Cupra Born long-term test: report 6
When we first tested the Cupra Born we were so impressed that we named it Small Electric Car of the Year. But does it continue to impress when you live with it every day?...
The car Cupra Born 58kWh V3 150kW Run by James Tute, senior sub-editor
Why we’re running it To see if our Small Electric Car of the Year still makes sense as commuter and leisure transport if you don't have access to a home charger
Needs to Deliver on the promise of a fun driving experience, low running costs and good practicality, while having enough range for weekend getaways
Mileage 3157 List price £38,390 Target Price £38,390 Price as tested £38,390 Official range 250 miles Test range 249 miles
17 September 2022 – A noisy noise annoys
One of the brilliant things about driving an electric car is that the interior is far quieter at motorway speeds than in a combustion-engined model. That in turn means there’s no need, as in many cars, to crank up the stereo to ear-splitting levels to hear it.
So far, so good – but the Cupra Born hits one bum note when it comes to the ‘buttons’ you use when you do want to turn up the stereo.
You get two pairs – one on the steering wheel, the other below the infotainment screen – and they both play the same daft trick: looking like you press them, when actually you need to stroke them up, down, left or right.
They’re maddening, and it takes far longer to get the right setting than with a simple wheel or button. There’s so much I like about the Born, but those blasted switches get the thumbs down.
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