Cupra Born Review & Prices

The Cupra Born is a great choice for an electric family hatchback - it’s sensible and practical, and goes a long way on a charge, but it’s also a bit more fun to drive and more exciting to look at than the alternatives. It does frustrate with some awkward interior tech, though.

Under the skin, the Cupra Born is actually a Volkswagen ID3 in a fancy Spanish dress - it’s mechanically identical with the same electric motors and batteries, and they’re a very similar shape. Think of the Volkswagen as the sensible, mature older brother, while the Cupra is the young upstart that’s a bit edgy and has the tendency to get up to some good-natured mischief.

It makes a great alternative to other family EVs - cars like the Skoda Elroq (also closely-related under the skin), the Kia EV3 and the Volvo EX30 to name but a few.

Up front, the Cupra is much more immediately stylish than its Volkswagen or Skoda siblings. We really like the angular face, with sharp LED headlights flanking a slim bar with the Cupra script underneath the badge. Round the back, there’s a full-width lightbar and another prominent Cupra badge, this time cleverly concealing the boot release.

The overall silhouette is quite boxy and almost a bit mini-MPV-like, but it looks quite futuristic and the resulting squared-off roofline means there’s excellent interior space. The copper-coloured detailing and stylish alloy wheels also look great.

Cupra Born: Electric range, battery and charging data

Range: 259-366 miles
Efficiency: 3.9-4.1 miles per kWh
Battery size: 58kWh / 79kWh
Max charge speed: 165kW / 185kW
Charge time AC: 6hrs 30mins, 0-100% at 11kW / 8hrs 30mins, 0-100% at 11kW
Charge time DC: 24mins, 10-80% at 165kW / 26mins, 10-80% at 185kW
Charge port location: Right rear
Power outputs: 231hp / 326hp

On the inside, you get more of that copper detailing - around the air vents, storage cubbies and on the steering wheel. There’s a lot to like in here: we’re big fans of the supportive yet sporty seats, and visibility out of the front is great thanks to the expansive windscreen and extra glass area in the A-pillars.

You get a 12.9-inch touchscreen in the dash to go along with a dinky little driver information display. The infotainment screen is big and clear, with sharp graphics, but it’s far from the best in the business as the interface is a little confusing compared to the ultra-straightforward Kia EV3. We’ve also experienced it crashing, which isn’t ideal since it controls not just your sat-nav and media but all of the car’s heating and air-conditioning too.

Luckily you can easily bypass the screen thanks to standard wireless smartphone connectivity, though it’s very stingy that a wireless phone charger remains an optional extra on all models.

Interior space is a highlight. The rear seats are really spacious, with loads of head and legroom, and the 385-litre boot is a useful size and identical to the Volkswagen ID3. It’s a bit smaller than the Kia EV3 or Skoda Elroq, though.

There are three versions of the Born available. The entry-level model has a 59kWh battery and a range of up to 259 miles, while you can get a larger 77kWh battery for a range of up to 346 miles. There’s also the VZ hot hatchback, which has a more powerful motor and a slightly larger 79kWh battery, for a maximum range of 367 miles - though it’ll be more tempting to use up your watts and volts with a heavier right foot.

That’s not the longest range about, but it’s up there with the best - if you want more from a similarly-priced car you’ll need to look at the Long Range Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2, but both of these are a fair bit pricier than even the top-end VZ.

Whichever version you go for, the Born is quick enough. The standard car has enough for swift overtakes and nipping about round town, while the high-performance VZ is capable of putting a smile on your face on a twisty road even if it lacks the thrills of a proper hot hatchback (or a proper EV performance car like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N).

The suspension is a bit firmer than you get in the Volkswagen ID3 or Skoda Elroq, which gives the Born a slightly sportier vibe - more bumpy, but more controlled in the corners. It still is a bit too lifeless to be truly enjoyable to drive, but the payoff is that it’s very easy and relaxing in most scenarios.

