EV general discussion

Is it generally a bad idea to charge your car up to 100% frequently? I've read it is ok if you are using it straight after or soon after charging, but then what if it then sits at say, 90% for a day or two without use?

Can't really get much definitive information on it (perhaps it just isnt really yet known or proven etc)

You have an LFP pack so it won't have a big an affect as NMC, and it is actively encouraged to charge a lot of LFP packs to 100% much more regularly than NMC etc., but leaving it at 100% is something you should avoid doing for long periods still.
 
You have an LFP pack so it won't have a big an affect as NMC, and it is actively encouraged to charge a lot of LFP packs to 100% much more regularly than NMC etc., but leaving it at 100% is something you should avoid doing for long periods still.
LFP is only in the standard range. Long/extended and Xpower all use NMC from what I've read/watched.
 
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Is there anything in the revised Cupra Born (the one that doesn’t have the drive selector attached to the driver’s display) worth having beyond the improved infotainment system?

I’m struggling to find any other differences between the original model and the revised one (pretty sure it’s not a full facelift), but there is a big price difference.
 
Faster charging. 58 is 59kwh on MEB+ battery. all are eboost with 230PS. The 77kw one seems Pointless new as it’s over 40k may aswell get the VZ.
 
Simon is saying it did gain 30PS, the original has 200 (still decent enough, we have one)

But couldn’t you get the e-boost with 230PS in the original model? Those ones seem to be many thousands of pounds cheaper because they’re a few years older.

The one with the revised drive selector seems to be available on 24 plate cars and newer, although I’ve seen some 74/25 plate cars on Cupra’s site with the old selector.
 
But couldn’t you get the e-boost with 230PS in the original model? Those ones seem to be many thousands of pounds cheaper because they’re a few years older.

The one with the revised drive selector seems to be available on 24 plate cars and newer, although I’ve seen some 74/25 plate cars on Cupra’s site with the old selector.
Ah, yeah you could - it was an upgrade model not the base
 
Is there anything in the revised Cupra Born (the one that doesn’t have the drive selector attached to the driver’s display) worth having beyond the improved infotainment system?

I’m struggling to find any other differences between the original model and the revised one (pretty sure it’s not a full facelift), but there is a big price difference.
The infotainment is the big one. The older software was prone to crashing and had quite a few bugs. The revised version is far superior.
Luckily I was able to get 10k off list so I opted for a new VZ which is currently on factory order with a build date of 30/6/25
 
The infotainment is the big one. The older software was prone to crashing and had quite a few bugs. The revised version is far superior.
Luckily I was able to get 10k off list so I opted for a new VZ which is currently on factory order with a build date of 30/6/25

To be fair this issue is largely overblown and had I only used Google AI, I would have believed the older model infotainment system was a terrible unusable buggy mess that wouldn’t pair my phone and would refuse to even power on.

The older software has had many OTA updates and is considerably less buggy and a lot more responsive with the most recent updates.

I tested a July 2023 V3 Born and I believed it was going to be a slow, laggy buggy mess. Surprisingly I found the UI was perfectly fine with no major bugs. A few annoyances in layout but no major deal breaking issues.

I also tested an Oct 2024 (MY25) with the latest hardware and software and according to reports it should be “night and day better”. But it was not actually that great either. Definitely slicker and more responsive, but ultimately still had the mildly annoying to use layout/look. The layout is a bit more user friendly, with some icons moved to the shortcuts and the “clima” option is moved from the top to the bottom. But still ultimately a bit unintuitive to use but still “fine”. You do get backlit slider controls though.

Older climate controls screen
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Newer climate control screen
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Compared to the Google based Megane e-tech (or our own C40) even the newer Cupra Born infotainment system is slow, poorly designed and laggy. Basically if a slick responsive and well laid out infotainment system is important to you, then no model of the Cupra Born (even if fresh off the production line) should be a remote consideration as a purchase. :D

I opted for the older model as it was within my set budget. I have had zero crashes or bugs and layout is not overly intuitive (neither is it in the newer version) but both my phones have paired well with Apple CarPlay.
 
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I’ve just been to the local dealership to sit in a Born. It’s such a good use of space inside. Why anyone would choose a Golf or Leon over one is beyond me.

The nav on the latest hardware isn’t as simple to use as my Model Y’s, but I’m sure that within a week or so it would be second nature.

The interior quality is mildly better than an ID.3’s. Don’t let any journalist fool you that the Born is some sort of luxury car.
 
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I’ve just need to the local dealership to sit in a Born. It’s such a good use of space inside. Why anyone would choose a Golf or Leon over one is beyond me.

The nav on the latest hardware isn’t as simple to use as my Model Y’s, but I’m sure that within a week or so it would be second nature.

The interior quality is mildly better than an ID.3’s. Don’t let any journalist fool you that the Born is some sort of luxury car.

Absolutely this. I came from an I-Pace to a Born and the drop in luxury is mahoosive :)

Though it’s still decent and better than an ID.3 or an MG4. But if the perceived luxury is important you should consider a Megane e-tech. Especially if rear wheel drive handling is not a requirement.

Similar range to the smaller battery Born, better quality of materials, a bit less spacious and worse visibility but much better infotainment system.

For me the better driving feel and the more spacious feeling cabin (especially the rear seats) made the Born a better choice. I also opted for the 77kWh version and seeing a range of 320 miles during a mild UK summer makes range anxiety a very distant memory. Only 4 seats though in the 2023 and early 2024 models if that’s a problem.

Please also be aware that earlier model Borns had no rear speakers. It was not until later 2023 and 2024 models that rear speakers were included as standard. Prior to this you need to ensure it has Beats audio if you want rear speakers.
 
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I think its hit and miss with the old infotainment system. Ive had a Formentor which the older software and to be fair its been pretty much faultless but ive also got a friend with the same vehicle
and theyve had no end of problems with it, crashing all the time, error messages popping up left,right and centre.
Both are on the same software version so doesnt really make much sense why one is problematic.
I mainly used Android Auto so wasnt too bothered about the layout of the system.
Its not the best designed by any way of imagination. Google based systems are far superior.
 
Absolutely, it is fine for the purpose (both versions) with the newer version being “better” by default.

But that’s like watching fat Bob with the dodgy ticker and hobble Harry with the hip replacement fighting outside the local on a Friday night. No matter who wins, neither are “athletes”. :D
 
Please also be aware that earlier model Borns had no rear speakers. It was not until later 2023 and 2024 models that rear speakers were included as standard. Prior to this you need to ensure it has Beats audio if you want rear speakers.

This was such a stupid cost cutting move from VAG.

It’ll be really interesting to see if they’ve listened when the ID.2 comes out.
 
Absolutely this. I came from an I-Pace to a Born and the drop in luxury is mahoosive :)

Though it’s still decent and better than an ID.3 or an MG4. But if the perceived luxury is important you should consider a Megane e-tech. Especially if rear wheel drive handling is not a requirement.

Similar range to the smaller battery Born, better quality of materials, a bit less spacious and worse visibility but much better infotainment system.

For me the better driving feel and the more spacious feeling cabin (especially the rear seats) made the Born a better choice. I also opted for the 77kWh version and seeing a range of 320 miles during a mild UK summer makes range anxiety a very distant memory. Only 4 seats though in the 2023 and early 2024 models if that’s a problem.

Please also be aware that earlier model Borns had no rear speakers. It was not until later 2023 and 2024 models that rear speakers were included as standard. Prior to this you need to ensure it has Beats audio if you want rear speakers.
WTF? No rear speakers?
 
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