This is the new, facelifted Cupra Born, and it'll cost between £36k-£46k

Bjorn Again are an Abba tribute band. Born again is a life-changing spiritual concept. This is simply the Born. Again.

Cupra has given its electric hatch a mid-life go-over. It was already a pretty good hatch, so much of the effort has gone where it was most needed, the cabin materials, ergonomics and connectivity.

Outside, the lighting takes on Cupra's latest multi-triangular theme. Headlamps are shape-shifting matrix LEDs on the upper versions, and all get a light bar and lit badges. Because it's 2026. There's more obvious grille work at the nose, and wider air curtain intakes. The rear thumbs its nose at followers with a diffuser shape moulded into the bumper. Actual aerodynamic value: likely trivial.

So let's step inside. The driver now gets a binnacle doubled in size versus before (10.25 inches now), able to display a correspondingly wider set of info at the same time. In the past you had to swipe too often at the display-toggle touch-thing. And hurrah, the steering wheel controls are now actual buttons and not the hated touch-things at all.

Meanwhile the main screen now runs Cupra graphics on an Android base. Potentially, that'll be smoother and snappier than the old VW-based system, and more flexible too. An optional Sennheiser stereo now has something they call Contrabass that uses, it says here, psychoacoustic techniques for an immersive soundscape. And there's synthesised power sound signature in the more vigorous drive modes.

Plusher new door trims and wider acreage of Cupra's signature tessellating textures lift the mood. There's more ambient light too, and it uses colour changes and animations to bolster visual warnings for the driver.

Battery-motor pairings run to a choice of three, all driving the rear wheels you'll remember. At the top is, as before, the VZ hot-hatch setup, a 79kWh battery and 326bhp motor, for 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. Middle is the same battery (up from 77kWh before) and 231bhp. Finally 59kWh and 190bhp. The big batteries are 370 miles WLTP range, the smaller 280.

New for the facelift is a one-pedal drive mode, so you can slow to a stop without the brake pedal. These things are convenient but contrary to myth don't improve efficiency. There's also a launch control if you spec the big battery. Tyres are a little wider, and in a move no facelift could do without, alloy wheel designs for 18 and 19in are refreshed.

Expected UK arrival is early summer, with prices between £36-£46k.