Unleashing the Power: A Thrilling Electrified Ride in the Cupra Born VZ
Compact Electrified Stomper - Experience Ride with Cupra Born VZ
Buckle up for an electrifying journey as we take a spin in the Cupra Born VZ, the Spanish ID.3 clone that's shaking things up in the compact electric car realm. Reminding us that going green doesn't mean sacrificing performance or excitement, here's our hands-on drive of this rear-wheel-drive beauty.
For years, automotive engineers have been trying to breathe life into electric vehicles, making them not just practical but also emotionally appealing. In the face of tough legal CO2 targets, Cupra, the edgy subsidiary of Volkswagen, is determined to beef up its share of electric powertrains.
Enter the Cupra Born VZ, the electric companion to the iconic hot-blooded GTI-like Leons powered by the legendary EA888 engine. Drenched in cool accents, sleek matte green paint, and mouthwatering carbon fiber accents, the Cupra Born VZ grabs attention right off the bat.
Comfort and Performance Combined
Climb into the swanky sports seats, and immediately you'll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable ride. Once ensconced in these microfiber-covered powerhouses, you'll also discover how their sculpted supports and bolstering make for an engaging driving experience.
However, this seemingly perfect interior isn't without a few misses. While the shimmering copper accents beyond the steering wheel are eye-catching, the lack of physical steering-wheel buttons and the plain displays (identical to those found in the ID.3) detract from the overall aura of luxury.
But this Cupra VZ is less about styling; instead, it's all about quenching the insatiable thirst of powertrain enthusiasts. And boy, have they delivered! This electric Spanish chariot boasts an eye-popping 326PS, which might not sound extraordinary, but when you consider the power surging through the rear 235mm tires, the VZ gets our hearts racing.
Not a Lightweight Champ
With a curb weight of 1,999kg, the Cupra Born VZ proves to be a force to be reckoned with on the roads. To experience any hint of instability, you'll have to put the pedal to the metal, intentionally pushing the limits of this powerful compact car. The stellar handling, bolstered by a low center of gravity afforded by the battery storage beneath the underbody, makes it a dream for cornering maneuvers.
Given its performance, it's no surprise that the Cupra VZ delivers a swift start. However, we yearn for a touch more drama in its acceleration. But hey, with a final sprint to 100 km/h taking just 5.6 seconds and a max speed of 200 km/h, it's hard to feel anything but exhilarated!
Charged Up and Ready to Roll
Charging performance is crucial, especially for all-electric vehicles. Fortunately, the Cupra team offers a clever battery conditioning feature, enabling you to optimize charging efficiency. This feature allows you to see the optimal battery temperature via a timer, ensuring optimal performance. It may take up to 40 minutes to preheat the battery in cold weather, so bear that in mind.
In several practical tests, the Cupra battery has managed to charge from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes, roughly matching the factory specification of 26 minutes. This speedy charging time means you'll spend less time at charging stations and more time cruising with the Cupra Born VZ.
A Clash of Shape-Shifting SUVs: Volkswagen Tiguan TDI vs. Cupra Terramar VZ
If you find the Born VZ too compact for your needs, the SUV segment is where Cupra's siblings square off. The Volkswagen Tiguan TDI and the Cupra Terramar VZ are rivals, each vying for dominance in their respective classes. The Terramar VZ offers a more performance-oriented drive, with sharper handling and energetic dynamics. It may not be as comfortable or practical as the Tiguan TDI in daily driving scenarios, but it certainly promises an exhilarating ride.
A Question of Range
Like most electric vehicles, the Cupra Born VZ faces the challenge of achieving its claimed range in real-world conditions. The WLTP minimum range of 530km claimed by the manufacturers is unattainable in cooler climates, and even with conservative driving, you'll need to recharge before reaching 400km. To maximize your efficiency, consider opting for the heat pump, which can help manage your range and extend the vehicle's capabilities.
The Cupra Born VZ starts at an affordable €52,770, though you'll need to shell out an additional €1,020 for the heat pump and €1,520 for the navigation system and adaptive cruise control if you want to enjoy additional features.
Ultimately, the Cupra Born VZ is more than just an alternative to the Golf GTI or traditional combustion engines. Its spirited ride, combined with sleek styling and a dash of Spanish flair, make it a compelling choice among compact electric cars. Strap in, turn up the tunes, and get ready for a taste of pure electric exhilaration.
- The community policy should include a measure to encourage vocational training programs, especially in the field of electric powertrains, to evoke interest and skill development among young Spaniards.
- With the exceptional performance of the Cupra Born VZ, the need arises to introduce multiple rounds of vocational training for service technicians to ensure they can adequately curb any issues related to the car's powertrains and high-performance components.
- While the interior of the Cupra Born VZ may lack physical buttons, powertrains enthusiasts are unlikely to be deterred; in fact, they might even find it an intriguing aspect that evokes a sense of minimalism, common amongst vocational vehicles from certain renowned Spanish brands.
