CUPRA BORN

First unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the car then badged as the Seat el-born Concept hinted at what an all-electric sporty hatchback from the Spanish brand might look like. But unlike so many concepts made real, the finished product remains largely unchanged, packing the same sharp creases and pumped-up dimensions as its prototype.

Based on the same underpinning as the Volkswagen ID.3, it majors on interior space – but the Cupra badge signifies spicier performance compared to its Germanic sibling. Scour the marketing bumph and you’ll see it can accelerate to 31mph in 2.9 seconds.

That’s pretty quick, but then most electric vehicles do feel brisk from a standstill. Perhaps more importantly, a 77kwh battery drives those massive 20in rear wheels for up to 310 miles on a single charge. Fast-charging capabilities also mean it can take on an additional 160 miles of range in under half an hour with the correct outlet.

Although the rest of the official stats are under wraps for now, it’s essentially a sportier ID.3 with some slick exterior styling and unique interior design touches, all geared towards a more youthful market. Given we’re not expecting to see an ID.3 with sportier styling for a while yet, the Born may have a handy niche to itself when it arrives later this year.

PRICE £35,000 (est) / cupraofficial.co.uk ● 310 miles approx ● 210hp approx ● 0-62mph in 6secs approx

● Top speed 100mph approx