Cupra Born electric hot hatch revealed

The all-new Cupra Born has been unveiled overseas, but the pure-electric hot hatch is unlikely to be offered in Australia as part of the Spanish brand’s first wave of models that begin arriving in the first half of next year.

The Volkswagen Group performance brand is preparing to launch here with the 2022 Cupra Formentor mid-size coupe-SUV, followed by the Cupra Ateca small-medium SUV and the Cupra Leon hot hatch.

The 2022 Cupra Born is the first battery-electric model from the sports marque and is based on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.3, offering up three powertrain options including a 170kW scorcher.

The others are 150kW and 110kW, with all three rear-mounted electric motors offering 310Nm of torque and all layouts sending power through a single-speed transmission to the rear wheels.

A spokesman for Volkswagen Group Australia told carsales that the Cupra Born, which was previewed by the Seat el-Born concept at the 2019 Geneva motor show, was an attractive offering but hampered by the fact that Australia is not considered a priority market for EVs.

“Born is highly desirable, but no guarantees can be made about EVs while other markets with CO2 targets to hit are prioritised,” he said.

The 170kW version is fitted with a so-called E-Boost performance pack, which adds 20kW over the 150kW motor and, using the standard 58kWh lithium-ion battery (as also found on the 150kW version), can accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.6 seconds.

A larger 77kWh battery is also available to increase the range from 420km to 540km, or as much as 640km (in as little as seven minutes) if a 125kW fast-charger is used.

However, the extra weight of the bigger battery blunts its performance somewhat and pushes the 0-100km/h time out to 7.0sec.

This is the same time as the 150kW version manages with the standard 58kWh battery.

At the entry level, the 110kW model has a 45kWh battery and can reach 100km/h in a claimed 8.9sec. Its WLTP-verified driving range is listed at 340km.

Sporty handling for the Cupra Born is said to come from an even 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity.

Cupra says more than 30,000km of testing was also conducted to “finetune” the Born’s sports suspension.

Inside, the hatchback’s cabin can be optioned to feature sustainable materials made from plastic waste instead of the standard Dinamica suede upholstery, while new technologies including a head-up display (with augmented reality) as well as capacitive touch and slider buttons.

Copper accents feature throughout the interior, while other standard gear includes a floating 12.0-inch infotainment unit that comes with online services including downloadable apps, safety and service features as well as remote access.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, wireless phone charging and a nine-speaker Beats audio system are also fitted standard.

On-board safety and driver assistance aids include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), Travel Assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, auto high beam, park assist and more.

Boot capacity is rated at 385 litres.

Outside, optional alloy wheel sizes range from 18 to 20 inches, while the Born’s unique exterior design, including its shark-nose front-end, makes it a standout.

That menacing look is reinforced by sharp LED headlights and an aggressive front bumper with large air intakes.

The rear-end features a full-width LED bar that connects the tail-lights, a finned rear diffuser and a black motif on the C-pillar that’s designed to make the roof appear as if it’s floating.

The 2022 Cupra Born is set to go into production this September and will be sold overseas through conventional retail channels and on a monthly subscription basis.