CUPRA Born VZ: the thrill of the ride

The CUPRA Born VZ is the latest – and most exhilarating – addition to the Born range. That’s VZ for ‘veloz’, which translates roughly as ‘scream if you wanna go faster’. Think of it as an EV with the soul of a hot hatch – an everyday hero for the electric age, and for Britain.

Because while it’s designed and engineered in Barcelona, the Born VZ is built for Britain’s best rollercoaster roads – thanks to specially tuned suspension, responsive steering and genuinely electrifying performance. In other words, a B-road blast in a Born VZ unlocks all sorts of feel-good factors, just like riding an actual rollercoaster…

“Coasters give you a serious rush, it’s a sensory assault,” says James Cox – a rollercoaster expert at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, home of ICON, one of Britain’s slickest coasters. “Rollercoaster design has a lot in common with great roads, and great driver’s cars. ICON is powered by electric motors – with a little help from gravity. Like the Born VZ, it pins passengers back in their seats, as the instant torque launches them forwards.”

The CUPRA Born VZ takes the advanced powertrain technology of the CUPRA Born and turns the dial up. With e-boost function it produces 326PS and 545NM of torque – good for 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and a 124mph max*. Of course, speed is important, but it’s not the only thing that makes for a great ride, or a great drive.

On the coaster, it’s all about the ups and downs, and the lightning-quick direction changes. The same is true on the road. But in the Born VZ you’re not just along for the ride. It’s all about feeling, feedback and control. Which requires some serious engineering…

That’s why the Born VZ has new DCC Sport suspension with improved geometry, for maximum control through twists and turns. The steering system has upgraded hardware and software for greater feel. Dynamic braking technology gives you full confidence in its stopping power. And like so many legendary driver’s cars it’s rear-wheel-drive, for instinctive handling and agility.

And whether you’re corkscrewing through the countryside in the car, or barrel-rolling on a coaster, you’ll need some serious support. Good news there – the Born VZ features new CUP bucket seats as standard. Like the wraparound seats in ICON, they’ll hold you tight as the g-forces kick in over weightless crests and tummy-churning descents.

“The adrenalin gets going before you even start the ride”, says James. “Half the fun of ICON is that fizz of excitement for the trip you’re about to take. It’s a bit like sitting at the start of an amazing road, seeing it snaking into the distance, knowing you’re about to take the ultimate thrill ride.”

With the Born VZ, you get a little bit of that buzz just by looking at it. It features 20” Thunderstorm alloys with 3D copper inserts as standard, is available in an exclusive Dark Forest colour, and on the rear there’s an exclusive, stealthy VZ badge. Inside: the VZ boasts Sennheiser premium sound system, augmented reality heads-up display, and Smart Light technology with wraparound LEDs which respond to driver actions, all as standard.

ICON lights up too, allowing passengers to ride into the night. Because once you’ve ridden it once, you’ll want to go again and again – like driving up and down a blockbuster road until it’s time to recharge. Thankfully the Born VZ gives you up to 372 miles** of driving range from its 79kWh battery, plus 185kW DC fast charging means you can go from 10% to 80% battery in just 26 minutes^.

So the next thrill ride is only just around the corner.

Discover more about the award winning CUPRA Born here: The 2024 CUPRA Born | Specification, Range, Battery Sizes | CUPRA UK

*Maximum power determined according to UN GTR.21, available for max. 30 seconds. The power output available in individual driving situation depends on variable factors such as ambient temperature, temperature / charging / conditioning status or physical ageing of the high-voltage battery. Availability of maximum power requires a specific high voltage battery temperature of between 23-50ºC and a battery charge level greater than 55% to deliver around 170kW for 58kWh (62kWh Gross) battery, and temperature of between 23-50ºC and a battery charge level greater than 85% to deliver around 170kW for 77kWh (82kWh Gross) Battery. Any deviations from the aforementioned parameters can lead to reduced power output and even to the overboost not being available at all.

**The accurate range for your vehicle will vary according to a number of different factors which include the route, weather conditions, vehicle load (occupants + luggage), battery age and condition, optional equipment (alloys, tyres, etc.), the use of peripheral energy consumption systems such as heating, air conditioning and heated seats, as well as your driving style. The indicated range has been calculated in compliance with the WLTP regulation which sets out standard test conditions applicable to all car manufacturers. This ensures that the values calculated in accordance with this regulation are comparable for all vehicles.

^Estimated charging times for the standard specification Born VZ  79kWh battery. Test data obtained under standardised conditions for comparison purposes. Actual charging times will vary depending on various factors, including the selected trimline (and battery option, if available),, the options you choose, the type of charger used, the level of charge in the battery, the age, type, condition and temperature of the charger and the battery, the power supply to and usage of the charger, ambient temperature at the point of use and other environmental factors.

Charging time will be longer in cold weather. Charging times will also be affected by the charging curve (for example, once charging passes 80%, charging will slow to protect the battery's longevity) and will be longer if battery temperature activates safeguarding technology. Please consult your retailer for further information. Data correct as at November 2024.