Cupra has revealed an updated version of its Born electric hatchback, introducing revised styling, upgraded technology and several improvements inside the car – as the brand continues to develop its first fully-electric model.
The refreshed car builds on the Born that first arrived in the UK in 2022 as Cupra’s debut EV. The latest version is designed to deliver what the company describes as a sharper and more emotional driving experience, while also bringing a broader range of features intended to improve everyday usability.
Visually, the updated Born adopts elements of Cupra’s latest design language with changes at both the front and back. Newly-designed bumpers give the electric hatchback a sharper look, while triangular Matrix LED headlights also feature at the front. At the back, the rear light bar now incorporates an illuminated Cupra logo integrated into the three-dimensional lighting design.
The styling changes form part of Cupra’s continued effort to strengthen its identity as the sportiest arm of the Volkswagen Group family as the Spanish brand grows its lineup of electrified models.
Inside, the Born receives a series of updates aimed at improving both perceived quality and driver interaction. The steering wheel has been redesigned and now includes physical buttons – a change happening across the Volkswagen family that’s intended to offer a more tactile interface for drivers.
The interior also gains newly-designed door panels designed to lift the overall quality of the cabin. Ahead of the driver sits a larger 10.25-inch digital cockpit display that presents key vehicle information, while an augmented reality head-up display projects driving data onto the windscreen.
Cupra has also upgraded the audio experience in the Born; the sound system now features Sennheiser Contrabass technology designed to enhance low-end sound performance. Alongside this, the car introduces Cupra’s new Interior Sound Signature. Cupra says this aims to create a stronger connection between the driver and the vehicle through sound design within the cabin.
Under the skin, the Born continues to offer a range of electric motor and battery combinations and buyers will be able to choose from four different configurations.
The entry-level option pairs an electric motor producing 187bhp with a 58kWh battery pack. This version is capable of delivering a maximum claimed range of 279 miles on a full charge.
Higher up the range, the V1 and V2 trims are available with 228bhp and the larger 79kWh battery. According to Cupra, these versions are capable of travelling up to 372 miles between charges.
At the top of the lineup sits the Born VZ, which produces 321bhp and also uses the 79kWh battery. Despite its focus on performance, the car is also quoted with a maximum range of around 372 miles.
Performance features include launch control and a new one-pedal driving system designed to make regenerative braking more intuitive during everyday driving.
Charging capability includes support for 11kW AC charging, which Cupra says can recharge the larger battery in around eight hours and 30 minutes. For faster charging on longer journeys, the Born supports rapid charging of up to 185kW, which should allow the battery to be replenished in around 26 to 30 minutes.
Alongside the powertrain changes, the Born also introduces a few updated driver assistance and safety technologies. These include the latest version of Travel Assist 3.0, which features cloud-enhanced longitudinal control designed to improve adaptive cruise and lane guidance functions. The car also gains Crossroad Assist and an upgraded Front Assist system that provides multi-stage warnings. In addition, a pre-crash safety system with rear detection has been added to help provide further protection for occupants in the event of an accident.
The updated Born will be available with six exterior colours, including a new shade called Timanfaya Grey. The refresh arrives as Cupra continues to expand its electrified range. The Born remains the brand’s first fully-electric car, sitting alongside models such as the Tavascan electric SUV coupe and the Terramar SUV within the wider Cupra lineup. The new Cupra Raval all-electric supermini is expected to be unveiled in a few months.
These latest updates are designed to move the Born further away from the Volkswagen ID.3 with which it shares much, including body panels, mechanicals and tech. The Volkswagen ID.3 will be benefitting from the same tech upgrades in a few months with slight tweaks to that car’s looks, too.
