Cupra has announced the availability of the new Cupra Born VZ for UK drivers, with prices starting from £44,625. The latest iteration of Cupra's first fully electric model introduces significant enhancements in power and performance, while maintaining its impressive range.
The Cupra Born VZ is powered by a 79kWh electric powertrain that delivers 326PS and 545Nm of torque, a substantial increase over previous versions. This powerful setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 124mph. Comparing this to something like the VW ID.4 GTX, you'll see that the ID.4 team opted for faster acceleration at the expense of a lower top speed. Worth noting that the ID.4 GTX costs quite a bit more. So maybe, in 2024, we can consider £44,625 to be ‘good value'.
Despite the increase in performance, the efficiency of the Born VZ has not been compromised. The improved battery pack, with a net capacity of 79kWh, offers a driving range of up to 372 miles according to the WLTP cycle. The battery can be recharged at home using an 11kW AC system or at a 185kW DC fast-charging point, enabling a quick charge from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes.
The interior of the Born VZ has been upgraded to reflect its sporty credentials. It now features Enceladus Grey CUP bucket seats as standard and a Sennheiser Premium Audio sound system, providing both comfort and superior sound quality. Externally, the model comes with 20-inch Thunderstorm alloy wheels and offers the exclusive Dark Forest paint finish as an option, enhancing its visual appeal.
Marcus Gossen, Director of SEAT and Cupra UK, expressed his enthusiasm for the new model: “The Cupra Born has been a remarkable success as our first all-electric vehicle. With the Born VZ, we are taking that success to new heights. It offers more power and enhanced refinement, building on the strengths of an already exceptional car.”
The Cupra Born VZ also incorporates a suite of advanced technologies. Keyless entry (KESSY advanced), Car 2X intelligent vehicle networking, and a wireless phone charger are all standard features, further enhancing the convenience and connectivity for drivers.
Cupra, a brand that combines emotion, electrification, and performance, continues to challenge conventional automotive norms. Since its launch in 2018, Cupra has rapidly grown to become one of Europe’s fastest-growing car brands, supported by a global network of specialised points of sale. The brand achieved a significant milestone in 2023, with over 230,000 vehicles delivered, demonstrating its successful blend of electrification and sportiness. We won't know just how successful the ‘brand exchange' with Seat will be for a few more years.
Cupra hopes that the introduction of the Born VZ will help create the idea that the company is committed to offering high-performance electric vehicles that do not compromise on efficiency or driving pleasure. Lofty ambitions we guess. This new model is expected to attract both existing Cupra enthusiasts and new customers looking for an electric vehicle that delivers license-losing performance with a certain style.
The Cupra Born VZ is now available for order, and it will be interesting to see just how much demand there is for a £45,000 hot hatch in the current UK market. Our guess? It will depend on the kind of leasing deals that Cupra is able to line up.
A quick check of their web site, shows that Cupra are so confident in the pulling power of the Born VZ that they are offering to pay £4,500 toward your finance deal and 0%. At launch, you'll be looking at somewhere north of £900 for a two year lease and a lot closer to £1,000 with sensible mileage. Drop the lease down to 5,000 miles a year, over 4 years, and you'll still be over £600 a month. That's definitely in Model Y territory. As more deals arrive, those figures should drop.
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