READ MORE: https://www.electrifying.com/reviews/cupra-reviews/born-1/review
The Cupra Born has always been one of our favourite electric hatchbacks. Sharp styling, rear-wheel drive balance and a genuinely fun character helped it stand out in a sea of sensible EVs. But the electric car market moves fast, and since the Born first arrived, the competition has seriously stepped up.
Now for 2026, Cupra has given the Born a facelift. There’s updated exterior styling, new lighting signatures, fresh alloy wheel designs and subtle aerodynamic tweaks. Inside, you’ll find upgraded materials, revised infotainment software and improved tech aimed at fixing some of the usability niggles owners flagged in earlier versions. Under the skin, there are engineering improvements too, with refinements to efficiency, power delivery and charging performance.
In this full walkaround, we take a detailed look at what’s changed, what’s stayed the same and whether those updates are enough to keep the Born feeling fresh. Does it still deliver that sporty edge that made it such a compelling alternative to more mainstream electric hatchbacks? And in a market now packed with talented rivals offering bigger ranges and faster charging, can the Born still justify its place near the top of your shortlist?
We explore the design details, interior quality, practicality and tech upgrades to see whether this facelift is simply cosmetic or a meaningful step forward.
Is the new 2026 Cupra Born still one of the most desirable electric hatchbacks on sale? Watch the full walkaround to find out.
#CupraBorn #Cupra #ElectricCar #EVReview #EVWalkaround
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Electrifying.com is the #1 destination for electric car reviews, explainers and guides. Founded by Ginny Buckley, we bring you the latest updates on EVs and in-depth reviews of the hottest new models. Whether you’re switching to electric or just curious, our plain-English guides and expert advice make it easy to navigate the world of electric cars. Stay informed, make confident decisions, and join the electric revolution with Electrifying.com!
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0:00 The “Newborn”
0:13 Cupra Born Facelift Overview
0:28 New Front Design & Copper Styling
1:16 New Wheels & Timanfaya Grey Colour
1:56 Rear Design & Light-Up Badge
2:32 Built-in Bike Rack Mount
2:53 Powertrain & Battery Options Explained
3:51 Charging Speeds & Range
4:40 Interior Upgrades & Build Quality
5:29 Bigger Infotainment & Android System
5:48 Physical Steering Wheel Buttons Return
6:07 One-Pedal Driving & Regen Paddles
6:25 Quick Shortcut to Disable ADAS
7:02 Centre Console & Wireless Charging
7:15 New Seats & Sustainable Materials
7:55 Digital Key Feature
8:14 Rear Seats
8:55 Boot Space
9:21 Expected Price & Final Thoughts
Cupra is on a roll! Really like what they are putting on the streets.
Good presenter. Subscribed
I love the look of the Born but didn't buy one because of the silly buttons. I'm currently running a new Formentor hybrid but this updated Born would definitely be on my next new car list
Bet you still can’t put roof bars on
Test drive a 2025 ID.3 Pro S and 2025 Born VZ recently.
Born is the better car, not even in the same league. And not just power from the VZ motor. Ride, build, interior, exterior all better than the ID.3. The Born is what the ID.3 always should have been, a proper successor to the Golf.
Haptic buttons… Load of fuss over nothing. Heater/aircon and volume on the 2025 Born is already revised and backlit, works fine in my experience.
My biggest gripe is the rear window switch which is addressed in this facelift. Which to me is the second facelift? Certainly the second revision of the interior.
Great review, Nicola. Electrifying are lucky to have you. Now, when can we expect you to road test this new Born VZ?
Looks like shit to the Cupra 290 Lux this Cupra brand is a joke
20 inches on a compact car are madness.
Half fixed. Still no physical buttons for heat and AC. Was really hoping this would be fixed on the facelift version. When can we get rid of everything being in a touch screen?
Nice car, shame about the arrogant dealers
but seriously, all fun and jokes aside' the Cupras are more fun than special edition VWs
Looks great…600km awesome
Gorgeous inside and out. Wish they had powerful version with smaller battery for better driving dynamics in alighter weight.
Still NMC chemistry.. very unfortunate man this car is almost perfection
IT IS Bit to DARK to See the Details 😅
Still looks like an mpv smh.
I wonder whether 79kwh endurance has space for 3 people in the back, or at least better solution than a dip in the seat
I'm usually a person that almost never leaves a comment, but she just makes me smile. I adore the way she presents cars in a fresh and entertaining way!
It look amazing I wonder what it do now 0-100kph
Well… there are still touch sliders for the volume and the A/C temp… Why on earth they haven't replaced them!? Also, infotainment system looks laggy and the screen needs to be centered because some of us have passengers who might want to use it.
Let’s see the real price then the trip to the showrooms will be on my to do list.
That's hot!
While you are havin’ a drive
Nicola could review a cup of tea and id watch it
I think the Tina Fey grey should have a Matte option too
We do need more than 200 hp and awd. A hot hatch that would beat alpine a290
I wouod like to hear news on a fast version to compete against the EV4 GT.
Sweet looking car! We don't get any cool cars like this in the US! BTW: Nicola– you're such an awesome presenter! Love your energy!! Bucket-y, Dodgy Jive! 🙂
Digital Key, One Pedal and Android Based Infortaiment system. omg guys it's real, VW is listening
The Cupra Born was always the best looking EV in my opinion.
Was.
Now the new Cupra Born is the best looking EV in my opinion.
I love this lady!
THE ANGRY BEHAVIOUR OF TOO MANY HUMANS IS SOMETHING WE NEED TO GET RID OF…That´s why I tend to dislike the angry styling of this… I don´t want to add to the Field 😉
Until it needs a new battery or motors cost more than it's worth as with all EV's……😂they're the future of course they are. Some hold their values like a brick in water.
What’s with people liking “angry” looking cars? Haven’t we got enough aggression in the world these days? We’re probably all about to go to war. Exciting enough for you? What do you all want – tanks?
For those that don’t know Timinfaya is the national park on the island of Lanzarote. It’s a fabulous place full of volcanoes. Yes there’s a bit of it that looks just like that dark grey. 👍
So is it a boy or a girl?
If I didn't drive an Ioniq 5, this would be the car for me. Love from Timor-Leste ❤
Hey Volkswagen and Cupra! There are many of us in USA who would buy a fun EV hatch if you brought it here.
The ID 3 and Born remind of the Volkswagen Golf if we look at them from the side
UK are stayting the base Cupra born will be 190bhp, not 170bhp as per this review ?
Pressed thuambs up at the moment I saw proper windows buttons 👍
Ok ok, self confessed tesla fan but OMG the actual perfect balance, enough buttons, none haptic, 2 screens, and the right things in the screen INCLUDING ADS cancellation short cuts!!! Perfect ❤
Does it have a ski port through the rear seats?
That looks fantastic
Still no frunk? That is awaited opportunity from vw
She is a superstar, and i do not even care about the Born. Well done young lady.
Copper accents gives an upmarket hair care appliance vibe. Thinking GHD
I love your reviews. Never change. 😂❤️💯
I think Cupra designs are becoming just too fussy. I own a current Born, and I'm not too keen on the exterior update, they've just put in lines/creases where they don't need to be, and I hate the light up rear badge, looks tacky. But I do like the changes they've done to the interior, especially the proper rear window switches!