Life with a Cupra Born: Month 1
Welcoming the Born to the fleet
The Cupra Born, a sporty hatchback in the family EV market, has garnered significant attention since its launch. It has even won multiple awards, including Best Electric Car at the Autocar Awards. As I welcomed the Born to our fleet, I was eager to see if it could live up to its reputation in real-world use.
Impressive Design and Performance
The Born’s design is eye-catching, with sharp lines and bronze exterior elements. While it may resemble the Volkswagen ID 3, the Born sets itself apart with its performance. The warmest standard Born boasts 227bhp and can go from 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds. It strikes the perfect balance between power and practicality for daily driving.
Fun and Versatile Driving Experience
During my time with the Born, I’ve experienced its fun and agile nature. The rear-wheel-drive layout adds to its handling capabilities, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. With multiple driving modes available, including a performance mode, the Born caters to various driving preferences. It offers a blend of comfort and excitement, making it suitable for any situation.
Impressive Range and Charging Capabilities
Equipped with a 58kWh battery, the Born has an official range of 262 miles. For those seeking even more range, there is a larger 77kWh battery option that can go up to 342 miles. The Born can charge at a maximum rate of 120kW, allowing it to reach 5-80% capacity in just 36 minutes. These capabilities make it convenient for long journeys and reduce charging downtime.
Well-Equipped and Practical Cabin
The Born’s cabin is both spacious and well put together. It offers ample legroom, rivaling even the BMW 5 Series. The boot space is also generous, with 385 liters of storage capacity. Fold the rear seats down, and it increases to 1267 liters. While the interior materials may not be as luxurious as some competitors, the Born still offers a high level of perceived quality.
Frustrations with the Infotainment System
One area where the Born falls short is its infotainment system. The centrally positioned 12-inch touchscreen is slow to respond, and the frame rate can be sluggish. There have also been reports of wireless Apple CarPlay disconnections and unresponsive screens. These issues can be frustrating, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable driving experience.
Future Reports and Expectations
In the coming months, I will delve deeper into the Born’s performance, practicality, and overall ownership experience. With its impressive handling, range, and design, the Born has already proven to be a compelling option in the EV market. However, it remains to be seen if it can deliver on its promise as a long-term daily driver. I look forward to exploring its capabilities further and sharing my insights.
Second Opinion
While the Born has received praise for its dynamic competence and practicality, some argue that it lacks a sense of occasion. As the flagship model for a sporty brand, it may not have the same “special” factor as its Volkswagen ID 3 counterpart. However, opinions may vary, and it will be interesting to see if the Born can captivate long-term custodians like myself.
In Conclusion
The Cupra Born has made a strong impression in its first month on our fleet. With its sporty design, impressive performance, and versatile driving experience, it has proven to be a worthy contender in the family EV segment. While there are some frustrations with the infotainment system, the Born’s practicality and range make it a compelling choice for daily use. As the months go by, I will continue to evaluate the Born’s strengths and weaknesses, providing a comprehensive review for potential buyers. Stay tuned for more updates on life with the Cupra Born.