SEAT's sister brand CUPRA has gotten off to a good start to 2021 as the brand new CUPRA el-Born has gone on sale this year. With the Kia e-Niro, the new Volkswagen ID.3, and the Nissan LEAF dominating the electric hatchback market, CUPRA hopes to distinguish itself from its competitors.
Speaking of Volkswagen, which has a variety of new cars being released this year as part of its plan to make 2021 a successful year for the established brand, the CUPRA el-Born is based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen ID.3 and the SEAT el-Born.
CUPRA intends to expand its electrification plans this year and there are plenty of reasons to be excited about purchasing one of these electric hatchbacks.
The CUPRA el-Born's Engine Stands Out Among Its Rivals
For those who cherish an electric hatchback that has a decent range, then you will not be disappointed with the CUPRA el-Born. Thanks to its 201bhp electric motor, the vehicle has an official range of 310 miles. Zero-to-31mph takes 2.9 seconds, and 0-62mph should be dealt with in just over 6 seconds. It is the largest unit currently available in any of the Volkswagen Group's electric vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Nissan LEAF, which recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary, can only manage 168 miles in comparison, and the LEAF's sister car, the Renault ZOE, offers 186 miles.
It takes as little as 47 minutes to charge the CUPRA el-Born to an 80 percent capacity using the latest 100kW rapid chargers, yet that time will increase substantially if you use a typical wall-mounted charger. The battery life can be extended by as much as 37 miles in conditions where cold can rapidly drain an electric hatchback's range if a heat pump is used.
What About The Cupra el-Born's Interior?
Featuring a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is positioned to face the driver, and a digital instrument cluster, anyone who buys the CUPRA el-Born can access the brand's latest gadgets. There is lots of room inside the car and adequate storage space because SEAT decided that the absence of an engine up front would enable them to provide passengers with extra space. However, the trunk capacity remains unknown for now.
The el-Born is capable of controlling its own braking, steering, and acceleration in many circumstances and its advanced driver assistant systems consist of a self-parking function. Drivers will not be disappointed by the CUPRA el-Born's modern and functional cabin. They will also get a pair of bucket seats and a new sports steering wheel.
Blue Alcantara suede-like upholstery will feature throughout, alongside soft-touch plastics and leather. According to CUPRA, the vehicle has 'full connectivity', which probably means Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car2X technology. For those who are not familiar with what Car2X technology is, this function allows the CUPRA el-Born to talk to similarly-equipped cars and local infrastructure. Cool, huh? Furthermore, you will be able to access more features through an accompanying smartphone app, while an augmented-reality head-up display will also be available.
Despite this, it is not clear yet if the CUPRA el-Born will be available in the U.S.
What Is It Like To Sit In The CUPRA el-Born?
As well as being spacious, What Car? claims that drivers feel like they have stepped into the future once they sit inside the CUPRA el-Born, and they will realize that it is a practical and comfortable vehicle. CUPRA has done a splendid job in presenting the car as exciting and bold in its commercials, and the good news is that CUPRA's latest electric hatchback is not remotely intimidating.
Which Cars Will Pose A Threat To The CUPRA el-Born's Sales?
One of the most obvious rivals to the CUPRA el-Born is the 2021 Nissan LEAF which also has the same Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions as the former. The good news for CUPRA is that the LEAF's touchscreen is smaller at 8-inches. In terms of range, the LEAF will not be able to compete with the CUPRA el-Born, but it is certain that the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance will try to maintain its dominance in the electric vehicle market.
Speaking of the Renault, the car company's new ZOE also goes on sale this year, and its interior features a big portrait touchscreen and high-end materials. Standard equipment includes lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Volkswagen has every reason to be optimistic that its CUPRA el-Born will be an outstanding success for the car brand in the new year. Though the car will have many rivals, there is no reason why it cannot appeal to drivers more than the likes of the Nissan LEAF and the Renault ZOE. CUPRA has done a fine job in designing this modern and exciting new car.