The Cupra Born, Volkswagen Group’s first electric car for Australia, has vanished from showrooms as supplies run dry. This sporty Spanish EV, launched locally in late 2022, has been pulled from official listings as remaining inventory is exhausted. But while the Born is temporarily out of reach for new buyers, Cupra has confirmed plans for a more powerful VZ variant to arrive later in 2025.
What Happened to the Cupra Born in Australia?
Cupra Australia has officially removed the Born from its website and confirmed that the model is no longer available for purchase. This follows a period of aggressive discounting and run-out deals, with drive-away prices slashed by up to $19,400 to clear remaining stock. The move comes as the company prepares for the introduction of the Born VZ, a performance-focused electric hot hatch expected to launch by the end of the year.
From its launch in December 2022 to the end of May 2025, 1,654 Borns found homes in Australia. The hatchback’s best sales year was 2023, with 887 units sold, but it has struggled to keep pace with market leaders like the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, and Kia EV52. In the electric hatchback segment, the Born sits behind the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin but ahead of models like the Kia EV6 and Nissan Leaf2.
Cupra Born: Key Features and Performance
The Australian-market Cupra Born was offered in a single specification, equipped with a 77kWh (usable) battery and a 170kW/310Nm rear-mounted electric motor. This setup delivered a claimed 0–100km/h time of 7.0 seconds and a WLTP range of up to 511km (standard) or 475km with the Performance Pack.
Key features included:
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Rear-wheel drive
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Single-motor electric powertrain
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77kWh battery (82kWh gross)
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WLTP range up to 511km
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12-inch multimedia touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
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LED lighting, bucket seats, 19-inch alloy wheels
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Optional Interior and Performance Packs
Interior and Performance Packs added features like 12-way power-adjustable seats, Beats audio, and adaptive suspension, but reduced seating to four due to Australian regulations.
How Did the Cupra Born Compare to Rivals?
The Cupra Born was positioned as a stylish, European alternative to other electric hatchbacks. Its closest rivals included the MG 4, BYD Dolphin, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6. While the Born offered a premium interior and sporty driving dynamics, it faced tough competition on price and features.
| Model | Price (Drive-away) | Power (kW) | Range (WLTP, km) | 0–100km/h (sec) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cupra Born | $49,990+ | 170 | 511 | 7.0 |
| MG 4 Long Range | ~$55,000 | 180 | 530 | 6.5 |
| BYD Dolphin | ~$50,000 | 150 | 480 | 7.0 |
| Kia EV6 | ~$70,000+ | 168 | 528 | 7.3 |
Despite the Born’s strong points, it was outsold by the MG 4 and other more affordable or better-known rivals.
What’s Next for the Cupra Born in Australia?
Cupra Australia has confirmed that the Born will return, likely in the form of the VZ performance variant. Originally scheduled for a May 2025 launch, the VZ has been pushed back to December 202523. The VZ will feature a more powerful 240kW/545Nm rear motor, a larger 79kWh battery, and a claimed WLTP range of up to 570km.
The VZ is expected to bring:
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240kW/545Nm rear electric motor
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79kWh battery (larger than current model)
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WLTP range up to 570km
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Adaptive dampers and sportier suspension
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Faster acceleration (0–100km/h in under 6 seconds)
This new variant is aimed at buyers seeking a true electric hot hatch experience, with improved performance and range over the outgoing model1.
Why Did Cupra Born Stock Run Out?
Cupra’s aggressive discounting and run-out deals cleared remaining inventory quickly. The company slashed prices by up to $19,400 in some states, making the Born one of the most affordable European electric hatchbacks on the market. With demand for EVs fluctuating and new models on the horizon, Cupra chose to pause sales until the VZ arrives.
Cupra Born Ownership Experience
Owners and reviewers have praised the Cupra Born for its sporty handling, premium interior, and strong range. However, some have noted the lack of features like wireless smartphone mirroring, memory settings for the driver’s seat, and a home charging cable as drawbacks.
The Born’s interior is considered a highlight, with a modern design, comfortable seats, and good practicality for a compact hatchback. The rear seats offer ISOFIX and top tether points for child seats, and the boot capacity is a respectable 385 litres.
Cupra Born: Technical Specifications
| Specification | Cupra Born (Australia) |
|---|---|
| Length | 4322mm |
| Width | 1809mm |
| Height | 1540mm |
| Wheelbase | 2766mm |
| Boot capacity | 385 litres |
| Battery (usable) | 77kWh |
| Power | 170kW |
| Torque | 310Nm |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0–100km/h | 7.0 seconds |
| WLTP range | 511km |
| Max DC charge rate | 170kW |
Cupra Born: Future Outlook
With the standard Cupra Born now out of stock, attention turns to the upcoming VZ variant. The VZ promises to address some of the criticisms of the outgoing model, offering more power, greater range, and enhanced driving dynamics.
Cupra’s electric lineup in Australia currently consists of the Tavascan SUV, but the Born’s return is eagerly anticipated by fans of sporty, European electric hatchbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Cupra Born still available in Australia?
A: No, the Cupra Born is currently out of stock and unavailable for new orders, but it is expected to return with the VZ performance variant in late 2025.
Q: What is the difference between the Cupra Born and the VZ?
A: The VZ features a more powerful 240kW/545Nm rear motor, a larger 79kWh battery, and a claimed WLTP range of up to 570km, compared to the standard Born’s 170kW/310Nm motor and 511km range.
Q: How does the Cupra Born compare to the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin?
A: The Cupra Born offers a more premium interior and sportier driving experience, but the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin are often more affordable and have similar or better range and performance.
Cupra Born (Australia)
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Cupra Born |
| Year | 2023–2025 |
| Body Type | 5-door hatchback |
| Seats | 4–5 (depending on pack) |
| Battery | 77kWh (usable) |
| Power | 170kW |
| Torque | 310Nm |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0–100km/h | 7.0 seconds |
| WLTP Range | 511km |
| Boot Capacity | 385 litres |
| Length | 4322mm |
| Width | 1809mm |
| Height | 1540mm |
| Wheelbase | 2766mm |
| Max DC Charge Rate | 170kW |
The Cupra Born’s hiatus in Australia marks the end of an era for Volkswagen Group’s first electric hatchback Down Under. With the VZ performance variant on the horizon, the future looks bright for fans of sporty, European electric cars. The Born’s blend of style, performance, and practicality has set a benchmark for the segment, and its return is eagerly awaited.