Cupra confirms launch pricing for Born EV

Cupra's first zero-emissions fully electric vehicle (EV), the Cupra Born, will be priced from £33,735 when it goes on sale early next year.

The Spanish brand's new EV hatchback shares a platform with the Volkswagen ID3.

Cupra has launched an online sales platform to sell the Born, forming part of a new agency sales model.

The Born will be initially offered with a 204PS motor, driving the rear wheels, using a 58kWh battery. It has a maximum range of 263 miles.

The entry-level V1 trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, sat-nav with 12-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, keyless entry and a heated steering wheel.

Stepping up to the V2 (from £34,190) adds 19-inch wheels, tinted rear windows, heated front seats and a head up display.

The range topping V3 (£37,375) gets 20-inch alloys and bucket seats with electric adjustment and massage function.

There will be four powertrain variants across three trim levels, with pricing for the full range to be announced shortly.

Entry-level models will use a 150PS motor with a 45kWh battery, giving a range of 211 miles. There will also be a 231PS model with the 58kWh battery.

The largest battery available is a 77kWh unit, making the Cupra Born capable of covering 335 miles on a single charge. It's paired with the 231PS motor.

The 45kWh 150PS powertrain will be available exclusively in V1 trim, while customers will be able to specify all three trim levels with the 58kWh 204PS powertrain.

All Cupra Born models are rear-wheel-drive and the brand says it has extensively re-engineered the chassis to ensure that the Born's handling is befitting of the Cupra badge.

Engineers developed bespoke settings for the optional adaptive damper system and specified extra-wide tyres for the alloy wheels, which come in sizes of 18-20 inches.

Special attention has also been paid to the steering and brakes, to maximise driver engagement.

Charging the 58kWh battery from empty to 100% takes six hours 15 minutes using an 11kW AC wall charger, but it can also be recharged from five to 80% using a 120kW DC rapid charger in 35 minutes.

Drivers are presented with a 12-inch floating touchscreen for the infotainment system and a smaller digital instrument display.

Like the VW ID3, most functions are controlled via the touchscreen or using the voice-controlled digital assistant. In keeping with the car's sporty demeanor, a physical button for the ESP system is present.