Which is better, the Cupra Born or the Kia e-Niro? We analyze what these two 100% electric crossovers offer and we choose the best purchase option.
Thinking of buying an electric car in 2022? You will have noticed then that the offer available in this segment is increasingly wide and that you can choose between several models with different characteristics. Today we propose the Cupra Born and the Kia e-Niro as options to consider this year. But which one is better?
To face them we are going to make a technical comparison where we will analyze official data from their respective manufacturers in sections such as dimensions, trunk, engines, standard equipment and prices. At the end, we will expose the strengths of each model to help you make the best purchase decision.
Cupra Born
We start with the Cupra Born, the first 100% electric model of the young Spanish brand. It was officially presented in 2020, but it did not hit the market until a year later. It is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, which it shares with other models such as the Volkswagen ID.3.
This allows the dimensions of the Cupra model to be 4,320 mm long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,540 mm high, all on a platform with a 2,765 mm wheelbase. It includes space inside for up to five passengers and has a trunk with a volumetric capacity of 385 liters.
On a mechanical level, the Cupra Born is available in two versions. The first develops 150 kW (204 hp) of power and the second increases that figure to 170 kW (231 hp). Both are accompanied by a 58 kWh lithium-ion battery that allows you to travel 416 and 407 kilometers, respectively, on a single charge.
Among the standard equipment of the Cupra Born we find 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, parking sensors, fatigue detector, sports steering wheel, infotainment system with 12-inch touch screen, keyless access and start , driving modes, wireless charger and bucket seats, among others.
Finally, the prices of the Cupra Born start at 38,720 euros, not including the Moves III Plan discounts.
Kia e Niro
As an alternative to the Cupra model we have the second generation of the Kia e-Niro. The model, which was unveiled just a few months ago, has been on the market for a few weeks, with a completely new design, more technology and equipment, and an updated mechanical offer.
Starting with its dimensions, the electric Kia is presented with 4,420 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase that reaches 2,720 mm. It also has space for up to five passengers, while the trunk reaches a volumetric capacity of 495 liters, a figure that grows to 1,390 liters when the rear seats are folded down.
On a mechanical level, the e-Niro is available with a single mechanical configuration. This includes a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor and a 65 kWh lithium-ion battery with which it can travel up to 463 kilometers on a single charge in combined cycle.
In the equipment section, the e-Niro (Concept finish) includes electric parking brake, 17-inch wheels, lane keeping assistant, fatigue detector, automatic racing lights, pre-collision system, digital instrument panel 10.25 inches, multimedia system with 8-inch touch screen and browser, and automatic climate control, among others.
Finally, the prices of the Kia e-Niro start, without any discount applied, from 40,550 euros.
conclusion
The Kia e-Niro is a bigger car, 100mm longer, 15mm wider and 30mm taller, albeit with a 45mm shorter wheelbase than the Cupra Born. This is reflected in the boot, which offers an additional 110 liters of volumetric capacity (Cupra Born boot figure with seats folded not available).
The mechanical section is very similar in both models, but the Cupra model offers two versions and will soon add other engines. However, in approved autonomy, the Kia is more efficient, with almost 50 kilometers more range.
Video: we compare the Cupra Born and the Hyundai Kona Electric:
Standard equipment, meanwhile, seems fairly complete on both models, with standard items that, on other cars, are often optional extras. And in prices, the difference is around 1,800 euros in favor of Born, although these rates do not include discounts from the brand or the Moves III Plan aid.
The choice then depends on your space needs. If you are looking for a larger car with a larger trunk, the Kia e-Niro is the solution. However, if you prefer more compact measurements, a higher power level or a somewhat more contained price, the Cupra Born more than meets the mark.
