The 2022 Cupra Born was initially introduced as the SEAT el-Born concept and is an electric family hatchback with a good performance and sporty look, and decent range. Cupra designed the new Born to take on the likes of Volkswagen ID.3, Kia e-Niro, and Tesla Model 3. The Cupra Born is very similar to the VW ID.3 but seems to hold a bit of good-natured mischief that performance-minded drivers would appreciate.
The 2022 Cupra Born is available in three versions: V1, V2, and V3, with the last two offering more comfort and performance at a very reasonable price. The new Cupra Born starts at $42,198 and here's what you get when you take it for a spin.
10 First Ever All-Electric Cupra
The 2022 Cupra Born is the first ever all-electric vehicle from the high-performance motorsport subsidiary of SEAT. It was first unveiled as the SEAT el-Born concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2019. WhatCar? picked the new Cupra Born as the Best Small Electric Car of the Year 2022, so the vehicle looks promising.
It rides on the Volkswagen Group MEB platform, just like the Volkswagen ID.3. The new Cupra Born is a small family car that works with the APP 310 permanent magnet brushless electric motor.
9 More Power With E-Boost Functionality
While the base Cupra Born can only produce 201 hp with its 58 kWh battery pack, the e-Boost models offer more power. The e-Boost V2 and V3 with 58kWh battery packs take power production to 227 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds.
The e-Boost Born models feel more like a real electric hot hatch than other models. However, they are still not as powerful and fast as the Cupra Leon and the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The e-Boost Born models would make more sense to PCP finance buyers and company car drivers.
8 Premium Infotainment System
The 2022 Cupra Born is equipped with a better infotainment system than the VW ID.3. All versions of the Cupra Born share a 12-inch infotainment system that allows you to operate most of the vehicle's functions since there are very few buttons on the dashboard.
The 5.3-inch digital cockpit is quite small, but then the Cupra Born is a small car. It moves along with the steering wheel, to give you a better view when driving. Cupra adds keyless-go and the drive mode select system for the Born.
7 Regenerative Braking Effect
The regenerative braking helps capture the kinetic energy of the EV when it decelerates or comes to a halt. Since the brake pedal is heavier than that of the Volkswagen ID.3, it's easier to determine the level of pressure that will bring the vehicle to a standstill.
The regenerative braking effect of the Cupra Born cannot match the power of the "one pedal" driving with the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3. The braking distance of the 2022 Cupra Born from 60 mph is 0.02 miles.
6 Decent Storage Space
The front of the center console has a small compartment to place your valuables and cups. The front and rear doors also have storage compartments that will prove useful for a family car. The hatchback design allows you to conveniently load and off-load goods.
The trunk boasts a 13.59-cubic-feet capacity and when the rear seat is folded, the space extends to 44,74 cubic feet. That's enough space to carry more than five suitcases. However, the Born lacks a false trunk floor for hiding away smaller items, unlike the VW ID.3.
5 Reasonably Practical And Comfortable
The 2022 Cupra Born is reasonably comfortable with enough head and legroom, even for six feet tall occupants. The Cupra Born is just about as roomy as the Volkswagen Golf and taller passengers will not feel squished in the rear seats. Cupra furnishes the Born with sport bucket seats in black SEAQUAL® Yarn.
The rear seats can accommodate three adult passengers, but get ready for some shoulder bumps. You can also fold the rear seats if you need more cargo space. That said, the Cupra Born is not as roomy as the Tesla Model 3 and the Kia Soul EV.
4 Aggressive Look
The 2022 Cupra Born looks more aggressive than the VW ID.3. It's about 3.9 inches longer and 1.2 inches lower than its cousin. There’s no significant exterior difference between the production Born and the el-Born concept. Cupra retained the el-Born's bizarre textured C-pillar panel that makes the roofline appear to be floating.
However, Cupra introduces a slim grille and large bumper intake to send air towards the vehicle's radiator to ensure the battery is cool. LED headlights are fitted as standard, and you also have Cupra-branded puddle lighting.
3 Precise Handling
You get tidy and precise handling from the Cupra Born, even though you may not be thrilled about every journey. The Cupra Born is a breeze to steer through smaller towns and villages. With the Born's well-weighted steering and decent body control, you might find it more engaging than the Renault Zoe.
Even though the Born is very similar to the VW ID.3, you will appreciate its steering and chassis tweaks more. You can depend on the Born to absorb lumps and bumps in the road.
2 Excellent Visibility
The new Cupra Born offers better front and rear visibility than the Volkswagen ID.3. There’s a cut away towards the A-pillars, making it quite easy to get a better view of your surroundings. That's not the case for the Tesla Model 3 that comes with chunky A-pillars.
The rear view allows you to easily look over your shoulders. There’s a rearview camera, so you get a better view of tight parking lots and corners. You can also get a 360-degree camera and park assist feature to help with overall visibility.
1 Decent Range And Charging Time
The ranges of the various versions of the Cupra Born are quite impressive. The entry-level V1 with a 50 kWh battery achieves a range of 259 miles, while the 77kWh e-Boost V2 gets up to 339 miles. The top-of-the-range e-Boost V3 77 kWh battery lasts up to 334 miles.
The Cupra Born has charging cable Mode 3 Type 2, 32 A, and it takes just around 35 minutes to boost the battery from 5-80% using a 120 kW DC charger. On the other hand, a 7kW home wallbox charger takes up to 6 hours to completely charge the 58 kWh battery.