I bought my Cupra Born a few months before the myriad of Chinese brands started flooding into the market. If I had my druthers I may have ended up with a BYD or an MG, but I do like the Born and, overall, I'm happy with it. My car has lane assist (not lane centering) and I hate it. It gets turned off every time I get into the car. I love the adaptive cruise control, though. It is absolutely precision. I use the "B" mode of regenerative braking all the time, whether in the city or on freeways, motorways and country roads. I brings me to an almost full stop at traffic lights, etc, which is fine by me. I've grown used to the haptic controls and rarely have any false "hits" while driving.
Did you use the phrase "worthless thoughts" in a way that "priceless artifacts" is typically used? 😂 Your thoughts are worth something to me, otherwise I wouldn't be watching all your vids!
Here in Oz we get three (four) models. The one you tested, an interior pack (electric seats, seated heats, Beats audio system) and a performance pack (20" wheels and adjustable suspension). Or get both add ons as the fourth variant. With either add on we lose the middle seat in the back due to axle weight restrictions. So get the goodies but end up with a four seater. And some more colours like red.
Nice Gavin. Thanks for another great review. Lane assist? Maybe it's like that so you won't turn up on YT being filmed sleeping at the wheel. Aside from the VW generic screen and steering wheel buttons, it looks like a car I could be happy driving. Definitely a step up from a certain Mitsy Tredia I once watched a guy convert, don't ya reckon ;-) Been hooked on the electric concept ever since that though. Cheers.
Hey Gav, great review :-) Quick question, does it have one-pedal-driving? Or does it just slow down to a crawl when you have regen maxed out (if it even has that functionality)?
ARGH. I'm an idiot. I forgot to mention that. When everything's turned to maximum the regen is "ok" but not really what I'd call one pedal driving. You'll still need your brake for a lot of city driving. Motorway cruising & crawling is okay though. -Gav
One pedal driving? Surely one pedal is really only useful for city commuting traffic. Personally, I prefer to leave it off and allow the car to slow to a crawl.
I have come close to getting one of these to replace our aging Mazda 3 a couple of times. Glad I didn’t shell out $80K on one 12 months ago as they are now $60K for the exact same vehicle. The lack of connectivity in this part of the world by VWAG is irksome and on the whole, the infotainment system (incl hvac) is horrible. As are the capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel. I found it great to drive though with plenty of power for normal driving. It’s possible because Cupra doesn’t have the name recognition in NZ that you don’t see more of them. It’s a shame because the medium hatchback category is poorly represented in the EV space.
I think the main competition is the MG4 and it just seems to be slightly better in most areas except for boot space. It's also a whopping 200kg lighter which makes it more efficient, better handling and more fun to drive. The 77kWh version is more expensive in NZ than the Cupra but the user experience is better. VAG just seem to be a generation behind.
No wireless Android Auto/Apple Carplay? That's odd, my (european) Born has it. And unlike the other differences you mentioned, it's not something I did or could have paid extra to have it, as far as I remember.
so how's the software? Obviously the lack of buttons would be a pain, but is it more responsive then the VW ID3 it's based on (which you might not have driven since it's not sold here... I guess the id4 is the closest)? Is it tolerable enough to live with?
It is a better looking cousin of ID3. Also, unless it happened to be some viral trend on some short video service, there's a whole generation that doesn't know what a Macarena is .
Love a video from the legendary Gavin Shoebridge! I don’t have a VAG car but everyone always slates the window switches. The number of times I’ve put the rear window down when I meant to touch the front window switch. I think only having 2 is a great idea. How often does anyone use the rear electric windows?
I have an MG4 with lane assist & as you say it is rubbish. I presume they fit it to get a 5* crash rating but it works only intermittently & so I usually turn it off for anything other than short trips. Probably best this doesn't have it at all. Heated seats seems to be a thing VW likes to charge for but they make so much sense in an EV.
manual seats save weight and failure liability too. VW should carry that in the USA to sell to GTI buyers. How would you rate that handling compared to the MINI Cooper EV, which is FWD?
EV's, still way too expensive in NZ. The problem is that our grid could not handle a sudden uptake of them. Off peak power would become on peak as all the chargers are timed to come on in the early hours for cheap charging. Govt needs to help people install solar & batteries (again, still too expensive) to help alleviate demand on grid. As this happens, power companies will not be making the profits they want so up goes the price, catch 22.
I mean, This or the MG4 x-Power for almost the same price but double the hp... Yeah i'll go with MG, despite how cool this looks. I wouldn't give this 9 in value..
Here is the thing - it’s too much. We have an MG4 which replaced our VW (ICE). With EVs rapidly evolving and improving all the time spending that amount of cash is not particularly appealing. Drop the price to a point much closer to the MG4 and it would be attractive. Then there is the history of VW on the environment (YUCK!) Then there is the LONG list of complaints about VW electric car software glitches from people whose experience went NOT THAT WELL. It is TOO MUCH of a risk.
