Cupra Australia has confirmed the battery electric rear-wheel-drive Born hot hatchback with a range of 511km* will arrive in March/April 2023 with pricing yet to be confirmed.
According to Cupra, the Born has accumulated significant interest in Australia, with the second highest number of registered enquiries behind the Formentor plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and its performance SUV range.
It says a high specification and ‘e-Boost’ performance will be standard when the Born arrives in March/April 2023.
The Cupra Born deploys 170kW of power and 310Nm of torque for 0-100km/h in 7 seconds. Teamed with rear-drive, the Born will be unique in the market as a dedicated ‘hot hatch’ with instant responses from the throttle and steering.
Engineers have focused on matching steering, ride, handling and electronic stability control (ESC) tune to the instantaneous electric thrust unique to BEVs with a view to driver appeal.
Progressive steering, sports suspension and 19 inch alloy wheels are standard. Dynamic chassis control, 20 inch alloy wheels and wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres will form part of a Performance Package option – one of two packs available.
A high level of technology includes LED headlamps with Light Assist (Auto High Beam), a 12 inch infotainment display and 5.3″ driver display, DAB+ digital radio, 4 USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless phone charging.
This is bolstered by active safety technology including adaptive cruise control, 360 degree camera, lane assist, front assist, park assist, side assist with rear traffic alert and more.
Further luxury can be obtained including heated and power adjustable front seats, Beats premium sound and more, via the second, Interior Package.
Built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform – MEB – the Born features space equivalent to the larger Leon hatch, boasting a 385 litre boot volume.
Cupra Australia director Ben Wilks says the Born will cement the allure of the Barcelona brand in the local market.
“The Cupra Leon, Formentor and Ateca have been widely praised by Australian and international media for their clear design, performance and technology focus,” Wilks says.
“The Born is a BEV with a long 500km-plus range. Its specifications are ideal for progressive Australian customers who will also be drawn to pricing similar to our other great hot hatch, the Leon VZx,” he says.
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