Cupra Born review: One of the coolest looking cars around – and it drives brilliantly as well

WALK into JD Sports and you’re faced with a huge wall of trainers starting at £20 and going up to £200-plus. But what’s the difference?

The £20 trainers are just as effective at keeping you dry and comfy as the £200 pair.

The difference is this: It’s what they look like and what badges they have on them. Electric cars are much the same.

The Cupra Born is, in my opinion, one of the coolest, sportiest-looking EVs on sale today.

But make no mistake, it’s stuffed with exactly the same tech as the Volkswagen ID3, Volkswagen ID4, Skoda Enyaq, Skoda Enyaq Coupe, Audi Q4 and Audi Q4 Sportback. Even Ford will use the same gubbins for a Puma-sized EV coming next year. We like Cupra because it dares to be different.

Boss Wayne Griffiths is a Bowie fan and he wants his cars to be edgy, provocative and a bit of a rebel – just like his idol.

Born comes with Vapor grey paint, copper detailing, 18in alloys and black seats made from reclaimed sea plastics, all at no extra cost. Normally it costs to be eco cool.

Born also sits lower than its VW Group cousins, which is good for design and driving behaviour.

This 58kWh version is rear-wheel drive, 204hp and will box off the 0-62mph sprint in 7.3 seconds. Much like an ID3, you might say.

Except Cupra has an optional “e-boost” button which surges power to 231hp for 30 seconds and cuts that 0-62mph sprint time to 6.6 seconds. That’s Golf GTI territory.

You can keep using the e-boost button as long as there’s enough juice in the battery.

Other observations. The very low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution helps it dart from corner to corner with composure. Switch off the nanny blankets, floor it, and the back end will kick out for a delicious dollop of oversteer.

Before you know it you’re having fun in what is essentially a rear-drive hot hatch.

Cupra quotes 263 miles for the 58kWh battery and 335 miles for the long-range 77kWh battery coming later. You won’t get that in the real world of course. Knock off 20 per cent and you won’t be far wrong. A bit more if it’s cold, a bit less in summer.

Finally, charging. From low to 80 per cent in 35 minutes at a public rapid charger. Or a little over six hours for 100 per cent juice on a home charger. Again, much like an ID3.

Except Cupra looks fresher than a pair of Nike Air Jordans.