Cupra Born EV to spearhead move to agency sales model

The Cupra performance brand has revealed details of its new Born EV hot hatch and the agency sales model through which it will be sold.

Along with the specifications and range information for the Seat offshoot's debut EV, Cupra has also outlined a new agency sales model which will see the launch of an online sales platform to sell the Born.

Wayne Griffiths, president of Cupra and Seat, said: “Through its emotional sportiness, we want the next generation of young challengers to be part of this transformation. That’s why Cupra will use unconventional sales models to reach new people and take the Cupra brand beyond the traditional.”

A Volkswagen Group spokesman revealed to AM last week that the switch to an agency model is likely to be completed for its electric vehicle (EV) model sales by the start of 2023.

As well as traditional sales, the Cupra Born will be offered under subscription contracts, with a monthly fee that will include the use of the vehicle and other related services.

The Cupra Born - then called the El Born - was originally destined to wear a Seat badge, following its reveal at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

In order to re-engineer the VW ID.3-based model to meet Cupra’s brand values, engineers have calibrated the suspension, steering and brakes differently so they provide greater driver engagement.

The model range starts with a 150PS version that uses a 45kWh battery, giving a range of 211 miles. It's the slowest in the line-up, with a 0-62mph acceleration time of 8.9 seconds.

Next up is a 204PS model, with a larger 58kWh battery. It has a maximum range of 260 miles. An optional e-Boost function can be specified that increases power to 231PS and improves the 0-62 time from 7.3 seconds to 6.6 seconds.

The largest battery available is a 77kWh unit, making the Cupra Born capable of covering 335 miles on a single charge - it's paired with the same 231PS motor. All models are rear-wheel-drive.

On the outside, the Cupra Born features copper accents and alloy wheels in sizes of 18-20 inches.

Sporty seats and more copper details set the interior apart from other VW Group electric models.

Among the technical highlights are a 12-inch infotainment display, a voice-controlled digital assistant and adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous Travel Assist.

Pricing and final specification details are yet to be announced, but are expected before the end of the year.

Production of the Born starts in September, with the first cars expected to arrive in the UK in early 2022.