Volkswagen Group brand Cupra has joined the (relatively) affordable electric vehicle (EV) ranks in Australia with the release of the $59,990 (before on-road costs) Born.
Arriving in March, this price is for the 77kWh four-seater version which will be the only one available for the time being. Less-expensive five-seater models are expected to arrive later on.
Not only does this make the Born the sixth-cheapest EV (after the MG ZS EV, BYD Atto 3, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric and Mini Cooper SE), it’s also the first to be positioned as a hot-hatch, with performance on a par with recent versions of the VW Golf GTI, although not the latest iteration.
However, numbers will be limited to around 500 units in the Born’s first year on sale in Australia when the order books open on Tuesday, December 20, although Cupra is hopeful that might increase to 1000 units if production constraints ease over the course of 2023.
The sub-$60,000 pricing is for the standard version that also delivers a highly-competitive WLTP range of 511km, making it the least-expensive EV in Australia with more than 500km of range between recharges.
“It’s the first EV in Australia with the price starting with a five and range starting with a five,” according to Cupra Australia head of product and planning, Jeff Shafer.
However, choosing the $2600 Performance Package that includes larger 20-inch alloy wheels (up from 19 inches) on wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, as well as adaptive chassis control including adaptive dampers and a stability-control-off function, drops the range to 475km.
“Our customers can choose a more performance-orientated option or a more range-orientated option,” Mr Shafer added.
That said, even the base car features a sports-tuned chassis and steering setup, as well as a 0-100km/h sprint time of seven seconds.
There is also a $2900 Interior Package, that ushers in an imitation suede-like seat fabric, heated and powered front seats with a massaging function, heated washer jets and a Beats premium audio system.
Standard Born equipment includes seven airbags (front, side, curtain and front-centre), autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, park assist, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert with exit warning, rain-sensing wipers, a top-view 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitors, electronic stability control, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry/start, an alarm, dual-zone climate control, auto on/off LED headlights with auto high beam, front fog lights and heated/powered exterior mirrors.
You’ll also find a 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.0-inch multimedia system, DAB+ digital radio, wireless smartphone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, a heated leather steering wheel, four USB-C ports, ambient lighting, rear tinted windows and a rear roof spoiler. Metallic paint adds another $475.
The battery pack is actually rated at 82kWh with 77kWh being the net useable output, while the electric motor provides 170kW of power and 310Nm of boost. It has an 11kW AC charger capability and can use a DC fast charger of up to 170kW.
Next year or in 2024, Australia is also expected to see a cheaper 150kW motor version of the Born, offering a smaller 58kWh (net output) battery pack.
According to Cupra Australia director, Ben Wilks, demand is likely to exceed supply very quickly as a result of the pricing/range balance that the importers were able to negotiate with the Spanish brand’s headquarters.
“To combine a long 500km-plus EV range with instant electric performance, and controllable dynamics through the sharp steering and rear-wheel drive chassis, places the Cupra Born in an exclusive part of the market,” he stated.
“From range and pricing, to space and driver satisfaction, the Born will be the most important vehicle that Cupra launches as it defines class leadership.”
Cupra has previously announced that it will begin phasing out internal combustion engine models after 2025, and will be an all-EV only brand by 2030.
As we’ve reported in the past, the Born is built on the VW Group’s MEB modular electric-drive ‘toolkit’, with its closest relative for now being the VW ID.3, along with the larger VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq and Audi Q4 e-tron crossover/SUVs.
Keyword: Better hurry up, EV buyers: Cupra Born is now Australia's cheapest electric car with a 500km-plus WLTP range