Cupra Born long-term test: report 8
When we first tested the Cupra Born we were so impressed that we named it Small Electric Car of the Year. But does it continue to impress when you live with it every day?...
The car Cupra Born 58kWh V3 150kW Run by James Tute, senior sub-editor
Why we’re running it To see if our Small Electric Car of the Year still makes sense as commuter and leisure transport if you don't have access to a home charger
Needs to Deliver on the promise of a fun driving experience, low running costs and good practicality, while having enough range for weekend getaways
Mileage 4507 List price £38,390 Target Price £38,390 Price as tested £38,390 Official range 250 miles Test range 232 miles
25 October 2022 – Reflects well
When Volkswagen rebooted the Beetle in 1997, the designers had the genius to bring back its blumenvasen – a dashboard-mounted flower vase that featured in Bugs in the Fifties.
Now, no one really needs a blumenvasen in their car, but it sure did make people go 'Ooh! Cute! I want one!' And the Cupra Born door mirrors have a similar effect on me.
In practical terms they get 3/5 (they're not huge so the rear view they give is pretty average), but they have a funky way of twisting up and inwards when you lock the car or turn a settings dial on the driver's side door.
Maybe I'm being fanciful, but there's something of the supercar scissor doors swing about their action, and after thousands of miles with the Born, they still make me go 'Ooh!' – or at least grunt approvingly. Better still, I never have to water them...
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