The Cupra Born VZ emerges as a fascinating case study of how modern electric vehicles are becoming more akin to our everyday smart devices than traditional automobiles. This groundbreaking perspective comes from testing the vehicle through the lens of a smartphone reviewer, revealing surprising parallels and challenging preconceptions about electric vehicle ownership.
The Cupra Born VZ, priced from £44,625 ($57,700), represents the performance variant of Cupra’s first all-electric offering. While not available in the United States, this electric hot hatchback has been making waves in the UK and European markets with its impressive specifications: 326PS of power, a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds, and an estimated range of 315-372 miles on a single charge. However, what makes this vehicle truly remarkable isn’t just its performance metrics, but how its user experience mirrors that of modern flagship smartphones.
The vehicle’s exterior design speaks the language of contemporary technology, with its Dark Forest color scheme complemented by copper accents and black details creating a distinctive presence. Sharp lines and angular features echo throughout the design, from the aggressive front end to the taillight assembly, creating a cohesive aesthetic that feels both modern and purposeful. The attention to detail extends to the Cupra badge’s design elements being reflected across various aspects of the car’s body, though some design choices, like the carbon effect on the rear badge and diffuser, might be considered unnecessary embellishments.
Inside the cabin, the parallels with smartphone technology become immediately apparent. The centerpiece is a 12.9-inch touchscreen display, accompanied by a 5.5-inch driver’s display and a head-up display projected onto the windshield. The interface’s responsiveness and visual clarity rival high-end smartphones, with smooth animations and crisp graphics that feel familiar to anyone accustomed to premium mobile devices. However, like many modern phones attempting to eliminate physical buttons, the Born VZ’s touch-sensitive controls present similar frustrations, with steering wheel buttons that are too easily triggered accidentally and climate control sliders that prove challenging to use while driving.
The driving experience itself reveals an interesting dichotomy. While the Born VZ is marketed as a hot hatchback, it actually performs more like a refined grand tourer. The vehicle offers various driving modes, including a high-performance Cupra mode, but the real sweet spot lies in its Performance mode, which provides ample power for spirited driving while maintaining composure. The instant torque delivery of 545 Newton meters makes for impressive acceleration, particularly in the 30-60mph range, though the car’s 2,000-kilogram weight means it lacks the nimble character traditionally associated with hot hatches.
One of the most surprising aspects of the review came from the charging experience. Despite not having access to home charging capabilities, the reviewer found public charging less problematic than anticipated. The car’s 79 kilowatt-hour battery supports both Type 2 and combined charging systems, with capabilities up to 185 kilowatts. A visit to a Gridserve charging station demonstrated the evolving infrastructure, with the car charging from 40% to 80% in just 25 minutes, though reaching 100% required 45 minutes total.
The vehicle’s technology integration extends beyond mere performance metrics. The Born VZ features an impressive array of cameras and sensors that enable advanced driver assistance systems. The Adaptive Cruise Control system, in particular, showed remarkable capability in maintaining appropriate speeds and distances, even on winding back roads. The car’s ability to read speed limit signs and anticipate road conditions adds an intelligent layer to the driving experience that feels distinctly modern and smartphone-like in its execution.
However, the Born VZ isn’t without its drawbacks. The public charging infrastructure, while functional, comes with significant costs. A full charge at a Gridserve station cost approximately £40 ($52) for about 170 miles of range, comparing unfavorably to traditional fuel costs. The necessity of managing multiple charging apps and prepayment requirements adds a layer of complexity that the industry still needs to address.
The vehicle’s software experience presents another interesting parallel with smartphones. While the main interface is responsive and well-designed, the voice control system shows similar limitations to smartphone voice assistants, handling basic commands well but struggling with more complex requests. The integration with Apple CarPlay works seamlessly, and the Sennheiser-tuned audio system provides excellent sound quality, making the car feel like a natural extension of one’s digital lifestyle.
What’s particularly noteworthy is how the vehicle challenges preconceptions about electric car ownership. Despite common concerns about range anxiety and charging logistics, the reviewer found the car integrated surprisingly well into daily life. The experience mirrors the way we’ve adapted to charging our smartphones, developing habits and routines that become second nature over time.
The Cupra Born VZ ultimately emerges as a vehicle that represents the evolving nature of automotive technology. While it may not fully deliver on its hot hatch promises, it succeeds in creating a new category of performance electric vehicle that prioritizes refined power delivery and technological integration over traditional sports car characteristics. It’s a car that feels more at home in the age of smartphones than the era of pure mechanical engagement, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
For potential buyers, the decision will likely come down to their charging situation and expectations. Those with home charging capabilities will find the Born VZ an even more compelling proposition, while others will need to weigh the higher costs of public charging against the vehicle’s numerous benefits. At its core, the Cupra Born VZ demonstrates how the gap between our digital devices and our vehicles is narrowing, creating new experiences that challenge our traditional understanding of what a car can be.
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