CUPRA Born – Pulpaddict

Kia EV3 review

We road test the Kia EV3 – the latest entrant in the highly competitive electric compact crossover sector…

Kia has come a long way since its UK launch in 1991. It’s now one of the biggest-selling brands in the UK – and it’s been making electric cars for 10 years.

The latest is the EV3, which joins the Niro EV, EV6, and EV9. Put simply, it’s an all-electric compact SUV boasting bold styling.

I’ve clocked up some decent miles in the EV3 already, and there’s no doubt that it’s another winner from the South Korean brand.

Available with two battery options – 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh – it delivers claimed ranges of 270 and 375 miles respectively.

Priced from £32,995, the EV3’s is up against some fierce opposition in this hotly-contested sector – the Jeep Avenger, Volvo EX30, Cupra Born, Skoda Elroq, Mini Aceman, Volkswagen ID.3 and Smart #1, to name but a few.

The EV3 is well equipped. Even the standard Air trim gets the full infotainment setup, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

Upgrade to GT-Line trim (which also brings the bigger battery), and there’s wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting and tinted rear windows.

The range-topping GT-Line S gets a Harmon Kardon stereo upgrade, a head-up display, 360-degree parking view, heated rear seats and a sunroof.

Looking not unlike a pint-sized EV9, the EV3’s blocky, yet futuristic styling makes it stand out from the crowd.

The wheels are pushed out to each corner, the roofline is long and slopes gently towards the rear, where there’s a wraparound tailgate spoiler.

At the front, the EV3’s headlights are arranged vertically and pushed out to the corners, giving a clean front end.

The rear lights are also slim and upright, while the wheel arches are sharply cut. All these features help to give the car an assertive stance.

Inside, the EV3 is thankfully not as minimalist as some rivals. The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch driver’s display screen, a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen and a 5.3-inch climate control screen.

Like all Kia cars, the whole set-up is intuitive and it’s good to see a few physical controls have survived.

There’s rightly a focus on sustainably sourced and recycled materials and build quality is impressive, though it’s some way off a premium cabin experience.

Space is one area that’s hard to fault. There’s ample room for adults front and back, while the boot is a cavernous 460 litres, expanding to 1,250 litres with the rear seats down.

There are plenty of storage spaces inside the car too, and there’s a small ‘frunk’ under the bonnet – perfect for storing the charging cable.

The EV3 is comfortable and most drivers will approve of the elevated driving position. Personally, I prefer to sit lower in a car where I feel more involved.

I tested the entry-level and flagship versions of the EV3, with 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh batteries respectively, on a mix of roads in the UK and France.

For the record, all models get a 201bhp electric motor, delivering a brisk 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds (Air) and 7.9 seconds (GT-Line and GT-Line S).

Charging speeds are pretty good at 128kW, but not ultra-fast like more expensive Kia EVs. Still, that’s still good for a 10 to 80% recharge in around 30 minutes.

The EV3 drives well with a combination of light steering, good visibility and decent body control, with just a little lean in more challenging corners.

For the most part, it rides well too, though we found the entry-level ‘Air’ (with the smaller battery and 17-inch rims) was slightly more compliant.

And with progressive brakes (not a given with EVs) and a slick regenetive braking system adjusted by paddles on the steering wheel, the EV3 is hard to fault.

Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes are available too, though as ever, Normal offers the best blend of efficiency and performance.

Refinement is also good, with limited road and wind noise, and no electric motor whine.

Crucially, we’d estimate the EV3 has a real-world range of 210-220 miles for the standard range battery, and around 300 miles for the long-ranger.

Finally, as with all Kia cars, the EV3 comes with a generous seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, in addition to an eight-year battery warranty.

Verdict: Kia has done it again with the EV3 – another superbly executed electric vehicle to add to an already impressive line-up. Distinctive, spacious, safe, competitively-priced and easy to drive, the Kia EV3 is one of the best all-round, family-friendly EVs on the market.

Kia UK

2023 Volkswagen ID.3 review

Volkswagen’s bestselling EV in the UK has had an update for 2023 – we drive the new, improved ID.3…

The VW ID.3 electric hatchback has been treated to a mild makeover and tech update, despite only being launched in 2020.

