Logically, Cupra being the sister brand, electric and a little more upscale of Seat, we expect something more Latin, both in presentation and in temperament.

Nothing Latin in the place of birth, however, since the Born obviously comes from the same German factory as the VW.

Although the family link is obvious (same general silhouette, same roof line, same doors, same side glazed surfaces, etc.), it is clear that the Born has received a much more expressive front end and details that underline its aggressiveness, such as the side skirts and the rear diffuser.

A look that announces the color on the road?

We will see…

Atmosphere

The look in any case announces an interior atmosphere, also tinged with a certain dynamism.

Here again, we can recognize the "organs" of the ID.3 everywhere (digital counter, central screen, etc.), but everything having been treated with spicy Spanish sauce, it leaves a less basic impression.

One would swear that the plastics are of better quality than in the VW, and it is certain that the front seats, sporty in design and covered with recycled microfibers, are unmistakably Cupra.

Apart from that, we find the same generous roominess in the rear seats, as well as a trunk all in all honest of 385 liters.

In short, we have the sporty look, and we have the sporty atmosphere.

But do we have the sports car?

Good start

For the Born, Cupra offers a choice of three power levels, each or almost each being associated with its own level of autonomy. The entry level claims 150hp and is associated with a 45kWh battery (340km WLTP). Next comes the 204hp version with a 58kWh battery (424km), then the 231hp with the same battery (420km). But the latter can also receive a large 77kWh battery, for an average range of 540 km. Small subtlety: this bulky battery bites a little on the livability, since the rear bench then goes from 5 to 4 places. In the Born as in the VW ID.3, the engine is placed at the rear, and sends its power to the rear wheels. But all enthusiasts will tell you: nothing like propulsion for driving pleasure.

In fact, La Born had the talent to make us smile on the most winding portions of the test. Especially since the masses are perfectly distributed, and the car shows a good balance. As for the sporting side, we also appreciated a chassis noticeably firmer than that of the VW. And that too, it creates a sporting atmosphere. But all this does not prevent some regrets. First, we found the steering and brake pedal lacking in feel. As for the performance of the 204hp version taken in hand, they were sufficient, but not really enough to give the shivers. However, we have to start somewhere. For Cupra, this is a good start in the world of electric cars. In addition, one can imagine that over time, the offer willwill expand with much nastier versions.

Reasonable

Finally, a word about consumption.

During our test, during which we did not try to set records, neither in pure performance nor in economy, we noted between 15.5 and 23 kWh / 100km depending on the situation.

The final average was 17 kWh / 100km, for an advertised range of 340 km.

Which makes us say that with a more applied driving on our part, the 400 km would have been of the order of the possible.

The only version available at the moment, the Cupra Born 204ch starts at € 42,080.

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The Cupra Born 204 hp in a few figures

  • Motor: electric;

    204 hp;

    310 Nm

  • Transmission: to rear wheels

  • Gearbox: 1-speed auto

  • L / l / h (mm): 4.322 / 1.809 / 1.540

  • Empty weight (kg): 1.736

  • Boot space (l): 385

  • 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 7.3

  • Max speed (km / h): 160

  • Batteries (kWh): 58

  • Electric range (km): 395-424

  • Price (€): 42.080

  • Seat

  • Sports cars

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  • Electric car

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