Incorrect. I've put a tow ball on mine and its capacity is 500kg. Not much agreed but good for my ride on and the 45kg LPG cylinder. B mode regen, smooth and fun, what's not to like
like the review and the observation about nit picking for false ballance..... sad about the auto park. I have a Golf 7.5 and it self parks perfectly every time parallel, 45 degree or perpendicular? Somehow VW went backwards.....
‘Like a BYD…’. How far we have come when a VW Group car is compared to a BYD and not the other way around. Range is good but efficiency was 16.1 kWh/100km…our Model Y is 14.2 long term. Got range via battery size which is disappointing.
Love this. I'd pick it over a Tesla in a heartbeat. Deal breakers are (I'm embarrassed to say it) wired phone connectivity, and the price. Will Cupra drop the price by thousands like Fiat did? Love the manual boot and no lane assist!
I had to take my Born in for a software update recently (first time as they’ve always been over the air) and it now has wireless connectivity, so hopefully that’ll become available in NZ too.
![New Zealand's biggest EV charging hub is LIVE! [Tauranga]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UbnBLbUZqvI/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought my Cupra Born a few months before the myriad of Chinese brands started flooding into the market. If I had my druthers I may have ended up with a BYD or an MG, but I do like the Born and, overall, I'm happy with it. My car has lane assist (not lane centering) and I hate it. It gets turned off every time I get into the car. I love the adaptive cruise control, though. It is absolutely precision. I use the "B" mode of regenerative braking all the time, whether in the city or on freeways, motorways and country roads. I brings me to an almost full stop at traffic lights, etc, which is fine by me. I've grown used to the haptic controls and rarely have any false "hits" while driving.
Love the humor you add to your reviews !
Why isn't this clever & beautiful man more famous?
Did you use the phrase "worthless thoughts" in a way that "priceless artifacts" is typically used? 😂
Your thoughts are worth something to me, otherwise I wouldn't be watching all your vids!
Cloth seats and buttons absolutely!!!
buttons? if only
Here in Oz we get three (four) models. The one you tested, an interior pack (electric seats, seated heats, Beats audio system) and a performance pack (20" wheels and adjustable suspension). Or get both add ons as the fourth variant. With either add on we lose the middle seat in the back due to axle weight restrictions. So get the goodies but end up with a four seater. And some more colours like red.
It dearer here in Au!
Nice Gavin. Thanks for another great review. Lane assist? Maybe it's like that so you won't turn up on YT being filmed sleeping at the wheel. Aside from the VW generic screen and steering wheel buttons, it looks like a car I could be happy driving. Definitely a step up from a certain Mitsy Tredia I once watched a guy convert, don't ya reckon ;-) Been hooked on the electric concept ever since that though. Cheers.
Got one and, very pleased with it 👍🏼
Hey Gav, great review :-) Quick question, does it have one-pedal-driving? Or does it just slow down to a crawl when you have regen maxed out (if it even has that functionality)?
ARGH. I'm an idiot. I forgot to mention that. When everything's turned to maximum the regen is "ok" but not really what I'd call one pedal driving. You'll still need your brake for a lot of city driving. Motorway cruising & crawling is okay though. -Gav
It has a ‘B’ mode for regenerative braking, which slows it to 3 or 4 mph, so yes just slows to a crawl.
One pedal driving? Surely one pedal is really only useful for city commuting traffic. Personally, I prefer to leave it off and allow the car to slow to a crawl.
7:16 why is foot rest all squshed. is that normal?
PRICE a bit steep for all things manual and performance. To be fair the range is good although the battery is big
In Aust., the roads are absolute crap!
Yep, lots of coarse bitumen. Only some high volume main roads are hot mix.
speak for yourself, you must be from melbourne or something 😆
We didn't see them everywhere because when it came out it was $75K. So overpriced for a small electric car!!!
What type of battery
I have come close to getting one of these to replace our aging Mazda 3 a couple of times. Glad I didn’t shell out $80K on one 12 months ago as they are now $60K for the exact same vehicle. The lack of connectivity in this part of the world by VWAG is irksome and on the whole, the infotainment system (incl hvac) is horrible. As are the capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel. I found it great to drive though with plenty of power for normal driving.
It’s possible because Cupra doesn’t have the name recognition in NZ that you don’t see more of them. It’s a shame because the medium hatchback category is poorly represented in the EV space.
I think the main competition is the MG4 and it just seems to be slightly better in most areas except for boot space. It's also a whopping 200kg lighter which makes it more efficient, better handling and more fun to drive. The 77kWh version is more expensive in NZ than the Cupra but the user experience is better. VAG just seem to be a generation behind.
Even at $60k i think its hugely overpriced. I mean cmon you dont even get electric seats!
Happy to live without electric seats but give me heated seats!
Electric seats are only useful if they have a memory. Otherwise, I choose manual seats!
No wireless Android Auto/Apple Carplay? That's odd, my (european) Born has it. And unlike the other differences you mentioned, it's not something I did or could have paid extra to have it, as far as I remember.
