Cupra Born vs. Volkswagen ID.3: which is better?
The Cupra Born and VW ID.3 are ideal electric cars if you need something practical and reliable
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Volkswagen has a history of producing game-changing models, including the Beetle and Transporter. More recently, the Golf has proven a hit, and the company hopes the ID.3 can do the same.
Shortly after the introduction of the ID.3 came the Born from sister company Cupra, which offers a slightly sportier alternative.
Picking between these models should be easy, as we outline below, but there are still some minor differences that could sway your decision.
Does the Cupra Born or Volkswagen ID.3 have more style?
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Mechanically, the Cupra Born and the Volkswagen ID.3 are almost identical, but they each have a unique design that sets them apart. The VW appeals to families after a sensible electric car, while the Cupra takes a sportier approach.
The Volkswagen ID.3 features some unique styling designs, such as the stylish two-tone rear and a black strip running across the top of the bonnet, designed to make the car look shorter.
Higher-trim ID.3 models with the upgraded LED headlights also have a light bar along the front end, which some other Volkswagen models have started to include.
The Cupra has a slightly more aggressive-looking design with bits of copper design dotted around the exterior, helping it to stand out against most other vehicles.
Larger alloy wheel designs are also available on the Cupra Born, and it features the same headlight design used across other sporty-looking Cupra and SEAT models, which are recognisable both day and night.
Is the VW ID.3 or Cupra Born better to drive?
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There’s little that separates these two models in terms of how they drive. They’re both rear-wheel-drive and have a low centre of gravity (due to the placement of the batteries), which makes them feel planted on the road.
Compared with other similarly-sized hatchbacks, they’re more engaging to drive, but they’re also just as happy pottering around town.
In terms of battery sizes, most buyers opted for the 58kWh ID.3 model (badged Pro and Pro Performance), so there’ll be plenty of these around. They can do around 260 miles between charges.
There’s a smaller 45kWh model (Pure Performance), which should still be able to do around 200 miles on a full charge, and a range-topping 77kWh (Pro S) model capable of up to 340 miles between charges.
Power outputs vary depending on the battery size and include 145hp, 150hp and 204hp options. The 204hp was popular, and we think it’s the best fit for this car. It’s plenty quick enough, but it’s still efficient.
The Cupra Born is largely available with the same configurations, but it also gets an even quicker e-Boost model. It’s available in 58kWh and 77kWh models and produces 230hp, meaning a 0-62mph time in as little as 6.6 seconds.
Cupra Born vs. Volkswagen ID.3 interior
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The inside of the Volkswagen ID.3 is extremely minimalist, and the majority of the car’s functions are controlled via a large touchscreen.
There are a few shortcut buttons, such as sliders for the temperature, but all the physical buttons are capacitive touch buttons, which helps the car feel more modern.
Early on, the car received a lot of negative press about its lack of light-up temperature and volume controls, which made them hard to use in the dark. However, after living with an ID.3 for more than six months, we didn’t find this to be an issue.
It’s also worth noting that the car’s infotainment system lacked some features and was buggy and slow to respond when it was first launched. Every model was eligible for a free software upgrade to fix this, and they’re now compatible with over-the-air updates. If you’re buying used, you may want to take it to a dealership to check it’s up-to-date.
The Cupra’s interior is almost identical to the Volkswagen’s, except for a few styling details. It also has its own infotainment system, which is even bigger and looks great.
Volkswagen ID.3 vs. Cupra Born: which is biggest when it comes to boot space?
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The boot in the Volkswagen ID.3 measures 385 litres, which is slightly larger than that of the Volkswagen Golf, and about average for this size of car.
Although the 77kWh Pro S models have four seats – rather than five – to accommodate the larger battery, they have the same 385-litre boot.
Unsurprisingly, the Cupra Born has the same 385-litre boot as the ID.3.
Neither has any additional storage under the bonnet, but both cars have a comfortable and spacious cabin.
Is the Cupra Born or Volkswagen ID.3 more reliable?
There’s very little to separate these models in terms of reliability because they use all the same battery and driving technologies.
However, they’re both fairly recent models so don’t have as much data as something like a Nissan Leaf. Even so, to date, they’ve proven themselves to be safe and reliable.
Both have been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, each receiving a full five-star rating. The scores between each model vary slightly, but both performed exceptionally well in all categories compared with similar cars.
Cupra Born vs. Volkswagen ID.3 dimensions
The Cupra Born is 4,324mm long, 1,809mm wide and 1,540mm tall, which makes it considerably narrower and shorter than the petrol-powered Cupra Leon.
You’d notice the extra height just by looking at one, but inside, that translates to more headroom and an airier cabin.
It’s a similar story with the Volkswagen ID.3, which also looks taller than the Golf. It’s shorter than the Born at 4,261mm, but also taller, measuring 1,568mm tall. It’s 2,070mm wide, which is about average for most family cars these days.
Used VW ID.3 vs. used Cupra Born: which should you buy?
Fortunately, choosing between these models is very easy. Your decision will be based primarily on styling and personal preference.
That’s because they’re both available with the same batteries and motors. The Cupra Born e-Boost is slightly quicker, but the difference between that and the 204hp version in daily driving will be negligible.
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