Born to become our best-selling European BEV

CUPRA Australia has this week announced that its Born battery electric vehicle (BEV) is likely to become the country’s best selling European-sourced EV, with sales numbers already exceeding 500 units.

The Spanish importer says response to its initial allocation of 400 units – which was made available late last year – was overwhelmingly positive, such that the allocation for Australia was upped to 600, and then 700 units.

Of those, some 500 have already sold, with ordering for the Born now classified by Cupra as ‘unrestricted’.

The news speaks to the growing popularity of electric vehicles in Australia, and indeed of the Cupra brand. Year-to-date the Volkswagen-owned importer has notched up 967 units sales, with 159 of those in the last month alone.

In April, Cupra sold 21 examples of the Born as well as 18 examples of the Leon, both of which compete in the Small Car over $40K category. Cupra has also sold 70 examples of its Formentor (in the Medium SUV under $60K category) and 50 Ateca models (in the Medium SUV over $60K category).

Cupra says its Born EV – a large, rear-drive and five-door hatch – offers the longest range for dollar ratio in its class: up to 511km from $59,990 plus on-road costs.

In states and territories such as the ACT and NSW, the drive-away price of the Curpa Born is within $2500 of that number, before region-specific incentives are applied.

The Cupra Born features an 82kWh battery, and a 0-100km/h time of 7.0 seconds courtesy of its 170kW/310Nm electric motor.

It is available with AC (11kW) and DC (170kW) charging ports to enable charging times as quick as 35 minutes between five and 80 per cent when connected to a suitable fast charger.

In terms of standard specification, the Born includes 19-inch alloy wheels in a black and copper finish with tyre pressure monitoring, seven airbags, heated and power-folding wing mirrors, dusk-sensing LED headlights with integrated fog lights, LED taillights, auto high beam and tinted rear windows.

The generously equipped single variant also offers a rear spoiler, sports suspension, progressive steering, keyless entry and start, and a security alarm.

Cockpit features include a 5.3-inch digital instrument panel, 12.0-inch infotainment array with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio, dual USB-C ports front and rear, wireless device charging, a heated leather multi-function steering wheel, Seaqual bucket seats (with seating for four), auto dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control and aluminium pedals.

The Born hatch is offered in five colours (Glacial White, Geyser Silver, Quasar Grey, Rayleigh Red or Vapor Grey) and features a 385-litre boot.

Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, front assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, park assist, side assist with rear traffic alert and exit warning, a driver fatigue monitor, pre-crash assist, rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree camera system.

Premium paint attracts a $475 surcharge and Cupra offers a pair of option bundles for the Born comprising the $2900 Interior Package and $2600 Performance Package.

The former includes Aurora Blue Dinamica heated front bucket seats with 12-way power adjustment and massage function, heated washer jets and a 395W Beats nine-speaker premium sound system with subwoofer, while the latter adds 20-inch black and silver alloy wheels with wider 235mm Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and adaptive damping.

Adding the Performance Package results in a reduced 475km driving range.

Speaking on the success of the Born in Australia, Cupra Australia director, Ben Wilks, said, “Customer response has been immediate, which has been recognised and rewarded by our factory with increasing allocations of a car in hot demand in other markets”.

“To combine a long 500km-plus EV range with instant electric performance, and controllable dynamics through the sharp steering and rear-wheel drive chassis, places the Cupra Born in an exclusive part of the market.

“From range and pricing, to space and driver satisfaction, the Born will be the most important vehicle that Cupra launches as it defines class leadership.”