That bus at the charging bay 😅
Was a new electric bus charging mid delivery trip
so how's the software? Obviously the lack of buttons would be a pain, but is it more responsive then the VW ID3 it's based on (which you might not have driven since it's not sold here... I guess the id4 is the closest)? Is it tolerable enough to live with?
is that a 2022, 2023 or 2024 model?
It is a better looking cousin of ID3. Also, unless it happened to be some viral trend on some short video service, there's a whole generation that doesn't know what a Macarena is .
Is it better than a base Tesla model 3?
I guess Gav doesn't read these comments/questions?
WLTP - you took the Hyundai Ioniq 6 RWD mighty close to the stated 614km WLTP range.
Love a video from the legendary Gavin Shoebridge! I don’t have a VAG car but everyone always slates the window switches. The number of times I’ve put the rear window down when I meant to touch the front window switch. I think only having 2 is a great idea. How often does anyone use the rear electric windows?
TBH I have the same issue in our Model 3. Annoys the kids no end….
I have an MG4 with lane assist & as you say it is rubbish. I presume they fit it to get a 5* crash rating but it works only intermittently & so I usually turn it off for anything other than short trips. Probably best this doesn't have it at all. Heated seats seems to be a thing VW likes to charge for but they make so much sense in an EV.
manual seats save weight and failure liability too. VW should carry that in the USA to sell to GTI buyers.
How would you rate that handling compared to the MINI Cooper EV, which is FWD?
Primary missing info: was there a fartment?
The new version VZ is better 😍😍😍
I would never by a car with a twin roof pillar as they create blind spots. I experienced that with my fathers Suzuki SX4.
EV's, still way too expensive in NZ. The problem is that our grid could not handle a sudden uptake of them. Off peak power would become on peak as all the chargers are timed to come on in the early hours for cheap charging. Govt needs to help people install solar & batteries (again, still too expensive) to help alleviate demand on grid. As this happens, power companies will not be making the profits they want so up goes the price, catch 22.
No seated heats 😮 the car was awsome until then. Especially the range. With that size battery you could just turn on the heater
Bit bemused as to why that’s unavailable in NZ, two of the three U.K. versions come with heated seats.
I mean, This or the MG4 x-Power for almost the same price but double the hp...
Yeah i'll go with MG, despite how cool this looks. I wouldn't give this 9 in value..
Here is the thing - it’s too much. We have an MG4 which replaced our VW (ICE). With EVs rapidly evolving and improving all the time spending that amount of cash is not particularly appealing. Drop the price to a point much closer to the MG4 and it would be attractive. Then there is the history of VW on the environment (YUCK!) Then there is the LONG list of complaints about VW electric car software glitches from people whose experience went NOT THAT WELL. It is TOO MUCH of a risk.
Finally, a car that can haul all my arms!
Lane keep assist is horrible - I prefer a car without it. Hope they bring the VZ 240 kW version to NZ
0 - 100 km/h 7.3 sec officially
0-100 in 7 seconds, a "warm" hatch
Incorrect. I've put a tow ball on mine and its capacity is 500kg. Not much agreed but good for my ride on and the 45kg LPG cylinder. B mode regen, smooth and fun, what's not to like
Double the price of a runout pre registered Nissan Leaf.
And 4x the car
they are now a collectors item as Nissan has stopped making R/H drive versions, joins the model S and X.
@@TerryHickey-xt4mf 😂
Even a soapbox cart is more exciting to drive than a Corolla 🥸🏴
Gavin... one pedal driving. 0 to 100. Now can it do 100 to zero. Trying to get some sort of physiological reminder into the 90's boy racer brain.
There are $60k reasons why you are not seeing these everywhere
like the review and the observation about nit picking for false ballance..... sad about the auto park. I have a Golf 7.5 and it self parks perfectly every time parallel, 45 degree or perpendicular? Somehow VW went backwards.....
‘Like a BYD…’. How far we have come when a VW Group car is compared to a BYD and not the other way around.
Range is good but efficiency was 16.1 kWh/100km…our Model Y is 14.2 long term. Got range via battery size which is disappointing.
I think Gav said the distance driven was mostly highway km, so 16.1 isn't too bad.
Love this. I'd pick it over a Tesla in a heartbeat. Deal breakers are (I'm embarrassed to say it) wired phone connectivity, and the price. Will Cupra drop the price by thousands like Fiat did? Love the manual boot and no lane assist!
I had to take my Born in for a software update recently (first time as they’ve always been over the air) and it now has wireless connectivity, so hopefully that’ll become available in NZ too.
Points in favour... It has nothing to do with Musk. Points against, NO VEHICLE TO LOAD, which quite honestly in this day and age is UNFORGIVABLE.
First to watch
Parent company is busy collapsing. Pass
Very drab inside IMO.
Silly Kiwi ! Don't talk proper :) What's happening with the Allegro??
Our roads in Australia are crap!!
That’s a nice looking ID3… oops! Sorry, Cupra Borne. 🥸🏴