Our judges described the Cupra Born as a really rounded product in terms of desirability and execution.
This can be seen on the outside of the Born, where on top of its distinctive and bright LED headlights, there’s a more aggressive front air dam with copper highlights, plus a smaller, concaved grille with Cupra spelt out.
The wheels start at 18in and go up to 20in in size and there are also chunkier side skirts with their neat little fins and textured plastic on the D Pillar. The styling of this Cupra EV is finished off with the unique LED rear lights, a big spoiler and distinctive lower diffuser.
This Cupra’s premium, sporty feel carries on to the interior of the Born. There are single piece sports seats and the flat-bottomed, leather-trimmed, multi-function three-spoke steering wheel, all linked together with the same textured finish as on the roof pillars – recreated in metal and the same copper highlights.
The seats themselves are a particular Born highlight, trimmed on the V3 in a fabric called Granite Grey Dinamica (V1 and V2 are offered in Seaqual Yard trim), which you’d swear was suede, but along with the EV power, reaffirms the Born’s green message. The Dinamica trim is in fact made from old t-shirts and plastic bottle tops. These seats even come with a welcome massaging function on the range-topping V3 version.
The Born feels sporty and sophisticated, but it’s still a roomy and practical everyday prospect, thanks to the tall body and large windows. Rear space in particular is excellent, and the boot has a practical 385-litre capacity, which is expandable by folding the rear seats. Our Best Electric Car Under £40,000 are the V1 and V2 versions of the 201hp 58kWh model, with up to 264 miles range on the WLTP cycle. It doesn’t feel slow either, with double-tonne horsepower and 0-62mph acceleration in 7.3 seconds. Cupra also offer a 77kWh 228hp version in V2 and V3 trims, that has a range of up to 343 miles. That is also the fastest-accelerating model, getting to 62mph in 6.6 seconds! When it comes to charging, the 58kW Born is compatible with both AC and DC charging networks.
Another part of the Born that came in for particular mention from our judge, was for the way this Cupra drives. On the road, the Born’s shorter coil springs, specially developed wider tyres, more direct variable ratio steering, and a reworked stability control system all result in an EV that is fun to drive, with high grip levels, tighter handling, impressive body control and precise steering. It is still surprisingly comfortable and composed when it needs to be. The Cupra Born is a really good electric car and a worthy recipient of a 2022 Business Car Award.
“We’re elated that Business Car has recognised the innovative traits that make Cupra Born a compelling choice for our customers. Born matches high levels of standard kit with dynamic styling both inside and out. Its impressive electric range and competitive price-point means that it makes for an incredible all-round offering.” Said James Jetten, head of direct sales, Cupra UK.
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