Cupra Born review: what the car critics say

The Cupra Born is the first electric car from Seat’s sporty spin-off brand, said Auto Express. It is almost identical to the VW ID.3 – a five-door, five-seat electric hatchback, and has three different battery size options promising impressive pure-electric ranges. Like the ID.3, the bigger battery supports rapid charging: it can charge to 80% in 35 minutes, and allows 62 miles of range from just seven minutes.

The Cupra is sportier and more stylish than its VW counterpart, said The Sunday Times. All models are rear-wheel drive with a single-speed automatic gearbox. With its largest 77kWh battery, it can cover up to 335 miles on a charge, while the 58kWh version can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds. Light and manoeuvrable, yet responsive and agile, it handles well and it deals with bumps nicely too.

The front-end design is unusual with its furrowed-brow bonnet, and the materials and tech inside are a cut above those in its VW sibling, giving the Born a generally classier feel, said What Car?. Its touch-sensitive controls can be fiddly to use, but the infotainment system is bright and clear. There’s plenty of space in the front, even if you’re over 6ft, but there is not a lot of either head or leg room in the back. Price: £33,735.