Cupra Born VZ

Overview

Get ready for Cupra's spiciest electric hatch yet – the Born VZ! This Spanish firecracker takes the already cool Born and cranks everything up to eleven. Think of it as the rebellious, athletic sibling in the EV family, packing a serious punch and RWD fun. With a new price tag around €52,770 and estimated used examples near €48,490, the VZ is gunning for hot hatch supremacy. Its key trick? Blending daily usability with a thrilling drive, all wrapped in that distinctive Cupra design, making it a seriously tempting proposition in the European market.

What's New for 2025?

The big news for the Cupra Born is the VZ trim itself, which essentially redefines the top-tier for 2025! This isn't just a badge; it’s a significant performance upgrade, bringing a more potent motor with a hefty 240 kW. The VZ also boasts an upgraded chassis for sharper handling, new optional 20-inch alloys, and distinctive VZ styling cues. Inside, you’ll find sporty bucket seats as standard and a larger, slicker 12.9-inch infotainment screen. It’s the Born, but angrier and more sophisticated, ready to thrill European drivers.

Design & Exterior

The Cupra Born VZ looks absolutely mega, taking the Born's sharp creases and aggressive stance and adding a dose of pure VZ attitude. You'll spot unique 20-inch alloy wheel options, including some with copper accents or forged technology, and exclusive VZ badging. Two new VZ-specific colours, like the stunning Dark Forest Green, really make it pop. Dimensions remain city-friendly at 4324 mm long, 1809 mm wide, and 1540 mm tall. Full LED headlights are standard, ensuring it looks as sharp at night as it does during the day.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Slide into the VZ, and you're greeted by standard CUPBucket seats, exclusive to this trim, offering superb support when you’re having fun. The cabin feels premium with Dinamica textile accents, and Cupra’s signature copper detailing adds a touch of class. Passenger space is decent for a hatchback. Tech-wise, the VZ gets a new, larger 12.9-inch infotainment system – a welcome upgrade – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For your luggage, there's 385 litres of boot space, expanding to 1267 litres with the seats down. Sadly, no frunk here.

Performance & Driving Experience

This is where the VZ truly shines! With 240 kW and a stonking 545 Nm of torque from its rear-mounted PMSM motor, this RWD hot hatch catapults from 0-100 km/h in a blistering 5.6 seconds. Top speed is a respectable 200 km/h. Cupra has fettled the VZ's suspension and steering for a more dynamic, engaging drive – it feels properly sorted. Expect agile handling and a playful rear end, making B-roads an absolute joy. Regenerative braking is strong and adjustable, helping you claw back some range during spirited drives.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Born VZ packs a 79 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of around 483 km – pretty solid for a performance-focused EV! Efficiency is rated at 6.11 km/kWh. Charging up is straightforward with its CCS Type 2 port. At home or work on an 11 kW AC charger, you'll go from empty to full in about 7.5 hours. Hit a DC fast charger, and the VZ can guzzle electrons at up to 185 kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up can be done in under 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Cupra Born platform boasts a top-notch 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, so peace of mind comes standard. The VZ is loaded with tech to keep you safe, including Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist (combining ACC and Lane Assist Plus), Side and Exit Assist, and Emergency Assist. You also get a 360-degree Top View Camera and Intelligent Park Assist as part of the VZ's enhanced package, making tricky manoeuvres a doddle. Many features that are optional on lower trims are standard fare on the VZ.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Cupra typically offers a 2-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty in Europe, often extendable to 3 or even 5 years in some markets, or with a mileage cap like 150,000 km. The crucial high-voltage battery is covered for a reassuring 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, whichever comes first, with a guarantee of at least 70% capacity. Maintenance on EVs is generally lower than petrol cars, meaning fewer trips to the dealer and more time enjoying that VZ punch. Reliability for the MEB platform underpinning the Born is proving to be good.