Cupra Born VZ fully electric hot-hatch is silent but it's deadly
I HAVE reviewed the Cupra Born on this SunMotors website before.
But this week it's the turn of the VZ model, Cupra's sportiest, most potent version.
So does this mean the Born is now a proper hot-hatch?
Yes, the Born VZ is packing 326bhp and 545Nm of instant torque because in case you didn't know, the Born is fully-electric.
VZ stands for Veloz in Spanish, meaning fast, and the Born VZ is also rear-wheel drive, not the usual format for a hot-hatch, as they normally are front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
5
EV HOT HATCH: Cupra Born VZ model packs a 321bhp fully-electric punch
Credit: Cupra UK
Key Facts:
Cupra Born VZ
Cost:
From €47,585 (from £44,635 in the UK)
Engine:
240kW electric motor
Power:
321hp
Torque:
545Nm
0-100kph:
5.6 seconds
Top Speed:
200kph (124mph)
Battery:
79kWh lithium-ion
Range:
508km (316mile)
Real world range:
444km (276mile)
Rivals:
Volkswagen ID. 3, MG4 XPower and Smart Brabus #1
So this means the Born VZ is more sportscar-like than hot-hatch — but it's no drift car as the grip is superb.
You can't fully turn off the traction control — you can change the ESC to Sport which means directional stability is restricted, but the rear end stays firmly planted no matter how hard you push it.
In its most potent driving setting, and my fave, Cupra mode, things really heat up and the Born VZ is its most lively with a noticeable increase in acceleration and its power delivery.
But it's just a pity the dash doesn't start to glow red or the ambient lighting change colour.
5
TOUCH OF CLASS: Infotainment is big with sharp graphics but heating and audio control operated via the touch screen
Credit: Cupra UK
Instead you see a small Cupra logo appearing in the driver's display, but this 5.3-inch screen is quite small to be honest.
The central infotainment screen is big, 12.9-inch, and the graphics are also superb.
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But you have to use the screen to adjust the audio and heating via slider controls, although these controls are now illuminated at night which helps a lot.
And if you are on the Drive Profile screen then when you press the various driving modes you will see different images on the display.
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SABELT SEATS: Cupra Born VZ Sabelt Cup bucket seats are amazing, heated and electrically operated
Credit: Cupra UK
For instance, Range displays a picture of a city, Comfort a motorway with mountains in the background and Performance is a twisty road.
Cupra is a racetrack and for Individual the clip is a Cupra workshop or garage.
But the Born VZ is also missing some sort of engine or exhaust sound, something you come to expect from a petrol-powered Cupra.
It's virtually silent, and Cupra already pump some sound into the cabin of the petrol-powered Formentor VZ.
5
CHARGING TIMES: Charging at 11kW takes 8hr 30 mins to go from 0-100per cent and using a 120kW DC fast charger takes 26min to go from 5-80per cent
Credit: Cupra UK
In Cupra mode its 2.0-litre turbo engine is amplified to sound like a five-cylinder Audi engine.
That really does ramp the experience up to the max.
So, sadly, the Born is silent but it's deadly, as it is an absolute blast to drive with superb road-holding.
The fact the battery is placed low and in the middle of the car means the centre of gravity is nice and low and it never feels overly heavy even though it weighs 1,999kg.
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BOOT SIZE: Born's boot is 385 litres and that rises to 1,267 litres with the rear seats down
Credit: Cupra UK
VZ trim means it comes fitted with incredible Cup bucket seats that are made by Sabelt, a company synonymous with the manufacturing of performance seating for race and rally cars.
The are covered in Alcantara and have really deep bolstering, plus they're heated, electrically operated and the steering wheel is heated too.
Read more on the Irish Sun
It's a practical car too as it is a five door-hatch, the boot is a decent 385 litres and drop the rear seats for 1,267 litres.
It's not cheap, the Born range starts at €42,295 but the VZ model will set you back €47,585.
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