So there’s plenty to like here. The Born is practical, spacious, easy to drive and has more than enough electric range. But given the fact it wears the Cupra badge (Cupra is the performance offshoot of SEAT) it’s just a pity it isn’t a bit more fun and engaging to drive.

If you like the sporty looks of this stylish electric car, check out the latest Cupra Born deals and Cupra Born lease deals available through Carwow. You can also check out used Borns, as well as other used Cupras, from our network of trusted dealers. Carwow can help you sell your car, too.

Who is the Cupra Born best for?

The Cupra Born is a compact car, but with loads of interior space - so it’s great for families with bulky child seats and/or lanky teenagers. It’s also useful if you want an electric car for a hefty commute, thanks to its long range and comfortable motorway cruising.

Trim highlights

V1: 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels (battery dependent), bucket seats, heated steering wheel, 12.9-inch touchscreen
V2: Heated front seats, head-up display, tinted rear windows
V3: 20-inch alloy wheels, electric and massaging front seats, ambient lighting
VZ: Keyless entry, Cup bucket seats, smart interior lighting

The Born range kicks off at just under £35,700 for the V1 model, and if you stick with the smaller battery then V2 and V3 have a straightforward walkup to just over £39,200. If you want the bigger battery, you can have it in V1 and V2 spec without tipping over the magic £40,000 barrier that pushes you into paying the expensive car supplement on years two to six of your road tax.

Equipment is pretty generous throughout, though you’ll probably want to step up to at least V2 trim to gain heated seats. It’s a shame that a heat pump, to increase winter range, and a wireless phone charger are optional extras on all models, though.

The range-topping VZ car costs just under £45,000, which is a bit steep compared to a petrol hot hatchback.

The best Cupra Born trim for most people will be a V1 or a V2 model with the biggest battery. The V2 gets some nicer equipment, but you’ll have to decide if you’d rather that car’s standard heated seats and head-up display or a V1 with a couple of useful optional extras - you can’t have both without tipping over the £40,000 mark.

We tested a Cupra Born VZ in March 2025, and decided that it wasn’t really worth paying the extra unless the additional power and sporty look really appealed. It’s not enough of a ‘proper’ hot hatchback to justify the initial expense.

The Cupra Born isn’t quite as sporty to drive as its looks suggest, but it’s very comfortable on a long motorway drive

We tested the Cupra Born over the course of a week on the roads around Chichester, using it for everyday runs to work, nursery, and the shops. We also got the chance to test it against our own personal car - a Cupra Born V1.

In town

While the Cupra Born shares most of its components with the Volkswagen ID3, it’s been set up to feel a little sportier than that car. That makes it a little more fun to drive - it’s sharper, and leans less in the corners - but the stiffer suspension means you notice the bumps in the road more obviously.

Driving the Born in town couldn’t be easier - there’s no Start button, you just get in and twist the steering column-mounted drive selector into ‘D’, and you’re off. You can twist it again for ‘B’ to increase the amount of regenerative braking, but there’s no dedicated one-pedal mode that brings the car to a full stop like there is in the Kia EV3 or Volvo EX30.

Visibility out of the front is great, thanks to the wide windscreen and extra windows in the front pillar, and the lightweight steering and fantastic turning circle also improve matters.

On the motorway

The Cupra Born feels just at home on faster roads. The suspension, which is a bit unsettled at town speeds, smoothes out a lot when you’re going more quickly. The seats are also great, and help take the sting out of long stints at the wheel with plenty of adjustability and a good level of cushioning.

Acceleration is more than rapid enough and the assisted driving features all work pretty well, with fewer false positives than you get from some cheaper alternatives.

On a twisty road

Despite sharing the majority of the same components with the Volkswagen ID3, the Born is certainly sharper to drive and more stable than the VW. Nothing too excessive, just a bit more eager to enjoy a twisty road.

