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Cupra Born from $47,090 Drive Away @ Cupra

2830

Cupra Australia seem to have cut prices on the Cupra Born EV hatch.

Was: From $59,990 before drive away costs (excluding on-road costs)
Today: From $47,090 Drive Away (including on-road costs)

Link to Order Page:

https://www.cupraofficial.com.au/stock?t_model=EXBQ

Please note Cupra does not have negotiable pricing, they follow the same setup as Tesla, BYD, Polestar, Xpeng, Mercedes, Genesis, Honda, etc with having fixed pricing.

Specs:

  • 511km WLTP range (with 17kWh/100km energy consumption, expect ~450km real world range)
  • Rear Wheel Drive
  • 170kW/310Nm
  • 0-100km/h = 7s
  • 0-50km/h = 2.8s
  • 385L Boot (Seats Up)
  • Based on VW Group's MEB platform.
  • 4324mm long, 1809mm wide, and 1540mm high
  • 2766mm wheelbase (space between the wheels which usual gives you an indication of interior space)

Charging Speed

AC: up to 11kW
DC: up to 170kW

Option Packs reduce the seating capacity down to 4

Interior Pack ($2900)
  • Blue Dinamica seats
  • Seat heating
  • Seat Power adjustment
  • Seat massage function
  • 9 speaker Beats audio system
  • heated windscreen washer jets
Performance Pack ($2600)
  • Adaptive dampers
  • 20-inch wheels
  • Michelin Pilot Sport tyres|
    Please note due to the larger wheels WLTP driving range is reduced to 475km (~410km real world range)
Optional Servicing Packs
  • 3 Year Pack = $990
  • 5 Year Pack = $1590

Servicing:

12 months or 15,000km

Warranty:

5 Years, Unlimited kilometers on the car
8 Years, 180,000km on the battery pack

Who is Cupra?

Cupra is owned by VW Group, they are a sporty spin off from SEAT. The brand is designed to sit in-between VW and Audi in the VW Group hierarchy.

Where is the Cupra Born made?

Germany.
It is made alongside the VW ID.3 in the Volkswagen Zwickau factory.

Minor Negatives that may impact some people

  • No 1 pedal driving like in Tesla's, Hyundai, Kia, MG, etc.
  • No spare tyre (or space saver), but it has a puncture repair kit.
  • No built in sat nav (you need to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto)
  • No wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Wired only.
  • No sunroof option
  • Performance or Interior packs remove the middle rear seat.
  • Hard pack plastics on all doors. Rear doors don't even have soft elbow/arm support.
  • No rear air vents
  • No OTA connectivity (requires you to drop it off at dealers to get software updates, no remote app connectivity)
  • Touch buttons on the steering wheel
  • No front boot (Frunk)
  • RHD cars UK/Australia receive apparently don't have the windscreen wipers swapped over to the other side, so in heavy rain, water can be pushed into your line of sight

Australian Reviews

CarExpert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayrZ7MFPq44

Chasing Cars:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOF5LLGV02U

Driving Enthusiast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4fq2gjdMLw

The Right Car:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyGQUY1cBT0

Competitors

MG 4 77kWh

  • $55,000 drive away (+$8000 over the Cupra)
  • Made in China, instead of European made for the Cupra
  • Both are RWD
  • Both have 77kWh batteries
  • Both have similar real world range
  • Both don't have OTA connectivity
  • Similar performance
  • Very similar boot capacity
  • 10 year warranty instead of 5 year warranty on the Cupra
  • Much worse interior fit/finish compared to the Cupra

Related Stores

cupraofficial.com.au
cupraofficial.com.au

Comments

  • heated windscreen washer jets

    can someone tell me why you want your windscreen washer jets heated?

    • +5

      if you live in a cold country where it gets to below freezing overnight I suspect you would struggle to clean your windscreens if the nozzles were frozen.

      • No wonder I got no idea what’s it for

  • +1

    +1 for the Op’s nice work with the detailed description and links!

    My friend has s Cupra, it’s a really nice car. Fast too!

  • +9

    Own one of these, best car I have owned. Get the comfort pack the trim is much nicer plus massage & heated seats. Don't forget in WA you get a further $3500 off the price and can use that plus novate lease at same time to pay for it with pre tax $.

    The windscreen wiper I have never even noticed, infact if you hadn't told me I would have never even known.

    The tyres these come with are good quality too with runflat ability supposedly, and it also comes with 5 years roadside assistance.

