Introducing the Cupra Born Facelift: A preview of the revised VW ID.3

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For decades, the Volkswagen Group has been rolling out various models on a single platform. The size can vary considerably. For the ID. models, it currently ranges from compact class to spacious SUVs. This base has been revised several times, with another facelift following this year. Cupra gets the first turn at the presentation: The Born, which continues to be only slightly rebadged VW ID.3, benefits primarily in the powertrain sector.

In the future, there will be three performance levels and two batteries. The technical specifications of the new base model were recently announced for the Ford Capri and Explorer, which also use this platform. The battery has a usable energy content of 58 kWh. The cell chemistry is being switched to lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Previously, the base model of the Born had a cell chemistry of nickel, manganese, and cobalt.

DC charging power at 110 kW?

Cupra has not yet announced the direct current charging power for this version. If it were 110 kW, as with Ford, it would be a step backward compared to the current VW ID.3. Its base model can charge at 145 kW, and the 59 kWh version at 165 kW. AC charging remains unchanged at 11 kW. On this basis, the traction battery should be tappable, for example, to power a hedge trimmer or recharge an e-bike battery.

The large battery offers a net 79 kWh and can be charged at 185 kW. Compared to the small battery, the WLTP range increases by 150 to around 600 km. It can be ordered with the APP550 motor, which delivers 170 or 240 kW depending on the version. It always remains rear-wheel drive; an additional motor on the front axle, as in the VW ID.4 GTX, is not available for Volkswagen in this vehicle size.

Significantly upgraded interior

Cupra writes in the press release about a new design language, but most viewers should still be able to easily identify the revised Born as such. More important to many than the reshaped bumpers will likely be the fact that the Born now also features matrix headlights.

The changes in the interior are much more far-reaching than those on the exterior. Cupra promises higher-quality trim, which should be achievable given the starting level. The Born was always slightly less frugal than the first ID.3, but it was never a tactile delight. The manufacturer has abandoned the idea of moving some ventilation functions to the light switch block. The wiper groove in front of the screen is now backlit. The steering wheel has proper buttons again, which is only to be welcomed functionally. Instead of a small mini-screen with meager resolution as a digital instrument cluster, there is now a tidy, slightly larger display. Each window lifter has its own switch again; the previous switching between front and rear is eliminated. Without a doubt, the interior of the Born has significantly gained from the revision overall.

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Cupra Born 2026 (4 Bilder)

Automatically closing sunroof?

The infotainment system now uses an Android base. It is likely distributed by Volkswagen as software version 6.0. It can be speculated whether the previous models will receive this version or if the currently installed hardware is too underpowered for it. Sennheiser contributes an improved sound system to the Born. In the event of a potential crash, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Front Assist work together, Cupra writes. Among other things, the sunroof is supposed to close for safety reasons. However, this would be highly surprising, as the glass roof in the Born cannot be opened so far. It is hard to imagine that Volkswagen would intervene so deeply in a concept as part of a model facelift.

Production of the revised Born is scheduled to start in the second quarter, again in Zwickau. The first deliveries are planned for early summer. There is no information on prices yet. The current price list starts at 36,450 euros. We expect the successor to be in a similar range.

(mfz)