish marque’s first electric car is based on the MEB platform of its Volkswagen Group parent. The Born will go into production in September at the group’s Zwickau factory in Germany.
It is almost technically identical and closely related visually to the Volkswagen ID 3 but brings its own “stimulating design and instantaneous performance”, according to Cupra, along with a distinctive “dynamic character”.
R&D boss Werner Tietz also promised the Born will offer a distinct driving experience compared to its VW Group siblings: "We have invested a lot of time in tuning the chassis, steering and powertrain. We will offer the car with DCC [dynamic chassis control] in combination with ESC Sport and a lower ride height - 50mm at the front and 10mm at the rear, which gives a nice feeling for the car.
"The DCC application is unique, and we spent a lot of time on different Tarmacs and in different conditions to fine-tune that. Then we combined that with progressive steering so you have a dynamic and sporty feeling for the handling, it gives a direct response."
The Born is the first fully electric model to join the brand’s line-up and follows the introduction of plug-in hybrid powertrain options for the Leon and Formentor.
Its powertrain comprises a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (rated at up to 16,000rpm) paired with a single-speed transmission and differential.
Customers will be able to choose from four lithium ion battery pack and motor combinations. A 45kWh, 150bhp model with up to 211 miles of range marks the entry point, with a 58kWh, 204bhp model positioned just above returning 260 miles of range.
As with the ID 3, a 77kWh battery is specified on top- rung variants, offering an official range of 335 miles. The most powerful versions use a 231bhp motor that sends the hatchback from rest to 62mph in 6.6sec.
Cupra claims the largest battery can gain 62 miles of range in seven minutes using a 125kW charger, while a 5-80% charge from a 125kW fast charger takes 35 minutes. A bespoke, Cupra-branded domestic wallbox is also available for home charging and can be controlled using the firm’s new Easy Charging smartphone app.
The Born has almost the same dimensions as the MEB-based ID 3, at 4322mm long, 1809mm wide and 1537mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2767mm. However, it is marked out as the more overtly performance- oriented model by its sharp LED headlights and pointed front end, which Cupra likens to the nose of a shark.
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