Cupra unveiled the Born VZ, a new hot version of its electric hatchback that offers a boost in performance and a sportier chassis setup alongside improved technology inside the cabin.
The Cupra Born VZ features a more powerful rear-mounted electric motor producing 322 hp (240 kW / 326 PS) and 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) of torque. This represents an increase of 94 hp (70 kW / 95 PS) and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) compared to the Born e-Boost.
Cupra claims that the Born VZ is capable of 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph), a second quicker and 40km/h (25 mph) faster than the previous range-topper.
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Cupra says that the improved performance doesn’t come at the expense of efficiency. The battery pack has been upgraded from 77 kWh to 79 kWh and offers a range of up to 570 km (335 miles) between charges. The battery is compatible with 170 kW DC charging, taking it from 10-80 percent in 30 minutes.
The extra oomph is combined with a VZ-specific chassis setup. The DCC Sport suspension benefits from new adaptive dampers and springs, plus updated anti-roll bars. Cupra engineers also tweaked the steering for better response and improved the braking feel. Similar powertrain and chassis upgrades will most likely be applied in the upcoming performance VW ID.3 trim that is expected to adopt the GTX or the GTI moniker.
Standard Buckets And A Bigger Touchscreen
The Cupra Born is about to receive a mid-lifecycle update, making us wonder why the automaker based the VZ on the existing pre-facelifted model. Still, visual changes compared to the lesser trims are limited to the new design for the 20-inch wheels with 3D copper inserts (or the optional forged wheels shod in performance tires), the exclusive Dark Forest and Midnight Black shades, plus the dark chrome VZ emblem on the tailgate.
Moving inside, the Cupra Born VZ adopts the larger 12.9-inch infotainment display from the facelifted VW ID.3 sibling, illuminated sliders, fancy interior lighting that responds to the ADAS, and a pair of regenerative paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. It also comes standard with the cup bucket seats already found in the Formentor VZ5 and the Leon V Cup, featuring upcycled Seaqual yarn textile and recycled Dinamica upholstery.
The cabin is available in a five-seater configuration with an optional sunroof and a 425-watt 10-speaker audio system by Sennheiser. Finally, safety equipment has been upgraded with more sophisticated ADAS including the Remote Park Assist.
The market launch of the Cupra Born VZ is scheduled for the third quarter of 2024. Pricing will be announced this summer. The timing of the debut makes us believe that the facelifted Cupra Born will debut later, likely in 2025.
