The CUPRA Born has been boosted with a new high-performance version called the VZ, with 40% more power and 75% more torque than the existing models.

An acronym for the Spanish word ‘veloz’- which translated into English means ‘fast’ – the VZ has 320bhp of power and 545Nm of torque. Unusually for a VW Group product, this is just from one motor, powering the rear wheels. The same set up will be used on a long-awaited GTI version of the Volkswagen ID.3.

The Born VZ can cover the 0-62mph sprint in 5.7 seconds – one second faster than the e-Boost version. Top speed is also increased by 25mph to 124mph.

The VZ also has an upgraded chassis, with sport suspension, more responsive steering behaviour and improved brake pedal feeling. 

There are two new colours and minor styling tweaks for the VZ

The battery pack has also been improved and now offers an extra 2kWh of net capacity, taking the total to 79kWh. This gives it an official range of 335 miles – the same as the existing V3 77 model. 

There are subtle styling tweaks too. Two new colours are available exclusively for the Born VZ: Dark Forest and Midnight Black. New 20-inch alloy wheels wear wider, high-performance tyres. 

The finishing measure for the latest iteration of the brand’s 100% electric vehicle is the VZ logo in dark chrome housed on the vehicle’s boot, as well as the CUPRA lettering in dark chrome colour.

Inside gets sports seats, a slightly larger 12.9-inch infotainment system (+0.9-inch vs the current CUPRA Born), and optional 425-watt 10-speaker audio system developed in collaboration with Sennheiser. 

The tech upgrade also includes Remote Park Assist to allow the driver to finish parking manoeuvres with their smartphone.

Wayne Griffiths, CEO of CUPRA UK, said: “The CUPRA Born was a milestone for the brand when we launched the model in 2021 as our first 100% electric vehicle. And it’s delivered exceptionally, with 45,300 units sold last year, an increase of 44.4% compared to the year before. With the CUPRA Born VZ, we will bring even more performance to this model, proving once again that electrification and performance are a perfect match.”

The CUPRA Born VZ will be launched in the third quarter of 2024. Pricing and UK specification will be confirmed in the summer.

Cupra Born Long Term review

Interior tweaks include a larger screen, better seats and Sennheiser audio option