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Alternative Models
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) alongside these alternatives:
Performance
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) has a maximum power of 240 kW (326 hp / 322 bhp) and a total torque of 545 Nm (402 lb-ft). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph).
Battery, Range, and Charging
The battery has a gross capacity of 84.0 kWh and a net usable capacity of 79.0 kWh, with a 5.0 kWh buffer (6.0%) for battery protection. With a nominal voltage of 350 volts, the system is classified as a 400-volt battery system.
The lithium-ion battery uses NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) chemistry.
According to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard, the vehicle's range is 570 km (354 miles), with an energy consumption rate of 13.9 kWh/100 km (4.5 mi/kWh).
For more details about the range, see real-world data and range listings on this model’s range and consumption page.
The vehicle supports fast DC charging with a maximum power of 185 kW. A 0–100% charge takes approximately 65 minutes. A typical 10–80% session takes about 36 minutes at an average power of 92 kW.
With five minutes of overhead per stop, the optimal charging window is 2–43%. Effective average power, including overhead, is 100 kW over a session lasting about 19 minutes and 22 seconds.
In a 1000 km challenge at a constant speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) with an assumed consumption rate of 22 kWh/100 km, the trip would take about 9 hours and 45 minutes, needing four charging stops from 2% to 47%, totaling 85 minutes of charging time.
Onboard Charger
The standard onboard charger supports AC charging at up to 11 kW. A full 0–100% charge takes about 7 hours and 10 minutes with a suitable home charging setup.
Charge Port
The location of the charge port is on the right rear side. This placement makes it easy to use charging stations that require backing up to connect.
This model uses a CCS Combo 2 connector in its charge port.
Drivetrain
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) has a rear-wheel drive system supported by one motor on the rear axle.
The motor used is Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor.
Suspension
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, both equipped with electronically controlled dampers and torsion springs for a smooth and adaptive ride.
The standard suspension has steel springs with a fixed height, but you can adjust damping to fit your driving style or road condition.
Ground clearance with this setup is 131 mm.
Steering
Progressive steering is standard on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). It adjusts the steering ratio according to vehicle speed.
Drive Modes
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) lets the user select different drive modes that affect the car's handling.
The driver can choose between 5 modes:
- Range: Balanced steering and suspension damping, with efficient throttle.
- Comfort: Comfort-oriented steering and suspension damping, with balanced throttle response.
- Performance: Dynamic steering, throttle, and suspension damping.
- CUPRA: Dynamic steering, throttle, and suspension damping.
- Custom: Custom steering, suspension damping, and throttle.
Brakes
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) uses disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Rear drum brakes require little maintenance and pair well with regenerative braking, which handles most deceleration.
The front discs are 340 mm.
Regenerative Braking
The regenerative braking system in this model offers several modes. The most efficient option is the Automatic Regeneration Mode, where the vehicle coasts when possible and employs regenerative braking to reduce speed as needed.
Manual regeneration is another mode, where regenerative braking is controlled by pressing the brake pedal. The brake system blends in physical brakes only when necessary.
Another option is the Regen on Accelerator Pedal mode where regenerative braking is activated when the driver eases off the accelerator pedal. This system allows the vehicle to slow down and recover energy without the driver needing to press the brake pedal, a feature often referred to as one-pedal driving.
Drivers can also adjust the regenerative braking strength when lifting off the accelerator, choosing between three levels.
Exterior
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1), with dimensions of 4324 mm in length, 1809 mm in width, and 1540 mm in height, falls into the C-segment, also known as compact cars.
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) is available in 7 paint colors, including both solid and metallic options.
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) offers multiple wheel options in different sizes. The available tire and wheel combinations include:
- 215/50 tires on 19" rims
- 215/45 tires on 20" rims
Narrower wheels reduce energy consumption and can increase range, while wider wheels can improve traction and handling.
The car has four regular doors and a liftgate.
You can choose an option to have the liftgate electrically powered. You can also have the liftgate with a kick sensor, making it possible to open it by just kicking the foot under the tailgate.
