Cupra’s first electric car, the Born, will be in Australia during the first quarter of 2023.
The compact electric hatch, which shares its MEB underpinnings with the Volkswagen ID.3 that remains off the table for our market, is currently undergoing local testing.
The Barcelona-based manufacturer is part of the Volkswagen Group, but will beat both its Volkswagen brand and Skoda stablemates to our market when it comes to launching a first electric car (EV).
“Last year in Munich I expressed my determination to get the Cupra Born to Australia as soon as possible,” Cupra CEO Wayne Griffiths said.
“I can tell you this morning that Cupra’s first electric model – and European Car of the Year finalist – will go into production for Australia in the last quarter of this year and will start deliveries early in 2023.”
Cupra says of its 6500 expressions of interest, some 1800 have been for the Born.
With a 58kWh battery pack the Born e-Boost is capable of reeling off the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds, but this rises to 7.0 seconds with the heavier 77kWh battery. A 45kWh battery pack is available on base models.
Depending on the battery and motor combination chosen, driving range is between 340km and 550km according to the WLTP test.
It’s available in five colours in overseas markets. It’s offered in two variants for now, with either a 110kW or 150kW motor driving the rear wheels.
To justify its sportier positioning and styling, there’s also an e-Boost option that increases the power output to 170kW. Regardless of power output, peak torque from the motor is 310Nm.
Local pricing and specifications of the new Cupra Born are set to be released later this year.
MORE: Cupra pricing locked in