The steering is good and there is plenty of grip, but the brakes are the main letdown. They're very spongy so it's difficult to judge how much to push the pedal.

Fortunately the VZ steps things up a bit by offering more power, retuned suspension and more direct steering. Keen drivers with the extra budget will enjoy it, but steer clear if you want a proper hot hatch, as it's just not hardcore enough.

The Cupra Born’s minimalist interior looks and feels really nice, but some of the touchscreen menus are unintuitive

Cupra has gone for a fairly minimalistic approach to the interior of the Born, but that is not to the detriment of practicality.

There’s a large central storage unit between the two front seats and behind that an additional space that is covered by a padded armrest.

There is a handy space for a mobile phone in the front of that section, which can be neatly covered. That means there is no distraction to look at your device while on the move. Finally in that space there are two USB ports.

The main central area closer to the dash contains two cupholders, another storage area that could fit keys, a wallet or any other reasonably-sized item. The door bins are decent and will quite easily accommodate large bottles.

The sports seats are comfortable and provide plenty of support when going around corners, while the material used to cover them is good quality.

One frustrating feature of the Born is the window operation from the front seat. To operate the rear windows, you have to specifically press a toggle button for them – they don’t have an assigned button themselves. Meanwhile, don’t expect much from the glovebox – it’s tiny!

Space in the back seats

Move to the back of the Born and there is plenty of room, whether it is for your head or legs. The seats are comfortable and the floor is flat, which adds to the spacious feel of the car. Your feet can easily stretch out to fit under the front seats, meaning you won’t be cramped during a long journey.

The Cupra can fit three people across the back relatively easily. The middle seat is comfortable, but if it’s three adults in the back, it could be a bit of a squeeze – especially for those on the outside.

There’s a large rear armrest with space for two cupholders, and through-loading is available by pulling down the panel behind the aforementioned armrest. There are ISOFIX child seat points on board and enough room for our very chunky rear-facing baby seat.

Other plus points are large door bins, ample storage on the seat backs and two USB ports for charging mobile devices.

Boot space

The capacity of the boot is 385 litres, which is decent enough and it’s a nice space, making loading and unloading straightforward. If you're looking for more room, consider the Skoda Elroq, which offers 470 litres.

There is a big drop down into the boot, which could present a problem when loading or unloading large or heavy items. There’s another obstruction too, when the rear seats are folded, so there is no chance of creating a large fully flat space. However the boot has been designed with a lip integrated into it all the way around because it can accommodate an optional false floor that brings the height up to a more manageable or convenient level. With this in place, we found it much easier to load up bulky items, like a buggy.

The Cupra Born has a fantastic head-up display, but the rest of the infotainment system can be really frustrating to use

Step inside the Born and it might be familiar to anyone who has seen a Volkswagen ID3. There’s the same central touchscreen, which operates the vast majority of the car’s main functions.

Like the ID3, there are no physical buttons, which we find really frustrating as things like changing the heating via the sliding switches is much more of a faff than a traditional button or dial would be. Those elements aren't backlit either, which makes using them at night a bit of a challenge.

The infotainment system itself is okay to use, if not ideal. An updated 12.9-inch system is now being used, which is much, much better than the old one – but still far from the best in the business as it's prone to glitches and crashes from time to time.

We prefer to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and both connect seamlessly and wirelessly to the Born’s system.

The digital driver’s display is small, which means the amount of information it displays is somewhat limited. There’s enough for the main bits of data that you'll want to see – speed, driving data, etc – and because it moves with the steering wheel, your view of it will never be blocked, a surprisingly common issue in modern cars.

The head-up display on V2 and V3 trim levels is superb and draws lines on the road to ensure you are going in the right direction and don’t miss a turning.

Overall, the design of the interior is preferable to that of the ID3, with high quality materials used throughout and also some nice touches on the surfaces of the dashboard on the passenger side.

