Let's talk about the Cupra Born, an electric vehicle that has undergone some refreshing updates, and why it's a standout in its class.
The Born's interior upgrades are a significant improvement, enhancing the overall driving experience. The new touch-sensitive controls are a vast improvement over the previous model, offering immediate responsiveness and reducing the need to take your eyes off the road. While the touch sliders for temperature and volume control remain, they now light up, making them more user-friendly, especially at night.
The digital driver display has doubled in size, and the central touchscreen now runs on Android, providing a slicker and more intuitive interface. Despite these changes, the Born retains its comfortable and engaging nature, making it a pleasure to spend time in.
One of the Born's standout features is its rear-wheel drive, which gives it a unique feel compared to front-motored EVs. This setup provides a more agile and responsive driving experience, especially in the most powerful variant, where you can expect a playful shuffle on corner exit, followed by a powerful slingshot towards the next turn.
The steering is well-balanced, offering a quick and direct response without being overly twitchy. The suspension strikes a perfect balance, adding poise without sacrificing comfort. The brake pedal provides excellent feedback, and the motor delivers power smoothly, even under full throttle, ensuring a controlled and enjoyable drive.
A new feature for 2026 on the bigger-batteried Borns is the launch control function, which unleashes maximum torque from a standstill. However, as with most hot EVs, this feature may not be used frequently due to the one-dimensional nature of instant electric torque.
In my opinion, the Cupra Born is a fantastic example of how an EV can offer both practicality and driving pleasure. It's an engaging, well-rounded hatch that stands out in a crowded market. The improvements made to the interior controls and the overall driving dynamics make it a truly enjoyable car to drive, and I believe it will continue to impress EV enthusiasts and those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.
