Cupra Born electric hatchback banks on power to boost its appeal

Seat's Cupra performance brand aims to enhance the sporty image of its Born full-electric car by offering a version with a higher power output and faster acceleration.

The compact hatchback's top model will have an e-Boost feature to increase the maximum power output to 228 hp.

The Born is underpinned by the Volkswagen Group's MEB all-electric platform, which also underpins the VW brand's ID3 hatchback and ID4 crossover, along with the Skoda Enyaq and Audi Q4 e-tron.

Cupra's version is the first battery-electric vehicle from the brand, which is shifting to sell only full-electric cars.

The Born name refers to the el-Born district in Barcelona.

The Born will go on sale by the end of 2021, Seat and Cupra CEO Wayne Griffiths said on Wednesday during an online presentation.

It is being built at VW Group's EV plant in Zwickau, Germany, which also builds the ID3, ID4 and Q4 e-tron.

The Born will offer better performance than the VW ID3.

It offers electric motors with power outputs of 148 hp (110 kW) or 201 hp (150 kW). The 201-hp version will be available with an e-Boost performance pack to increase peak output to 228 hp (170 kW).

When the top power output is coupled with a 58-kilowatt-hour battery, the Born accelerates from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 6.6 seconds. The time is 7 seconds if the same version is equipped with a 77-kWh battery, which is heavier.

The fastest ID3 version accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 7.9 seconds.

The Born also has dynamic chassis control as an option to improve handling.

Buyers of the Born get the choice of 45 kWh, 58 kWh and 77 kWh battery packs. The three packs are the same used on the ID3.

The 77-kWh version will have a 540-km (338 mile) range, while the 58-kWh pack has a 420-km range.

The 77-kWh pack is compatible with 125 kW DC fast charging, meaning it can regain 100 km range in 7 minutes. A heat pump to increase range in cold conditions is offered on some versions.

Young target group

To help attract younger customers, the Born will be offered with subscription models alongside the usual purchasing methods. The subscription includes a monthly fee that will include the use of the vehicle and other related services," Cupra said.

The Born will increase Cupra's profitability and give the brand access to northern European markets with high sales of EVs such as Norway and the Netherlands, Griffiths said during an online event on Feb. 22 to celebrate the third anniversary of the Cupra brand.