New Cupra Born vs Volkswagen ID3 Neo: which electric hatchback is worth waiting for? 

Hot on the heels of the updated Cupra Born, Volkswagen has launched the new ID3 Neo. Both cars still share a lot of parts under the skin, but they appeal to very different buyers.

To help you decide which car is best, I’m going to compare their designs, interiors, range and technology so you can decide which is best for you.

New Cupra Born vs Volkswagen ID3 Neo design

It is no secret that the Cupra Born shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID3, but seeing the two side-by-side reveals a clear difference: the Born looks much more sporty.

With its sharp lines, distinctive copper accents, and sleek headlights, it looks more aggressive than the bubble-like VW. Changes for this mid-life update include more pointy headlights with triangular LED details, a larger lower front grille and a new rear light bar.

The ID3 Neo does look a lot smarter than the outgoing car though, thanks to the new front light bar and redesigned bumpers. There are also some new alloy wheel options on offer, as well as different colours to choose from such as this light blue.

New Cupra Born vs Volkswagen ID3 Neo: interior and technology

The updates for these cars are more than just skin deep. Both are also packing new technology such as:

• One-Pedal-Drive
• New infotainment software
• A larger digital driver’s display
• A new steering wheel with physical buttons

But changes to the Volkswagen go one step further, because its cabin is totally different compared to the outgoing ID3. You now get a row of physical switches for the climate control, something the Born still does without, and the material quality has been improved as well.

The Born’s interior looks pretty much the same as before, but that’s no bad thing. It was always a more interesting-looking cabin than the ID3’s thanks to the copper accents and funky materials, but for me the new ID3 Neo has the more appealing dashboard thanks to the new buttons.

New Cupra Born vs Volkswagen ID3 Neo: batteries, motors and range

The new Cupra Born is offered with a choice of 58kWh or 79kWh batteries, the latter of which gets you up to 389 miles of range. That’s a full two miles less than the new ID3 Neo, which is available with the same battery packs.

Motor options are also pretty similar. The Born range kicks off with a 190hp motor powering the rear wheels, and there’s also a 231hp or 326hp option. The new ID3 Neo gets an entry-level 170hp version which the Born does without, and there’s also no 326hp model on offer. Yet.

Volkswagen has confirmed that there will be an ID3 Neo GTI later this year, so that car will almost certainly use the Born’s most powerful motor.
Expert verdict

Both the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID3 were already excellent electric hatchbacks, and these updated versions offer loads of useful improvements to further broaden their appeal.

Volkswagen hasn’t announced pricing for the ID3 Neo just yet, which makes reaching a verdict a bit tricker. The Cupra Born starts from £35,995, so assuming the ID3 costs around the same, I would go for the VW because the interior improvements are more substantial than the Born’s.

We’ll be driving both of these cars as soon as they land on UK soil, so make sure to keep an eye on Carwow for our full impressions from behind the wheel.

Looking for alternatives?

If you are still undecided, these three competitors offer their own unique strengths:

1. MG4 EV Urban: The value champion This model offers a similarly dynamic design and rear-wheel drive at a much lower entry price of €24,990. However, you should expect some compromises in material quality and technical specifications compared to the Cupra.
2. Renault Megane E-Tech: The stylish French option The Megane E-Tech stands out with an elegant design and a very high-quality, Google-based infotainment system. It is, however, slightly more cramped inside than the Born.
3. BYD Dolphin: The quirky Chinese alternativeThe Dolphin is a spacious and practical electric hatchback which comes with loads of tech as standard. The interior plastics are a bit cheap-feeling though, and it’s a touch pricey when compared to higher-quality alternatives.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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