● Flagship 321bhp version of electric hatch introduced ● Extra power accompanied by tweaks to chassis
Jordan Katsianis Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk
THIS is the Cupra Born VZ, a new high-spec version of the all-electric hatchback that’s promising serious hot-hatch performance when it arrives later this year. Its single motor produces 321bhp, and alongside the near-100bhp increase over the regular car come chassis and styling upgrades.
As well as that headline power figure, Cupra is also quoting a huge increase in torque, from 310Nm to 545Nm. These improved figures should transform the Cupra’s on-road performance, something previewed by its 5.7-second 0-62mph time. The top speed has risen as a result of the changes too, from 99mph to 120mph.
This extra performance is generated by a new electric motor and inverter system that’s found on other recently updated MEB-platform models from Audi and Skoda. It draws power from a new battery pack, which is rated at 79kWh, and comes with a peak DC fast-charging capability of 170kW. Efficiency also improves, with Cupra quoting a range of around 353 miles, up from 342 in the previous 77kWh model.
Cupra has gone to some lengths to tighten up the Born’s chassis with revised spring and damper rates, new anti-roll bars and the standard fitment of adaptive dampers that vary their firmness based on the selected driver mode. They can also be more finely controlled in Individual mode through a slider on the slightly larger 12.9-inch central touchscreen. The steering and brakes have also been recalibrated to suit, but feature no new hardware.
Visually, not much has changed aside from the option of new Forest Green and Midnight Black exterior paint colours, and a bespoke set of slightly wider 20-inch wheels with
