2026 Cupra Born revealed
Subtle style with enhanced technology
Words by Mark Slack
Cupra has launched the latest version of its Born, which was the brand’s first all-electric car. An impressive car when launched it stood out from the other rather look-a-like EVs at the time and in its latest guise it has retained the style advantage to this writer’s view. The changes to the styling are subtle as little change was needed to the original. However, more detail changes to the interior and batteries make this more than just a facelift.
Depending on trim level there’s an array of styling detail from copper highlights on the exterior and interior, along with superbly comfortable sculptured seats, and bucket seats on the sporting VZ model, plus generous equipment levels across the range. Admittedly the bucket seats in the VZ do somewhat close in the rear seats but are still very worthwhile.
The new Born’s exterior design features restyled front and rear bumpers, triangular Matrix LED lights and an illuminated CUPRA logo integrated into the 3D rear light. It avoids adopting the all too frequent slab front design that seems to be in vogue amongst a lot of EVs. This latest Born is sensibly an evolution rather than revolution.
Inside, there’s a redesigned steering wheel featuring physical controls, a general higher quality feel thanks to new textures and fabrics, and a larger 26cm digital cockpit supported by augmented reality head-up display. The sound system has also been upgraded with Sennheiser Contrabass technology to deliver an improved bass performance.
When it comes to performance, this latest Born delivers the usual EV electrifying – excuse the pun – performance with the 326hp VZ model passing the benchmark 62mph time in 5.6 seconds. Even the non-performance versions have very decent performance. There are four-motor-battery configurations to choose from, launch control, the new One Pedal Driving System, and wider tyres for both 19” and 20” wheels.
The Born V1 and V2 is capable of achieving around 279 miles range on the 58kWh battery, with both models and the VZ capable of a range of around 372 miles on the enhanced 79kWh battery. The car can also be customised with six exterior colours – including the new Timanfaya Grey.
Cupra’s Born has always proved a nice place to be on any journey and has a character lacking in many rivals, and it has managed a pleasingly different personality to its VW stablemate, the ID.3. Launched officially last week driving impressions, prices and more detailed specification will be available soon.
Words by Mark Slack