      • +10

        I'm replying to the comments about windscreen arm being on the opposite side… jut trying to help

    • Do you know if someone in NSW can order from WA, and still get the $3.5K off ?

      • +1

        Registered in WA, address in WA, then yes. Otherwise, no.

        • And WA driver's licence too

  • +2

    Shame there is no app, being able to wack on the aircon 10 mins before getting in is such a good use case for an EV I'm not sure I can buy one without that feature.

    • You can set the car to aircon without you in it (but need to press a button on screen). Is useful when doggo in car.

    • +1

      We were told at the time of ordering my Cupra we were advised 3-6 months for the app. 2.5 years later nothing…

      App start is great in the other car I have, particularly with the Melb heat today

      • +1

        The new Cupra Tavascan (Tesla Model Y competitor) is also confirmed to not have remote app connectivity in Australia.

        Skoda is in the same boat as Cupra too.

        VW Group seem to have issues getting this stuff sorted.

        • I’ve seen and been on the Tavascan. I like it

          I think I heard the VW electric cars are in the same boat with software. Non existent

          • +2

            @berger: VW Australia are launching 3rd party add-on connected services feature in their cars.
            Its not the OEM Factory integration that overseas markets get, it has very basic functionality.

            I suspect its such a poor 3rd party product that Cupra and Skoda won't bother with it until the proper factory backed option becomes available (if ever).

            The fact VW Australia are investing money in this 3rd party connected services platform may indicate that VW Group has no desire to ever launch their OEM factory connected services in Australia too.

        • Need to wait till they deploy the Rivian architecture across the brands.

  • +3

    Just wait for Kia EV3.

    • +6

      Kia and Hyundai suck at pricing their EV's. Always over priced and/or under equipped.

      The EV3 is also FWD with less power compared to the Cupra.

      If anything, I'd rather wait for the Skoda Elroq in May/June.

    • drove an EV5 recently - drives well enough but cheap/bland interior. base is lacking in value, price sounds ok until you compare base trim with likes of Tesla/BYD

  • 5 Year Pack = $1590

    If you buy this then servicing is free for 5 years? Which makes it $318 per year?

    • +2

      Correct. You also get a complimentary uber drop off/pickup if you are not too far from dealer

      • +2

        Shouldn't EV cars would be cheaper to service due to lack of combustion engine? $318 per service for a new car ain't cheap at all…

        • +2

          Agree but is still cheaper than my old car. Plus on novated lease you pay with pre tax dollars so it's more like $220 for those that novate lease. For what it's worth, overseas Borns only have service every two years so once out of warranty you could follow their schedule.

        • I think this hasn't turned out to be true as even with Petrol cars, there is still a lot of non powertrain components that need to be attended too.

          EVs typically still have radiators/temperature control systems for the batteries, they still have brakes that will have to deal with the heavier loads, same with suspension. Electronics like A/C, Power Steering, wipers and electric windows are also very much the same.

          Probably the only real difference will be the servicing intervals, which can be a bit longer as the engine oil doesn't need to be changed every 10k.

  • Any features like app support?

    • Cupra and Skoda miss out on remote connection to their EV/PHEV in Australia.

      No apps
      No OTA updates
      No remote connection

      • +3

        wow, then not worth more than 25k

      • no remote surveillance of your vehicle and chances of ending up in a data breach…

  • Might be the new model on the horizon and as per comments in the article (https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2025-cupra-born-vz-…) price was dropped few months ago.

    • The Born VZ is another variant. It's got more powerful motors, tuned to be a proper hot hatch. It's sits at the top in the Born range.

  • theres hundreds of these sitting at the ports

  • +2

    This makes it eligible for CBA customers who are key workers earning less than $100K p.a. to get a discounted loan, as it’s for EVs which are <$55K

    https://www.cefc.com.au/media/media-release/cefc-and-cba-cut…

    • +2

      Usual reminder that a novated lease will likely still work better for many (even under $100k p.a.)

    • This makes it eligible for CBA customers who are key workers earning less than $100K p.a.

      The offer is available to key workers earning any amount, or anyone else earning less than $100K p.a.

  • Towing?
    MG4 has a tow rating of 500kg

    • Is that enough to tow a typical trailer fairly loaded?

      • +1

        Probably a small 4' x 6' trailer like the 2hr-free-hire ones you can get at Bunnings.
        Better than nothing.

  • +1

    Unless you're driving a lot rurally I think the problem of not having a spare tire is probably overexaggerated.

