IS THIS ELECTRIC HOT HATCH HOT ENOUGH? | CUPRA BORN REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The Cupra Born is presented as a sportier, more aggressive alternative to the VW ID.3, built on the same MEB platform. The reviewer finds the styling, particularly the front and rear, to be a significant improvement over the ID.3, giving it a distinct and appealing "angry" hot hatch aesthetic. While acknowledging the shared underpinnings and some identical interior elements (like the haptic buttons), the reviewer feels the Born offers a more engaging driving experience, especially in "performance mode," which genuinely adds "oomph." The car is praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and excellent handling due to its balanced weight distribution and low center of gravity. The reviewer is impressed by the use of recycled ocean plastic for the seats and highlights the tight turning circle as a practical advantage. Although not explicitly stating a real-world range figure, the reviewer estimates the 58 kWh version would achieve around 250 miles and is dubious about the claimed 335 miles for the 77 kWh model. The main critique revolves around the laggy infotainment system and the persistent, albeit haptic, buttons. Ultimately, the reviewer concludes that the Cupra Born successfully tickles the "hot hatch DNA" and is a more desirable choice for those seeking a cooler, more driver-focused electric hatchback than the ID.3.