Review – Cupra Born VZ (2025) – This is how it should have been from the beginning
326 hp on the rear wheels
With 240 kW (326 hp) and rear-wheel drive, Cupra puts the Born on edge. You notice that right away. It sprints to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and with a limited top of 200 km/h, you won’t be short of anything in the Netherlands. The suspension has also been taken in hand. Cupra mounts sporty torsion stabilizers, adaptive dampers (DCC) and sturdy 20-inch rims as standard. As a result, the car feels quite a bit tighter than a regular Born, which is already no wimp. There is less roll tendency in corners and feedback through the steering wheel is better. Especially in the sharper driving modes – Performance or Cupra Mode – the whole thing comes alive: the dampers tighten up, the steering becomes heavier, all the power is released and you clearly feel that you are driving something sporty.
Not only fast
The Born VZ gets the Volkswagen Group’s familiar 79 kWh battery pack, which on paper gets it up to 586 kilometers. During our week of testing – in March, with changeable weather – we effortlessly reached 500 kilometers on a full charge. So you don’t have to constantly watch your range in the fast Born.
Moreover, at a fast charger, things also go smoothly: thanks to a maximum 185 kW charging capacity, the battery pack is recharged from 5% to 80% in 26 minutes. Neat figures, allowing you to drive to your vacation destination in Southern Europe without long charging pauses. Charging at home or at a public pole is possible with 11 kW.
Sennheiser
Inside, too, this is a different Born than you’re used to. The bucket seats with carbon trim-sourced from Italy’s Sabelt-give good lateral support, as you might expect from a seat maker at home on the track. Yet they surprise: they are more comfortable than you would expect from Sabelt seats. With an average build you can effortlessly make long trips in them. If you have a slightly wider stature, you will notice that the seating is a bit on the cramped side and it is better to disregard this option. Unfortunately, the seats cannot be set really low – something that will disappoint true sporty drivers.
Technology
The large-screen infotainment system is clear and fast. A big contrast to when we first drove the Born three years ago. Moreover, the illuminated touch bar now does work well – something that was also criticized by us earlier.
If you opt for the optional VZ Pack, you get, among other things, a large panoramic roof, head-up display with augmented reality and a muddy Sennheiser audio system with ten speakers and a fat subwoofer. The sound experience is spacious, but mostly very thick and soggy. Just what you want in an electric hot hatch, in which little classical music will be played.
Driving assistance systems
Like many modern cars, the Born VZ is packed with driving assistance. Think adaptive cruise control, lane assist, side assist, traffic sign recognition and even Remote Park Assist – which lets you let the car park independently via your smartphone. It works well, but some systems are a bit too present. For example, the steering assistant sometimes intervenes when you least expect it. Uncomfortable when you are steering on that one small dike road. Fortunately, many things can be turned off with two taps.
How do you recognize this VZ version?
Outside, the difference from a regular Born is subtle, but obvious enough to those who look closely. The VZ is lower on its legs, with aerodynamic but sporty 20-inch rims and dark accents. The test car has a deep dark green color (“Dark Forest”) combined with black and copper details. It looks good – understated but with an edge of aggression.
More practical than you might think
The Born VZ is a five-seater with a usable trunk of 385 liters. Not the largest in its class, but sufficient for daily use. The rear seat is foldable in parts. Due to the large wheelbase, legroom is ample in the rear. Adults can sit there without any problems – even with long legs. Children have very little to complain about.
Conclusion
In our opinion, the Cupra Born VZ is the version that should have been there from the beginning. Where previous versions dangled a bit between sporty and sensible, this is an electric car that does make clear choices. Rear-wheel drive, 326 hp, tight steering, firm seats and sports suspension – it all adds up.
At the same time, it remains just as suitable for everyday use. The range is excellent, on-board comfort – in the right driving mode – is fine, and you can take it to work just as well as to a winding mountain pass in the Alps.
Could he have had a little more power? Yes, it did. Although 340 hp is no mean feat, for a “performance EV” these days you count on at least 400 hp or (much) more and a 0-100 time under four seconds. In that respect, the Born VZ is a spirited EV, but not a star performer. But if you are looking for an electric car with character, performance ánd practicality, the Cupra Born VZ is a car that should be high on your list.
What does the Cupra Born VZ cost?
Its price is as snappy as its driving characteristics, with a price tag that reads 49,990 euros. Quite a lot of money, because for 41,990 euros you have a 231-horsepower version with 551 kilometers of range, which is obviously less richly dressed and slightly less spicy, but also has nice sharp steering.
Also read: Cupra Leon PHEV (2025) review – A family car and hot hatch in one?