The Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3 are two of the latest mainstream electric hatchbacks vying for family car buyers looking to go emissions-free. They share the same Volkswagen Group underpinnings but have distinctly different characters - the Born aiming for a sportier vibe while the ID.3 takes a more conventional approach.
Both are roughly Golf-sized family hatchbacks powered exclusively by electric motors. The Born is the first bespoke model from Cupra, the sporting offshoot of Spanish brand Seat, while the ID.3 represents Volkswagen's first mainstream electric car built on a dedicated EV platform. So which of these two electric contenders is the better all-round option?
Cupra Born vs Volkswagen ID.3
Practicality
Both the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3 offer similar levels of interior space and practicality that should satisfy most family needs. Their rear-wheel drive layout allows for a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom for adults in the front and back. Boot capacities are identical at 385 litres, giving a decent amount of room for buggies, luggage or pets.
The Born just about edges the ID.3 in a couple of areas. Its middle rear seat is a touch wider, making three-abreast seating slightly more viable, while the sports seats offer a bit more support and adjustment than the standard pews in the Volkswagen. However, the ID.3 counters with a more versatile boot space - the Born's underfloor storage is minimal, while higher-spec ID.3 models can be specified with a variable boot floor.
Charging flexibility is another important practicality factor for EV buyers. Depending on battery size, both cars can charge at rates up to 170kW from a rapid charger for a decent 100-mile top-up in around 15-30 minutes. Conveniently, the Cupra Born and ID.3 both use the common CCS rapid charging standard across their ranges.
In summary, the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3 are impressively practical family cars, with the former just having a small advantage in terms of interior flexibility and seating. But it's marginal - either will likely meet the everyday needs of most buyers.
Driving Impressions
Despite sharing the same MEB platform, the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3 have quite distinct driving characters. The Born leans more towards a hot hatch feel, with taut suspension, sharp steering responses and a generally sporty demeanour. It's more entertaining to drive on a twisty road, and the range-topping 322bhp VZ version in particular offers hot hatch levels of straight-line performance.
That said, even lowlier Born models feel suitably brisk, with the instant torque delivery of an electric motor giving a sense of potency from a standing start. The pay-off is a firm low-speed ride that can feel busy around town. The Born's sportier setup also results in a bit more body lean through corners than you get in the more composed ID.3.
In contrast, Volkswagen's take on the family electric hatch is all about refinement and ease of use. The ID.3 feels planted and surefooted but not overtly sporty, with accurate steering and minimal body roll. It's a relaxing long-distance cruiser and makes an easy car to live with day-to-day. Just don't expect too much in the way of driving thrills.
Both are hushed at typical road speeds, though the ID.3 has the edge for overall refinement with less road noise transmitted into the cabin over poor surfaces. Performance is more than adequate across the ID.3 range too, even if it can't quite match the Born's sprightliest models for outright acceleration.
So while the Born delivers on its sporty billing with the most engaging driving experience, the ID.3 counters by being the more refined and easy-going proposition better suited to everyday family duties. It's horses for courses, but both drive well within their respective remits.
Technology and Equipment
When it comes to in-car tech and standard equipment levels, the Cupra Born certainly looks good value compared to the pricier Volkswagen ID.3. Even entry-level V1 Born models come loaded with kit like 18-inch alloys, LED lights, rear camera, heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control.
Move up to the V3 specification and you'll find luxuries like 12-way electric massaging seats, 20-inch wheels and a premium upholstery upgrade. The hotly anticipated VZ range-topper brings further styling upgrades and extras such as a premium stereo system.
In contrast, the ID.3's entry-level trims look comparatively spartan next to even the basic Born models. You need to step up to higher ID.3 specifications to get niceties like dual-zone climate control, a panoramic roof or augmented reality sat-nav display.
Both cars use a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with broadly similar functionality. However, the Cupra gets the edge here thanks to its more modern graphics and user interface, even if the touch-sensitive climate controls can be fiddly to use. The ID.3's lack of physical buttons and its slightly clunky menu systems make it feel a touch dated in comparison.
One neat ID.3 touch is the 'ID Light' - an LED strip that signals things like navigation instructions or incoming calls. But it's not enough to offset the Born's user-friendly advantage when it comes to on-board tech.
Running Costs
As you'd expect from such closely related electric vehicles, running costs for the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3 are broadly similar. Purchase prices and monthly finance rates differ slightly between the two, but in general the Born works out better value thanks to its more generous standard equipment for a given price point.
Electricity costs to recharge will be identical based on the size of battery pack you opt for - around £17 for a full charge of the 58kWh battery using a typical home energy tariff, or £22 for the larger 77kWh versions. Using off-peak overnight charging can slash those costs by up to 50%.
The ID.3 does have a very slight efficiency edge (on paper at least), managing around 3-4 miles per kWh compared to 3 miles/kWh for the Born. That translates to a real-world range advantage for Volkswagen's family EV. But it's not a huge difference, and unlikely to be a dealbreaker for most.
Service costs for the two cars should be similar too, as they share many of the same mechanicals. The ID.3 gets the edge here with slightly longer service intervals than the Born, potentially saving owners a bit of money over several years of ownership.
Overall, there's not a huge amount separating the Born and ID.3 when it comes to running costs and ownership expenses. The Cupra looks slightly better value to buy, while the ID.3 may cost a fraction less to run. But differences are marginal enough that other factors like styling, driving experience and equipment levels are likely to prove more decisive.
Verdict
There's no doubt the Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3 are both impressive all-round family electric vehicles. They each major on user-friendly EV ownership with reassuring real-world driving ranges, decent practicality and affordable running costs compared to fossil-fuelled alternatives.
The Born stands out as the slightly sportier, more engaging steer that's also better equipped and keener value for money. Its combination of punchy performance (in the higher-powered variants at least), taut handling and generous kit list give it an edge for keen drivers or those who value in-car tech.
However, the ID.3 counters with a more refined driving experience and superior efficiency that may suit higher mileage users. Its cabin is a touch more versatile too, even if it can't match the Born's generous standard kit levels.
Ultimately, there's no clear winner - it depends what you prioritise. The Born is the sharper tool for keen drivers who want strong performance and lots of kit. The more comfort-oriented and efficient ID.3 remains a smart family EV choice for buyers willing to pay a bit more for Volkswagen's premium brand appeal. A tough decision, but you can't go too far wrong with either.