There are two different roof options to select from.
A conventional roof is standard.
An optional fixed panoramic glass roof covers most of the roof area, making the cabin feel brighter and more spacious. An electric sunshade helps protect occupants from direct sunlight.
Privacy glass from the B-pillar rearward is optional. It reduces glare and solar heat.
CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1)
Interior
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) boasts a driver-centric interior, enhancing the cockpit feel with high-quality materials in several areas instead of hard plastic. It also includes a traditional center console that separates the driver and passenger with integrated storage.
Seats
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) accommodates five passengers with two front seats and a three-seat bench in the rear.
First Row Seats
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) offers a single type of front seat.
The CUP Bucket seats seat offers:
- Fore-and-aft adjustment (electrically adjustable)
- Recline adjustment (electrically adjustable)
- Height adjustment (electrically adjustable)
- Seat cushion angle adjustment (electrically adjustable)
- Heating
- Adjustable lumbar support (electrically adjustable)
- ISOFIX (standard for passenger seat)
CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1)
Second-Row Seats
The second row features a standard three-seat bench with a 40:60 split, allowing each section to fold separately to increase cargo space.
Additional second-row features include:
- Height adjustable headrest (manually adjustable)
- ISOFIX (standard for outer seats)
Interior Storage
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) has the following interior storage:
- Cupholders: Two cupholders are located in the front center console, with an additional two in the rear armrest.
Interior Lighting
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) offers several interior lighting options.
- Multicolor Ambient Lighting: Across the dashboard, door panels, and footwell, with selectable colors.
Climate System
There is one climate system available:
- 2-zone climate system: Supports different temperatures for the driver and passenger.
A standard heat pump reduces heating energy use in cold weather.
User Interface and Control
The control interface of the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) combines physical buttons, steering column stalks, and touchscreen displays.
This model features a dual-screen setup that separates driver information from infotainment functions.
Key screen details:
- Steering Column Display: The 5.3-inch screen is mounted directly on the steering wheel column. This compact display shows essential driving information such as speed, range, and navigation prompts.
- Center Dashboard Touchscreen: The 12.9-inch touchscreen is located at the center of the dashboard. It serves as the main interface for infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings.
An optional head-up display projects key driving information such as speed and navigation cues onto the windshield.
CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1)
Steering Wheel
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) is equipped with a single type of steering wheel:
The steering wheel adjusts for tilt and reach. The adjustment is manual.
Design: Circular
Controls: Capacitive touch buttons, Paddle shifters
Heating: Heated (standard)
From the steering wheel you can control:
- Infotainment: Steering-wheel controls provide access to media and infotainment functions.
- Track Controls: Buttons on the steering wheel skip to the next or previous track.
- Confirm/select in instrument cluster
- Accept/end phone calls
- Media volume
Mirrors
Both the exterior and interior mirrors use conventional mirror technology to provide a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.
Voice control is standard.
Infotainment
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) features a custom-built infotainment system with navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
Navigation System
The built-in navigation supports route planning with target charge levels at the destination and at charging stops, plus real-time traffic.
App Store
The infotainment system includes an App Store where you can download third-party apps to run natively on the car's screen without needing a connected phone. Available apps vary by market.
Phone Mirroring
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, providing access to compatible phone apps such as Google Maps and Waze on the car's display.
Sound System
You can choose between two sound systems for the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1):
- CUPRA Sound system: The system has six speakers and a maximum output of 140 watts.
- Sennheiser Immersive Sound: The system has ten speakers and a maximum output of 425 watts.
The model includes USB-C connectivity as standard (total: 4).
Mobile App
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) has a mobile app for Android and iOS to manage and monitor the vehicle remotely. Features:
- Locate Your Vehicle: Check the current location of your car.
- Preconditioning: Preheat or cool your car before you start your journey.
- Remote Parking: Park or exit a parking space remotely from the app.
- Lock and unlock: Lock or unlock the doors remotely.
