Cupra’s forthcoming Born electric hatch earns maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating
The new 2023 Cupra Born electric car has been awarded a maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
Weeks out from its Australian launch, Cupra’s first EV has scored a full complement of stars with the independent crash rating authority, following assessment across four major safety metrics.
Priced from $59,990 plus on-road costs, the Born EV is thought to be all but sold out in Australia after order books officially opened on December 20.
The Born received a 93 per cent score for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, 73 per cent for vulnerable road user Protection and 80 per cent for Safety Assist.
ANCAP said the Born also received maximum scores for its protection of child occupants in two physical crash tests, and another maximum score for lower leg protection offered to pedestrians.
It also noted the Born’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) functionality exists in forward-travel scenarios, but does not pick up pedestrians in reverse or forwards-turning scenarios.
Unlike other markets, Australian consumers only have the choice of a solitary Born variant. It comes with an 82kWh battery pack – the biggest one offered globally – to provide a driving range of up to 510km on a single charge.
Its single electric motor produces 170kW/310Nm, enabling the Born to accelerate from 0-100km/h in seven seconds flat.
The Born joins the GWM Ora and Nissan LEAF as electric small car options carrying a five-star ANCAP safety rating, although the LEAF’s rating is based on an older testing regime conducted in 2018.
“It’s great to see another fully electric model enter our market with the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating,” said ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg.
“The momentum for safe and green models is growing, and this rating will provide further confidence to consumers and regulators to embrace safety and environmental credentials as a non-negotiable package.”
For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales’ Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast
Join the conversation at our Facebook page Or email us at [email protected]
Keyword: 2023 Cupra Born awarded top safety rating