New Cupra Born VZ hot hatch boosts power to 322bhp
Rear-driven electric hatch packs VW Golf R levels of power and a whopping 402lb ft of torque
Cupra has launched a hot new range-topping version of the Born, which will be the brand's most potent model when it lands in autumn.
The new Cupra Born VZ – short for 'veloz', or 'fast' in English – ramps up power from 228bhp in the warmed-up e-Boost variant to a VW Golf R-baiting 322bhp.
The torque increase is even more dramatic, with the rear-mounted motor now chucking out a huge 402lb ft – up from 229lb ft – to give a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds, making this the quickest car based on the VW Group's MEB platform.
The Born's top speed has been increased, too, from 99mph to 124mph.
Cupra claims that this boost in performance "isn't achieved by sacrificing efficiency", and claims a range of 335 miles for the new EV hot hatch, partly courtesy of a small boost in battery capacity taking it from 77kWh to 79kWh.
The drivetrain upgrades come alongside an extensive overhaul for the chassis: there are new dampers and springs at the rear, for example, plus a tweaked front supension arrangement, which Cupra says "delivers better vehicle body control".
So too has the steering system been upgraded – physically and electronically – to give a 'sportier' feeling, and the tuned brakes are said to be "stiffer and more robust".
Design changes are more subtle, with the VZ marked out from its range-mates by two bespoke colour options, new designs for its wider 20in wheels and a dark chrome finish for the badges.
The VZ is the first variant of the Born to feature the larger new 12.9in infotainment touchscreen that was rolled out to the closely related Volkswagen ID 3 last year, as well as the new illuminated climate control slider bar.
The VZ's performance focus is emphasised inside by its standard-fit bucket seats, and it gets a raft of extra equipment as standard including a 10-speaker Sennheiser audio system, wraparound 'Smart Lights' which react to various vehicle functions and display the car's charge level, and a remote park assist function.
Cupra has yet to give pricing for its new EV hot hatch, but it will command a chunky premium over the existing £43,735 range-topper.