While Volkswagen continues testing the ID.3 GTX, which could be christened the GTI as per the latest reports, SEAT's performance and electrified brand, Cupra, has just introduced a hot hatch version of the Born.
Named the Cupra Born VZ, with its suffix being an acronym for the Spanish word veloz, which means fast in English, it benefits from a lot of power. On top of that, it has chassis enhancements, a few visual tweaks on the outside, and some upgrades in the cabin. In other words, it is a full package.
In the power department, the new Cupra Born VZ has 322 hp (326 ps/240 kW) on tap and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm) of torque. This represents a 40% increase in output over the e-Boost variant and 75% more when it comes to the thrust over any other Born out there. The car needs 5.7 seconds from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) and tops out at 124 mph (200 kph), one second and 25 mph (40 kph) faster, respectively.
Mechanical changes haven't stopped here, as the battery pack's net capacity has increased by 2 kWh to 79 kWh. Cupra says that "performance isn't achieved by sacrificing efficiency," so the car has a total driving range of up to 335 miles (570 km), a figure that's pending homologation. It supports 11 kW AC charging and is compatible with DC charging at 170 kW, taking around 30 minutes to rejoice from 10 to 80 percent.
Photo: Cupra
The model has new dampers and springs at the rear, updated anti-roll bars, and the DCC Sport suspension to handle the extra oomph. The steering is said to have been improved as well, and it rides on one of the two 20-inch wheelsets available.
Cupra's 2024 Born VZ further stands out due to the two new exterior color choices that are exclusive to it. The first one is called the Dark Forest, and the second is the Midnight Black option. The dark chrome VZ logo on the hood and the Cupra lettering on the tailgate represent the finishing touch on the outside.
Inside, the Spanish car brand gave it standard bucket seats, which are the same ones found on the Formentor VZ5 (Audi Sport-powered model) and Leon VZ Cup. The upholstery comprises upcycled SEAQUAL yarn textile and Dinamica with 73% recycled polyester. At 12.9 inches in diagonal, the infotainment system is 0.9 inches larger.
Cupra also mentions a premium audio system, smart interior lighting, a sunroof, voice control, and a generous amount of safety systems, including remote parking, 360-degree cameras, dynamic road sign display, etc.
Additional details about it and pricing will be released later this year, ahead of its launch scheduled for the third quarter.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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