The Cupra Born has carved a distinctive niche in the Australian electric vehicle market, offering a compelling blend of sporty design and everyday practicality. As the first fully electric model from the Spanish performance brand, it’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to electrification without sacrificing its “hot hatch” identity. The Born is built on the Volkswagen Group’s versatile MEB platform, sharing its core technology with other popular EVs but with a uniquely Cupra flavour.

For the Australian market, the 2025 Cupra Born is currently offered in a single, well-equipped variant with a long-range focus. It features a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers a potent 170 kW and 310 Nm of torque, which, when paired with its rear-wheel drive layout, provides an engaging and dynamic driving experience. The car is fitted with a substantial 77 kWh usable battery (82 kWh gross capacity), which gives it an impressive WLTP driving range of up to 511 km on a single charge. This range is slightly reduced to 475 km if the optional 20-inch wheels are fitted. The Born also boasts fast-charging capabilities, supporting up to 170 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes.

The standard Born comes with a high level of equipment, including a 12-inch infotainment screen, a digital cockpit, and a full suite of safety features. For buyers looking to further enhance the driving experience, Cupra offers optional packages. The Performance Package adds adaptive suspension (Dynamic Chassis Control), wider 20-inch wheels, and performance tyres, while the Interior Package brings features like Dinamica suede front bucket seats with heating and massage functions, and a premium Beats audio system.

The big news for enthusiasts is the upcoming Cupra Born VZ, a high-performance variant that is expected to arrive in Australia in early 2026. The Born VZ will turn up the dial significantly with a power increase to 240 kW and a massive 545 Nm of torque. This results in a blistering 0-100 km/h time of just 5.7 seconds. The VZ also features a slightly larger 79 kWh battery, which extends its WLTP range to an impressive 570 km, and introduces new sporty features like regenerative paddle shifters and new “CUP Bucket” seats.

With a starting price of around $59,990 before on-road costs, the Born presents a compelling alternative to other electric sedans and SUVs in its price bracket. It stands out with its bold styling, enjoyable driving dynamics, and a strong value proposition, all of which are set to be amplified with the arrival of the more powerful VZ variant.