The Cupra Born was the brand’s first electric car when it launched in Ireland back in 2022. A few years on, the Born has received a facelift, bringing updated styling and a much-improved interior.
If you’re considering a new electric hatchback in Ireland, here’s everything you need to know about the updated Cupra Born.
Cupra Born 2026 facelift video review
I’ve also reviewed the facelifted Cupra Born in video, taking a closer look at the exterior design, new interior, driving experience on Irish roads, real-world range and charging.
Cupra Born 2026: What’s new?
The Cupra Born continues to use the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric vehicle platform and remains a rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback. However over the years, it’s gained more battery range.
For 2026, there are two batteries to choose from: a 58kWh battery in the Born Urban and a larger 79kWh battery in the Born Endurance and high-performance Born VZ.
The 58kWh Urban produces 190hp and has an official WLTP range of up to 483km. The 79kWh Endurance produces 231hp and has a claimed range of up to 626km, while the 326hp Born VZ can officially travel up to 629km.
The Born is now offered in V1 and V2 versions for the Urban and Endurance, with the VZ sitting at the top of the range.
Cupra Born price in Ireland
The Cupra Born starts from €36,565 in Ireland for the 58kWh Urban, with the 79kWh Endurance priced from €40,785. At the top of the range is the Born VZ, using the 79kWh battery and producing 326hp, priced from €50,525.
Cupra Born 2026 styling
The Cupra Born is still one of the sportiest looking electric hatchbacks on the market! It’s quite an outlandish design with that snarly front and massive diffuser at the back, which is even more pronounced than before. It also sits lower to the ground than the Volkswagen ID.3 it shares a platform with, giving it a natural sporty stance.
The facelifted Born gets a few subtle styling changes to bring it more in line with newer Cupras such as the Tavascan and Raval. The front has been revised and the headlights get the brand’s triangular lighting signature.
At the back there’s the distinctive ‘coast-to-coast’ light bar with the Cupra logo now able to light up.
There are 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, though the option to upgrade. Matrix LED headlights are also available on the higher-spec versions, with the VZ getting them as standard.
Cupra Born practicality
Like before, the Born has a perfectly practical 385-litre boot. It’s a useful amount for a family hatchback, although there is nowhere special to store the charging cables so they are left in a bag in the boot.
Inside there is seating for five, and the completely flat floor in the back means everyone gets generous legroom. There are also three Isofix points for family buyers: the front passenger seat and two outer seats in the back.
Cupra Born 2026 interior
The interior of the Cupra Born has also been spruced up as part of the update. It’s quiet a big improvement on the original car. For a start, Cupra has put in a full size digital driver display that looks far better. There are also redesigned door panels and four buttons once again for the electric windows.
The steering wheel also now has proper buttons, which are much more satisfying to use than the earlier haptic ones.
It still feels minimalist inside but the material finishes are good and there is a sophistication to it. Sporty bucket seats come as standard but the fabric finish in the entry models could do with feeling a bit more expensive.
The 12.9-inch touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is a lot of touch control required for things like the climate settings however there are useful shortcuts.
A heated steering wheel is standard, while the 79kWh versions get satellite buttons on the steering wheel.
Higher-spec V2 models add equipment such as heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.
What’s the Cupra Born like to drive on Irish roads?
The 79kWh Endurance I drove produces 231hp and 350Nm, with power going to the rear wheels and 0–100km/h in 7 seconds making it quick and responsive to drive. There are also different driving modes including the wildest of all, the Cupra mode.
The Born is one of the most entertaining hatchbacks to drive, feeling sharp and athletic through bends without sacrificing too much comfort or refinement. The suspension remains reasonably supple and the Born doesn’t feel excessively noisy or bumpy on Irish roads, while enjoying tight handling and control.
It also proved to be efficient in real-world driving, with my average energy consumption of 15.4kWh per 100 kilometres. This points to over 500 kilometres of range possible. A heat pump is not standard however and has to be added as an option.
Charging the Cupra Born
11kW AC charging comes as standard while DC fast charging is up to 185kW for the car tested with the bigger battery. That means 10-80% charge can be got in 29 minutes.
The facelift also adds vehicle to load functionality for the first time, allowing the car’s battery to supply power to external equipment.
2026 Cupra Born: Verdict
Cupra is selling more electric cars in Ireland than any other fuel type, bolstered by its growing EV line-up that now includes the Born, Tavascan and the Raval.
The Born remains one of the best electric hatchbacks on sale, perhaps a tad expensive in light of Chinese competition, particularly the big battery version.
However, there is a polish and sophistication to it that makes it very enjoyable to drive. And the facelift has made it much better.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year