The Born is rear-wheel drive and comes with 231hp in V1, V2 and V3 guise, and you have two choices of battery. The first is a 58kWh unit that will provide up to 264 miles in official tests, while the larger 77kWh battery is good for up to 346 miles (correct as of 3/10/2025).

With the smaller battery, the 0-60mph time is 6.7 seconds, or 7.1 seconds with the extra weight of the larger battery slowing things down.

If you want more power, there's the VZ at the top of the range with 326hp. It also gets a new, slightly larger battery, so the official range is 366 miles – though you'll struggle to hit that if you enjoy the performance at all.

Charge times vary slightly depending on the model as each of the different battery sizes have different maximum charge rates. However, find a suitably rapid public charger and all are capable of going from 10-80% in under half an hour.

Where the Cupra Born is particularly impressive is its efficiency. Having lived with one, we've seen over 5 miles per kWh on a casual drive in optimal conditions, which is almost unheard of in electric cars. Even on a normal drive you can see more than 4mi/kWh, meaning you'll go further on a charge and running costs will be lower than most alternatives.

Being an electric car means that the Born is super-cheap to run as a company car, and faces the lowest first-year Vehicle Excise Duty rate, too.

Euro NCAP rating (2025): 5/5

Adult occupant: 89%
Child occupant: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 76%

The Born takes Euro NCAP’s highest five-star rating, with good scores in all categories.

The Born’s safety equipment is generally pretty well-behaved - you don’t get the same tugging at the wheel or oversensitive emergency brake alerts that you do in some alternatives, such as the MG 4 EV. You can also turn them off quite easily with a dedicated shortcut menu.

All Born models come with the brand’s Keyless Go system. There's also an alarm that includes interior monitoring in the cabin, a backup horn and towing protection. Anti-theft wheel bolts are also standard across the range.

Cupra’s standard warranty is a beefy five years and 90,000 miles, which is much longer than the three-year/60,000-mile cover you get with its mechanically identical sister cars from VW or Skoda. You get better coverage from a Kia EV3, though, with two extra years and 10,000 extra miles.

Early Born models suffered from very glitchy touchscreens, which is an issue we’ve experienced with them in the past. But these appear to have been largely sorted in the latest models, and there are few consistent issues reported.

Cupra’s reputation for reliability isn’t as promising as it was, though, having fallen from a respectable 18th place out of 32 manufacturers in the 2024 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey to a much lower 28th place out of 31. That puts it lower than all of its sister brands - Volkswagen came 27th, SEAT 24th, Audi 19th and Skoda 12th.

Tom Wiltshire’s verdict

As a slightly sportier version of the Volkswagen ID3, the Cupra Born has a lot going for it. It’s nice to drive on the motorway and a doddle around town, though even the top-end VZ isn’t exactly what you’d call fun to drive. I’d certainly recommend it to anybody who wants a small electric family car and likes to look stylish.

• Stylish electric family hatchback: more exciting to look at and drive than most EV alternatives, yet still sensible, practical and easy to live with
• Strong range and efficiency: 58–79kWh batteries give up to mid-300s miles officially, and it’s impressively frugal in the real world so running costs stay low
• Comfortable, not quite a hot hatch: rear-wheel drive and firmer suspension make it sharper than a VW ID3, but even VZ models aren’t truly thrilling on a twisty road
• Roomy cabin and useful boot: loads of space for adults, bulky child seats and lanky teens, plus a 385-litre boot, though some electric SUVs offer more luggage space
• Smart but fiddly tech: copper-trimmed minimalist interior and superb head-up display look and feel premium, but the touchscreen-only climate controls and occasionally glitchy infotainment can really annoy
• Safety and ownership: five-star Euro NCAP rating, very low tax as an EV and a five-year/90,000-mile warranty are reassuring, even if Cupra’s recent owner-satisfaction scores aren’t the strongest

Model tested: Cupra Born VZ, March 2025.