- Scheduled Charging: Set a charging schedule.
- Charge Target: Set the battery's target state of charge.
- Find your car: Sound the horn or flash the lights to locate the car.
- Route Planning: Plan your route and send it directly to your car's navigation system.
- Driving History: Review the details of your past trips.
Lights
The standard headlights use LED Matrix technology. LED Matrix splits the headlight beam into dozens of small rays that the controller can turn on and off individually to selectively dim areas ahead. Corner lights illuminate the side when turning.
The taillights use LED technology.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) offers standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Efficiency Assist: A Standard feature that helps drivers anticipate driving conditions and conserve energy.
Safety Systems
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Standard on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). It prevents the wheels from locking during braking.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Standard on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). It improves stability during sudden maneuvers and on slippery roads.
Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Standard on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). It applies steering corrections if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
The Lane Departure Warning alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to leave its lane.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): Optional on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). It detects vehicles approaching from the side while reversing out of a parking space or driveway.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Standard on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). It warns the driver of a potential frontal collision.
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). It applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond to an imminent collision.
Automatic Emergency Steering (AES): Standard on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). The system can steer automatically to help avoid an imminent collision.
Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM): Optional on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). It detects traffic in the vehicle's blind spots.
Exit Warning: Optional on the CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1). It warns occupants not to open a door when it detects approaching traffic or another hazard.
Driving Automation
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) offers driving automation at levels 1 or 2, depending on the equipment level.
The Level 1 PILOT M system provides the following driving automation features.
The optional PILOT L SAE Level 2 system adds the following features:
- Lane Centering Assist (LCA) / AutoSteer: Centers the vehicle in its lane and adjusts speed in traffic. The driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel and remain attentive.
- Automatic parking (optional)
Sensors & Cameras
This model uses cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors for its driver assist systems.
Up to three radar sensors, five cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
Safety
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) is equipped with the following airbags:
- Front airbags for the driver and front passenger
- Side curtain airbags for both the first and second rows
- Side airbags for the driver and front passenger
- Side airbags for the second-row passengers
- A front-center airbag that reduces the risk of the driver and front passenger colliding with each other during a side impact
The front seatbelts use reversible pretensioners and load limiters. The rear seatbelts use pyrotechnic pretensioners and load limiters. Pretensioners tighten the belts in a collision, while load limiters control belt force on occupants.
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) has been rigorously tested by Euro NCAP, an independent organization that evaluates vehicle safety. It received a 5-star rating, with the following scores:
- Adult Occupant: 93%
- Child Occupant: 87%
- Vulnerable Road Users: 73%
- Safety Assist: 80%
You can watch the full crash test video here.
Read more about safety features and safety ratings in the safety technology section.Security and Access Technologies
The CUPRA BORN VZ (GEN1) includes the following security and access features:
- Keyless Entry and Start: With the standard keyless start and optional keyless entry, you can unlock and start the vehicle seamlessly without removing the key from your pocket or bag.
- Alarm System: Monitors for unauthorized entry or tampering and sounds the alarm when triggered.
Cargo Capacity and Towing Ability
The trunk offers a cargo capacity of 385 liters (13.6 cu ft). With the rear seat folded down, this expands to 1267 liters (44.7 cu ft).
The maximum permitted vehicle weight is 2430 kg (5357 lbs), and the base curb weight is 1999 kg (4407 lbs). This leaves a payload of 431 kg (950 lbs), including occupants. Options can increase curb weight and reduce payload.
This model is not available with a towbar and cannot tow a trailer.
Availability & Pricing
This model had a world premiere on 2/20/2024, and deliveries started in August 2024. This model has now been discontinued.
This model has been replaced by [CUPRA BORN VZ](/models/cupra/born/born_vz/).
Pricing
Pricing may vary depending on local conditions, incentives, and promotions. Below are the starting prices for select countries:
- £44,625 (United Kingdom)
- €49,990 (Germany)
- €49,000 (Spain)
- 409,900 NOK (Norway)
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