    I experienced a sudden and loss of tyre pressure on a motorway onramp not too long ago, in my small car with no spare tyre.
    I immediately took the next exit, and limped 1km to the nearest petrol station, topped up the flat tire as best I could, and then drove another 1km to the nearest tyre shop which had Michelin Pilot Sport 5 in stock.

    Didn't even bother with the fix a flat kit, also didn't bother with roadside, it was fine.

    If you really hate yourself you could always put on run-flat tyres.

  • +5

    Not interested in buying, but +1 for OP’s description 👍

  • I got excited thinking it was Supra

  • The description in the post makes it sound like made in Spain electric Seat is somehow an advantage over a Chinese electric car. I don't know much about Chinese cars but I wouldn't touch a Seat with a 10 foot pole.

    • -3

      I'd buy the Cupra but I wouldn't touch a Chinese car with an 11 foot pole

      • +1

        What about a European/Western brand made in China?

        • BMW IX3
        • Mini Cooper Electric
        • Mini Aceman Electric
        • Cupra Tavascan
        • Tesla Model 3
        • Tesla Model Y
        • Volvo EX30
        • Volvo XC40
        • Volvo C40
        • Volvo XC60
        • Volvo S60
        • Polestar 2
        • Polestar 3
        • Polestar 4
        • -1

          They do nothing for me those models.

          Cupra Born being the VW ID3 is a pretty proven thing at this point. Good price now so seems like a decent buy

      • Go for it

    • +2

      Seems you don't know much about VW Group EV's either. They share platforms and factories all over Europe (and China).

      • Cupra Born is made in Germany alongside the VW ID.3 (both are effectively the same car)
      • Cupra Tavascan is arriving in 1 - 2 months and is made in VW's Anhui factory in China.

      Cupra's ICE and PHEV models are again spread out depending:

      • Cupra Leon is made in VW Groups Martorell plant in Spain
      • Cupra Formentor is made in VW Groups Martorell plant in Spain
      • Cupra Ateca is made in VW Groups Kvasiny plant in Czechia (Czech Republic). This is run by Skoda.

      Cupra's new cars coming later in 2025/2026:

      • Cupra Ravel will be made in VW Groups Martorell plant in Spain after a $3 Billion investment by VW Group to make compact EV's for the VW Group there (VW ID.2 will come from here too)
      • Cupra Taramar will be made in VW Groups Györ plant in Hungary. This is run by Audi.
    • Cupra Born is made in Germany (at the moment anyway).

    • +3

      people still for some reason think "euro = quality" when some of the worst cars ever made came from europe. especially for an EV car, you'd be hard pressed to beat the chinese at their own game. not to say others can't make good cars, in fact the VW ID3 has one of the highest reliability rating for EVs, but harder for find a good deal for them when not discounted

  • -1

    I'm actually excited by "No OTA connectivity"
    Finally something that doesn't transmit my fart history to CCP or Musk.

    • Your data is still being recorded.

      In this case you are being asked to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in the Cupra. So Apple and Google are getting your fart history instead haha.

      • Quite sure I have the voice activation disabled 🫢

    • Agree, its a plus for me too.

    • +1

      Since the 90’s most dumb cars record your driving, accessible to authorities after an accident. And also Insurance companies once they take possession of the car,
      Just thought you would want to know, pretty much anything with fuel injectors onwards. Modern cars (not just EVs) capture and record a crap ton of data. This is all without OTAs

  • +6

    I nearly purchased a Cupra Born… Paid the deposit… When the car arrived I actually liked it, but the lack of connectivity was a deal breaker for me. Completely unacceptable for an EV. It's available in every other country where Cupra is present but they didn't bother trying to make it happen in Australia… Too difficult, apparently.

    Customer service was clumsy and rough, like they didn't really care.

    AFAIK the connectivity means that there is no functional app to track car charging, status, etc. I currently have an EV and I think it's extremely important to track status and charging, but that's just me.

    • i could do it via the jolt app?

      • I'm not aware of any work around as I stopped paying attention to Cupra for this reason back in 2023. I'm glad I didn't trust in the "connectivity might become available in the next few months".

      • +1

        You're mistaking what they are saying. They're saying that they want to remotely monitor their car when it's NOT charging. The Jolt app is only useful when you're charging.

        • I'll take it a step further…

          The Jolt app is only useful if you are charging with Jolt.

          Otherwise, useless and would be hilarious watching someone trying to track their car charging on a Tesla or home charger using the Jolt app.

