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CUPRA Experience allows fleet duo to test brand’s all-electric capabilities for themselves

Two fleet managers have taken advantage of CUPRA’s Experience programme to put the 100% electric Born through its paces for the first time and assess its viability for their businesses. CUPRA Experience offers drivers the opportunity to have a car for a five-day test period so they can better understand how an electric car would fit into their daily lives.

James Rooney is the newly appointed head of road fleet at Network Rail. He responsible for the electric transition of the Network Rail fleet of 9,000 cars and vans.

Lorna McAtear manages around 3,000 vehicles as head of fleet at National Grid. She is working to a 2030 electrification target and has stopped ordering cars and vans that aren’t electric.

Both James Rooney and Lorna McAtear had strong first impressions of the Born. They felt its styling was eye-catching and likely to appeal to their drivers.

Rooney says: “I think it’s one of the better-styled vehicles in the market – it’s really sharp-looking and stands out against some of the more conservative models out there.

“It's definitely modelled towards a younger audience, which I’ve got no problem with ­– being part of the younger audience myself.”

“What I like about it is you couldn’t feel the weight of the battery as much as you can in other mainstream electric cars” - James Rooney

In keeping with CUPRA’s brand values, the Born blends sportiness and efficiency by providing drivers with a high level of engagement and impressive electric range.

A range of up to 265 miles (WLTP) is possible from the standard 58kWh battery with up to 343 miles (WLTP) from versions fitted with the 77kWh battery.

The optional e-Boost function (standard on 77kWh versions) increases maximum power from 204PS to 230PS, enabling the Born to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 6.6 seconds.

McAtear says: “I thoroughly enjoyed driving the Born. In terms of handling, it’s really responsive. It’s quite light in feel. It’s a nippy little hot hatch.”

CUPRA engineers have fine-tuned the Born’s chassis to optimise the driving experience for sharp and sporty handling, without harming comfort and refinement.

“What I like about it is you couldn’t feel the weight of the battery as much as you can in other mainstream electric cars,” adds Rooney. “It feels a lot more like a standard petrol hatchback to drive than an electric car.”

“In my fleet a 250-mile range is the sweet-spot for drivers, especially the ones that are getting an EV for the first time. They feel more comfortable having that longer range option.” - Lorna McAtear

When it comes to all-important range, the Born’s performance continued to impress. Rooney’s Born was equipped with a 58kWh battery and even as a heavy user, covering up to 1,500 miles week, he said the car’s range, combined with its rapid charging capability, was enough to suit his needs. In mixed driving conditions, he was achieving around 200 miles per charge.

McAtear tested a Born with the larger 77kWh battery, which she found would cover around 270 miles between charges, in real-world conditions and would suit drivers who have reduced access to charging infrastructure.

She says: “In my fleet, a 250-mile range is the sweet-spot for drivers, especially the ones that are getting an EV for the first time. They feel more comfortable having that longer range option.”

A high level of standard specification means all Born models come well equipped for business use. The V1 grade includes LED headlights, a 12-inch touchscreen with sat-nav and reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and front bucket sports seats.

The V2 adds dark tinted rear windows, heated front seats and an augmented reality head-up display.

Range-topping V3 adds electrically adjustable front seats with massage function and rides on striking 20-inch alloy wheels.

Rooney summarises: “I think the Born is very fleet-appropriate and a good choice for drivers. It’s nice to have another choice away from the standard outputs and something which is a little bit more aggressively styled, which gives a bit of distinction.”

The CUPRA experience

Fleet managers and company car drivers with a fleet size of more than 50 vehicles can put themselves in the driving seat of the latest CUPRA models with an extended five-day test drive via the CUPRA Experience. Call 0800 2940581 or click here.