Cupra Born 2023: March 2023 Australian release date for all-electric hot hatch with 511km range

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Say hello to the Cupra Born, the first battery-electric vehicle from the brand to launch down under. 

Described as an electric hot hatchback, the Born is based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform but will be exclusively rear-wheel drive. It’s based on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID3 hatch and ID4 midsize SUV, as well as the Skoda Enyaq crossover. 

The Born debuts as essentially the first hot hatchback with an electric powertrain in Australia. 

A single motor sitting on the rear axle will be fed power from a 77kWh usable battery pack. This motor produces outputs of 170kW/310Nm – figures not that far from a current Mk8 Golf GTI. 

Cupra Australia says the Born has accumulated significant interest in Australia, second only to the Formentor plug-in hybrid. 

The new Cupra Born is set to launch in Australia during March/April of 2023, with pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date. 

Chasing Cars has previously reported that Cupra Australia is understood to be targetting a starting price of between $50,000 and $60,000 before on-road costs for the Born.

Cupra’s Born electric hatch will compete with other rear-drive electric cars in Australia such as the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

Two option packs for the Born in Australia

Australian-delivered Borns will be well equipped, and as standard will receive 19-inch alloy wheels and sports suspension as standard. Dynamic chassis control, wider Michelin pilot sport 4 tyres and larger 20-inch alloy wheels will be available as part of a Performance pack. 

However, it must be noted that selecting the Performance pack means electric range will drop to 475km. 

Other standard equipment includes LED headlights, a 12-inch infotainment display, a 5.3-inch instrument display, four USB-C ports, wireless phone charging and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 

Standard safety on the Born includes adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, front AEB, and a 360-degree camera. 

An interior package will be available as an option and that will contain heated, massaging and power adjustable front bucket seats and a Beats sound system.