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2022 Cupra Born – A Cooler ID.3?

A “disguised” ID.3? Maybe. I recently got behind the wheel of my first Seat EV, the Cupra Born, and took it on a 500 km journey, covering Tallinn, Piibe road, Tartu, and back.

Born is a genuinely solid EV—like a reimagined ID.3. But does it stand apart? If I hadn’t read the specs, I’d never have guessed the two cars were so closely related. Cupra feels like it’s from a different world entirely.

A Few Contradictions

Despite being impressive overall, there were some quirks: the user interface software is basically a replica of Volkswagen’s—difficult to use and a bit slow. The steering wheel buttons also weren’t my favorite, though that could just be inexperience. Even after 500 km, I struggled with them. Sometimes they provided clear feedback, but other times I felt like I was just pressing smooth plastic. Worse, with my grip style, my thumb would occasionally deactivate key driving features, forcing me to reset them manually. This kept me from fully enjoying the drive, though I’m sure this is something that gets easier with time and experience.

Cupra Born range anxiety

Real-World Range

Overall, driving the Cupra Born is a pleasant experience, somewhat comparable to the ID.3, although Born feels slightly stiffer. Cupra’s range is advertised as up to 415 km, which is impressive. Of course, these figures reflect ideal conditions, and my winter drive with a chill in the air meant a more modest range. Still, I didn’t need to sacrifice comfort to preserve battery life.

Had we been able to “fuel up” at the Alexela chargers in Paia, range anxiety wouldn’t have even crossed my mind. We didn’t get power at Tikupois, but we managed all stops and completed the trip without needing a dedicated charging session—charging happened conveniently alongside other activities.

A New Era in EVs

100% electric, sporty design, and cutting-edge technology—Cupra calls the Born a “flash of a new era.” It’s built on the Volkswagen ID.3 platform but has been tuned and styled for a sportier experience. Two versions are currently available: a 150 hp motor with a 45 kWh battery and a 204 hp motor with a 58 kWh battery. Pricing starts at €36,300, which is quite reasonable. Born’s base package is impressive, featuring progressive power steering, heat pump, collision avoidance system, heated steering wheel, 12” instrument display, heated sports seats, automatic climate control, parking sensors, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

ID.3’s Interior Gets a Fresh Look

Born made an excellent first impression. It may remind one of the ID.3—especially when the two are side-by-side—but Born looks bolder. Copper-colored accents add a touch of flair to its appearance. Once inside, the differences become even more apparent. My least favorite feature in the ID.3 was its driver display, which felt out of place. Born includes the same screen but somehow integrates it beautifully. It seems the designers agree and gave this EV a much-needed edge. The driver’s position and seat are comfortable, with everything within easy reach. The interior feels more refined and solid than the Volkswagen, likely to align with Cupra’s focus on strength and distinction. Some budget plastic materials can still be found here and there, but the overall impression is positive!

Cupra Born interior