Check Out Why the Cupra Born is the Game-Changing EV You Didn’t Know You Needed
The first area where the Cupra Born truly excels over its sibling, the Volkswagen ID.3, is its interior. While fundamentally, the two share some similarities—such as the minimal digital gauge cluster mounted on the steering column and the BMW i3-style gear selector—the Born adds a touch of class that’s distinctly Cupra.
One aspect that may draw criticism, however, is the carryover of some less impressive features from the VW stable. For instance, the center screen and touch-sensitive slider controls, though functional, can be slightly frustrating to use. It's an area where the so-called advancements in VW's EV technology feel a touch insubstantial.
Material Quality That Counts
Nonetheless, when it comes to material quality, the Cupra Born is a clear step up. While the door cappings do remain plastic, you will find a generous sprinkling of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. Textured silver trim pieces further add to the overall aesthetic appeal, transforming what could have been an otherwise featureless dashboard into something quite intriguing.
Aligned with Cupra’s sportier brand imaging, the Born flaunts sports seats in all models. In the base models, these are clad in black cloth made from recycled beach plastic. This eco-conscious choice doesn’t compromise on quality, and in higher trims like the V3, you'll find plush Dinamica microfiber, also crafted from recycled plastics.
Space: The Final Frontier
One of the standout features of any electric vehicle is its clever utilization of space, and the Cupra Born does not disappoint. The absence of a traditional engine allows for a much more spacious interior. Remarkably, the rear leg room rivals that of the BMW 5 Series, making long journeys a comfortable affair for all passengers. The seating position is well-calibrated; the bench isn't set too low, ensuring ample headroom as well.
Boot space is another talking point, albeit with minor reservations. With a battery pack under the floor, the boot offers a still respectable 385 liters of cargo space—on par with a Volkswagen Golf. However, a flat load space created by opting for a £325 false boot floor would have been a welcome standard feature. A few hooks for shopping bags provide some utility but stop short of offering genuinely clever storage solutions.
Infotainment: Room for Improvement
Infotainment is where the Cupra Born shows mixed results. Essentially borrowing from VW's smaller ID-brand EVs but wrapped in a Seat/Cupra-specific skin, the system has its pitfalls. Unlit temperature control-cum-volume bars, delayed boot-up times, and a somewhat unintuitive layout all detract from what could have been a standout feature.
However, redemption comes in the form of built-in navigation that performs adequately. Wireless access to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available, although an inductive charger remains optional. Be warned, CarPlay can be buggy, and switching between interfaces isn't always seamless.
At its core, the Cupra Born represents a compelling mix of sustainability, sportiness, and the practicalities we've come to expect from a modern EV. While certain areas leave room for improvement—particularly in the usability of its infotainment system—the overall package is robust enough to make it a strong contender in the growing electric car market.
From the eco-friendly materials used in its construction to its efficient use of space, the Cupra Born makes a resounding case for those looking to make the switch to electric without compromising on style or functionality. It’s not just an alternative to the ID.3; it's a statement of what electric vehicles can and should strive to be.