  • +1

    I appreciate the section "Minor Negatives that may impact some people" which quickly helps me if this car is for me who is currently shopping for one.
    Good post.

  • Maybe if it was $39,999 I consider it.

  • I know its a UK article but: https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/cupra-models-the-mos…

    There's also countless forum posts on the brand, poor reliability and aftersales service, speaking from first hand experience also. Go buy something worth your money rather then drop your money into a company that has 0 consideration for its customers.

    • +2

      Its a VW, so that's not without precedence. After the emission scandal, I feel it's hard to trust this company. Its other cars quality are fast declining.

  • Notably one of the only cars that support V2G/V2H

    • I have seen that said by the bidirectional gizmo manufacturer, but the specs available say no?

  • Manufacturing year 23 for the cheapest available models. I like my batteries fresh

  • How fast is AC charging on this?

    • +1

      11kW AC charging
      170kW DC charging

  • +1

    Great post detail. I do think some of those ‘minor negatives’ around significant though. Another one is no ‘vehicle to load’ to power things during blackouts etc. I haven’t driven a Cupra but my Atto sounds a lot better based on specs, for a similar price. It is FWD and 7kw AC and 88kw DC though. Probably similar range.

    • -1

      But the Born is one of the first EV's in Australia to support V2G (Vehicle to Grid)

      Born also has some advantages over the Atto 3 that some buyers could appreciate:

      • Made in Germany / European brand
      • Better driving dynamics
      • RWD instead of FWD
      • More power
      • Less polarising interior design
      • Faster charging
      • +1

        V2G is a bit of gimmick at this stage, there's no Australian standards for it (just announced a month ago and we know how fast regulatory works on these things) and no practical applications at this stage, and retrofitting your household grid to something that utilise V2G will probably cost you more than the car. by the time you can make use of it it's going to be an obsolete model given the advances in EV battery tech

      • Thanks, yes those points might appeal to some, it's true.

        On V2G, I have seen that said by the bidirectional gizmo manufacturer, but the specs available say no?

      • I appreciate that some will find the Born better, and some will prefer the Atto. To bring two lists of advantages together - both are of course in the eye of the beholder to some degree, while some are objective.

        Cupra over Atto - as you say:
        Made in Germany / European brand
        Better driving dynamics
        RWD instead of FWD
        More power
        Less polarising interior design
        Faster charging

        Atto over the Born - a few advantages I see:
        More boot space (555L seats up)
        Sunroof
        V2L adapter included (V2G compatibility has been tested positively and is apparently incoming)
        Frunk compatibility (through third party accessory)
        Wireless CarPlay/Android
        Built-in satnav
        Rear air vents
        OTA connectivity and phone App
        Larger infotainment screen
        Powered tailgate

  • +3

    I got one of these on a Novated Lease almost a year ago. It's been a great car and I've had no real issues with it aside from some software bugs in the OS and the lack of connectivity for remote monitoring/control. Another negative that's worth mentioning is that it also doesn't pass any additional regular EV information through to Android Auto/Car Play, so you can't use Google Maps to automatically plan a long drive with charging stops based on range or send that information back to Home Assistant or similar.

    One of the other big pros though is that this is one of the smallest cars with the 77kWh battery. This is the reason that I went with it over the competitors. I needed the range to be able to drive out to my parents' farm in Goondiwindi (350km) without needing to stop to charge. I originally wanted a BYD Seal, but my small townhouse garage just wasn't big enough for it, while this car fits perfectly.

    • +2

      +1 same situation as you though I've had mine for just over 1 year.
      I love the born and have no regrets, though of course it would've been great if I'd waited a year to buy it now at this bargain price, but I needed to replace my cars 15 months ago so timing worked then and at least I did it under a novated lease.
      When I purchased my EV, my heart wanted the born, my head (financial money minded brain) wanted the tesla because they cost the same. Which was absurd. I always said the Born was stupidly expensive. But I still loved it and bought it, so the current new price is exactly what it should always have been (well, i personally think a $10k price drop was what it was worth, the fact its 15k drop with on road costs now included is just absolutely bargain pricing IMHO!).
      When Tesla's all got discounted in mid-2024 (but Cupra held prices firm), all my snooty Tesla friends were shocked when I told the my tiny Born was more expensive than even the Tesla Y! Of course this price drop is just market alignment so while it hurts my resale value slightly, i'm really not surprised. Tesla owners have been feeling this hurt for a year now, it was naive forCupra owners to think we were immune to this.

