As with electric cars, the normal rules don’t apply. If you want a faster Cupra Barn, you don’t really want this, more expensive version. Instead, you want the 228hp e-boost version with a smaller battery. Light weight, you see.
However, with a huge battery (77kWh usable), this particular Born e-Boost has a very long range. The theory is 305-340 miles, and in the real world it goes into the 200s, so it’s a bit ahead of cars like the Kia e-Niro.
Being sporty, the Cupra gets more power than its sibling, the Volkswagen ID3. At 228bhp and 229lb ft it accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds (7.3 seconds for the ID 3, 6.6 seconds for the Borne-Boost). )
Inside, our test car was the higher-spec V3 version, so it gets the handsome granite gray Dynamica power seats, which are tight and relatively huggable. There’s good design detail on the fabric, so while it’s not £42k special, it feels special. The V3 also gets 20-inch wheels as standard.
As far as dynamic potential is concerned, this particular native is no different from others. That’s not bad: with its rear-wheel drive, it leans toward a bit more handling power than is normal in this class. It’s no Ford Fiesta ST, but the throttle chassis is slightly more adjustable than in other supermini EVs.
As with all Born, e-Boost models get £790 optional adaptive dampers (fitted to our car), so it handles with welcome composure on long journeys. The caveat to this is that regular springs are surprisingly comfortable, and with a little less spring, you’re fine.
As we mentioned, the range is impressive and gives the Cupra a lot of flexibility. My commute is over 100 miles, so of course in the summer I can make a round trip in this model for free. This suddenly makes this EV competitive with cars like the ICE Volkswagen Golf. It’s a really usable machine.
If we’re being honest, the 201hp model’s lack of power isn’t an issue, so that’s the only reason to get this Bourne version. Crucially, that low power output also leaves it under £40k.
As with electric cars, the normal rules don’t apply. If you want a faster Cupra Barn, you don’t really want this, more expensive version. Instead, you want the 228hp e-boost version with a smaller battery. Light weight, you see.
However, with a huge battery (77kWh usable), this particular Born e-Boost has a very long range. The theory is 305-340 miles, and in the real world it goes into the 200s, so it’s a bit ahead of cars like the Kia e-Niro.
Being sporty, the Cupra gets more power than its sibling, the Volkswagen ID3. At 228bhp and 229lb ft it accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.0 seconds (7.3 seconds for the ID 3, 6.6 seconds for the Borne-Boost). )
Inside, our test car was the higher-spec V3 version, so it gets the handsome granite gray Dynamica power seats, which are tight and relatively huggable. There’s good design detail on the fabric, so while it’s not £42k special, it feels special. The V3 also gets 20-inch wheels as standard.
As far as dynamic potential is concerned, this particular native is no different from others. That’s not bad: with its rear-wheel drive, it leans toward a bit more handling power than is normal in this class. It’s no Ford Fiesta ST, but the throttle chassis is slightly more adjustable than in other supermini EVs.
As with all Born, e-Boost models get £790 optional adaptive dampers (fitted to our car), so it handles with welcome composure on long journeys. The caveat to this is that regular springs are surprisingly comfortable, and with a little less spring, you’re fine.
As we mentioned, the range is impressive and gives the Cupra a lot of flexibility. My commute is over 100 miles, so of course in the summer I can make a round trip in this model for free. This suddenly makes this EV competitive with cars like the ICE Volkswagen Golf. It’s a really usable machine.
If we’re being honest, the 201hp model’s lack of power isn’t an issue, so that’s the only reason to get this Bourne version. Crucially, that low power output also leaves it under £40k.
Henry Blackwell is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. His work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism.