Interest high as date set for arrival of all-electric Cupra Born hot hatch

The all-electric Cupra Born will hit local roads in early 2023, after the Volkswagen-owned brand gears up to start making cars destined for the Australian market in late 2022.

The Spain-based marque, which is new to Australia, says that it has been stunned by the interest in the electric hot hatch, with some 1,800 drivers contacting the company to date regarding the electric newcomer.

Another 2,500 have been received for the Formentor, which is available in the plug-in hybrid format.

“This is a remarkable response to a brand that is entirely new to Australia and which is barely four years old,” said Director of Cupra Australia Ben Wilks in a statement.

The performance brand’s entrance into the Australian electric vehicle market marks the German group’s first EV for local roads, and signals the first step towards a bold ambition to outsell even Tesla.

“I can tell you this morning that CUPRA’s first fully electric model – and European Car of the Year finalist – will go into production for Australia in the last quarter of this year and will start deliveries early in 2023,” said the brand’s CEO and president Wayne Griffiths in a statement to press today.

“To secure Born production at a time of unprecedented global supply challenges demonstrates CUPRA’s commitment to Australia,” he said.

Several vehicles have been spotted testing on local roads in past months. Data gathered in “tens of thousands of kilometres of tests” is now being assessed in Barcelona ahead of the Born’s introduction to the Antipodes.

Pricing and specifications were not announced along with the revelation on Tuesday, but it is understood that the Born will be priced competitively for a premium hot hatch running on a battery with a generous WLTP range of 548km in its range-topping configuration.

In the UK, the Born is available with two battery options, 58kWh or 77kWh, and three trims.  The Cupra Born’s entry-level V1 model comes with a 152kW motor, 58kWh battery, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, a 12-inch infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, a reversing camera, and a digital drivers display.

The mid-spec V2 model comes with the same 152kW motor and 58kWh battery. In addition to the standard features, these cars have larger 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, heated seats, and a head-up display.

A more powerful 171kW variant and a larger 77Kwh battery are available, with Cupra Born’s top-of-the-line V3 models sporting 20-inch alloy wheels and electrically adjustable sports seats with massage functions.