      BTW Great summary by the OP but just to address the cons listed- they aren't hugely applicable to me and likely many drivers. Having to plug in your phone for the navigation is not a huge extra step - sure its a bit annoying but Cupra gives you a handy universal adaptor cord to do this. That one extra step takes literal seconds.
      As someone who got the interior package and lost my middle seats - i too grumbled about the stupidity of it. But have I ever needed to transport a 5th person? Not in a year, and it makes the back seat so much more comfortable (just sat it in it as a passenger for 1000km roadtrip in 35degree heat and nope didnt even notice the lack of air vents in fact the aircon was too cold at one point!)

      Ultimately the large battery size with quicker charging for the price, as well as the hatchback size won me over.

      • +1

        If you or anyone else gets sick of needing to plug the phone in for Android Auto/Car Play, I can highly recommend the AAWireless adpater.I just get into the car with my phone in my pocket and start driving. Super simple. The new version of the adapter has a quick switch button to switch between two different paired phones too.

  • other day i was walking on old geelong rd and suddenly a random guy form parking lot asked me if he could call his wife so he can unlock his tesla, he told me his phone battery was dead and he cannot unlock his car, so i called his wife putting phone on speaker and she unlocked and remote started the car. i was impressed how easy it was 🤯.
    he also told me he forgot his apple watch else he could have opened it. and he doesn't pay any monthly subscription yet.
    Then i kept staring at my 2014 i30 😭

    • Yep many EVs have that feature where the phone is a digital key and other family members can perform actions like in-lock remotely. My MG4 supports both, but I don’t have the confidence not to carry the key. Teslas also have a key/card. I’ve seen people use the watch feature, that’s cool.

      • +1

        but I don’t have the confidence not to carry the key

        just googled and found out it uses vodafone network via esim. i agree with your statement

        • Locally Phone and watch use Bluetooth, 4G is when you are remote. So not as bad as it sounds.

      • +1

        As a fellow mg4 owner I went keyless last Sunday. No drama.

  • +1

    No one pedal driving, no OTA updates and no app would be an immediate no from me. Good to see process dropping though.

  • -2

    So bad for a beginner brand. The wipers push water onto drivers side!!! $3k extra and no seat ventilation! Heated wiper fluid dispenser???

    This is a car designed for a left hand drive very cold climate. The plastics etc will fall apart in the Australian sun.

    Wait and see.

    • +1

      Using your rare skills, can you give me the winning lotto numbers for next week?

  • Making some room to price the plugin hybrid Leon Sportstourer

  • are they made in china?

    • Germany, in VW factory alongside the VW ID.3

  • So the regular price for this car is the same as a Tesla Model 3?

    • No

      Tesla Model 3 RWD
      $54,990 EXCLUDING onroad costs and options. Once on road costs are factored in it's roughly ~$60,000 depending on the state you live in.

      Cupra Born
      $49,990 INCLUDING onroad costs and also includes the $2900 Interior Option pack as standard in the drive away price.

      So the Tesla Model 3 RWD with no options selected would be roughly $10,000 more then the Cupra on the road. If you add options like nicer wheels or a paint colour that's not white, it's close to $15,000 more then the Cupra.

      • "Regular price"

        • What do you mean?

          Tesla Model 3 price is easily viewed on the website. ~$60,000 drive away before options is the current 'regular price'.

          • @E5TOQUE: "Was: From $59,990 before options and drive away costs (excluding on-road costs)"

            The regular price for this car is actually more expensive then the model 3.

            They must have been smoking some strong stuff when pricing this vehicle.

            • @ialam99: I guess with EV's there is no such thing as a 'regular price'. Prices are coming down.

              Cupra has dropped the price of the Born this week.

              Tesla has also dropped the price of the Model 3 multiple times in the last 12 months.

  • like the new Mercedes offspring Smart #1
    it looks really nice
    https://www.drive.com.au/reviews/2024-smart-1-review-austral…

  • -1

    Why anyone would buy one of these over a model 3 for $5k more is beyond me. The model 3 is a class size up, faster, more luxurious, more features, app access etc it’s not even close to a competition. It needs to be at least $10k less.

    • +2

      It is $10,000 less.

      Model 3 RWD drive away with no options ~$60,000 depending on the state you live in.

      Cupra Born with Interior Option Pack is $49,990 drive away.

      If you pick any other colour other then white on the Tesla, or want bigger rims or interior the price difference jumps up even further.

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