Snapshot
- Cupra confirms local Born production to begin in November
- First examples to go on sale early next year
- 1800 expressions of interest have been made for the electric vehicle
Spanish brand Cupra has set a local launch date for its Born electric vehicle, with the performance hatch slated to go on sale in the early stages of 2023.
Production of the MEB platform-based EV will begin in November for the Australian market, as the first arrivals of Cupra’s Born are set to turn up on local shores in the first half of next year, becoming the first Volkswagen Group EV to be sold here.
Three test vehicles have been circulating on local roads since the start of the year, with Cupra eager to iron out any kinks from Australian conditions ahead of the Born’s launch.
Cupra CEO and President Wayne Griffiths said the Born’s arrvial will kick-start a local interest in performance electric vehicles off the back of its success overseas.
“Last year in Munich I expressed my determination to get the Cupra Born to Australia as soon as possile,” said Griffifths.
“[Born] will go into production for Australia in the last quarter of this year and will start deliveries in early 2023.
“Already a sales succes in Europe, the Cupra Born is a car that in its every aspect embodies the visual and dynamic aesthetic that sets our brand apart. This car is set to be the impulse of a new generation of Aussie car lovers and to prove that performance and electrification can be a perfect match.
“As you know, since January we have had three Cupra Borns on your streets running tens of thousands of kilometres of tests, accruing valuable data that is being assessed in Barcelona right now.”
Australian director Ben Wilks said the 1800 expressions of interest for the Born make up a solid portion of the 6500 EOIs for the Cupra range, while the Formentor crossover spearheads the brand’s charge on 2900.
“This is a remarkable response to a brand that is entirely new to Australia and which is barely four years old,” said Wilks.
“To secure Born production at a time of unprecendented global supply challenges demonstrates Cupra’s commitment to Australia.”
Cupra is yet to confirm local prices and specs for the Born, although it has previously said the EV will come in around the same price as a Volkwagen Golf GTI, a vehicle which is on sale from $54,490 before on-road costs.
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Keyword: 2023 Cupra Born Australian deliveries to begin early next year