Volkswagen has listened to feedback (some of it lukewarm) and acted on it swiftly. The result is a more mature proposition.

Crucially, the changes will also keep the car competitive in the ever-increasing EV family hatch sector, where rivals include the ID.3’s VW Group cousin, the Cupra Born, plus the MG4, Nissan Leaf, Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, Vauxhall Astra Electric and Peugeot e-308.

The ID.3’s exterior styling tweaks are subtle, to say the least. The front now features a longer-looking bonnet as a result of the removal of the black strip beneath the windscreen, plus larger air intakes. The honeycomb effect on the bumper has also gone and LED headlights are now standard.

Badging along the side of the car, plus decals on the rear pillar, have vanished too, resulting in cleaner lines, while the rear light cluster is tweaked and it has a distinctive X-shaped light signature.

The cabin has had an upgrade too. There are now more soft-touch surfaces, while the seat covers and door trims use fabric made of 71% recycled materials.

Finally, the infotainment system (one of the original ID.3’s biggest issues), has improved software and can now be updated over-the-air.

The menu structure is clearer and it seemed slicker and more responsive on our test drives. Even the controversial touch-sensitive sliders at the bottom of the touchscreen and on the steering wheel worked better.

Sadly, UK buyers will have to wait until 2024 for the new, larger 12.9-inch central screen, which benefits from backlit climate and volume controls – one of the big criticisms of the original car.

There’s also a more intelligent route planner for the sat nav (which schedules charging stops more effectively on longer journeys), improved voice control and an impressive augmented reality head-up display which projects directions from the sat nav onto the road ahead.

Mechanically, the rear-wheel drive ID.3 is much the same, so there’s still a choice of two batteries – 58kWh in the Pro and 77kWh in the Pro S, delivering ranges of up to 266 miles and 347 miles respectively.

Priced from £37,115, both develop 204bhp, though the Pro accelerates a tad quicker to 62mph (7.4 vs 7.9 seconds).

Another change is that the ID.3’s charging capacity has been uprated. So, the Pros S can be charged from 5-80% within 30 minutes at speeds of up to 170kW, while the Pro takes 35 minutes with a charging capacity of up to 120kW.

The revised ID.3 is no different to the “first generation” model on the road, which means that it’s competent and assured.

It’s no Golf in the handling department and is unlikely to put a smile on your face like some EVs, but it’s easy to drive and a refined cruiser.

It’s also good in the city with decent all-round visibility, light steering and a tight turning circle of just 10.2 metres.

There’s also plenty of grip and it smoothed out poorer road surfaces well, but it’s not at its happiest when hustled on more demanding roads.

There are three drive modes (Eco, Comfort and Sport), but the reality is that the ID.3 is all about comfort and extracting maximum miles from a charge.

Frankly, there’s not much between the Pro and Pros S, other than range. If anything, the 58kWh Pro S is a tad more nimble, but ultimately, the ID.3 still lacks the driving engagement of some rivals.

So, there aren’t many gripes with the improved ID.3. The brake pedal still has a relatively long travel, which takes a bit of getting used to, and paddles or buttons behind the steering wheel to adjust the brake generation level would be a bonus.

And the ID.3 can’t be faulted when it comes to space inside the cabin where there’s plenty front and rear, while the boot has a healthy 385-litre capacity, rising to 1,267 litres with the back seats flipped down.

It’s safe too, boasting a maximum five stars from Euro NACAP. The ID.3 has all the latest safety and driver assistance systems. And new for 2023 is Travel Assist, which helps keep your vehicle in its lane, keeps its distance from the vehicle in front and maintain your pre-defined speed.

Verdict: The updated Volkswagen ID.3 is a welcome improvement. Safe, spacious, refined and a doddle to drive, it’s a sensible electric hatchback choice with a good range.

Volkswagen UK

MG4 EV review

We road test the distinctive MG4 hatchback – not only is it a great value electric vehicle, but it delivers a surprisingly engaging drive…

You’ve got to hand it to MG Motor – a car maker that continues to defy the cynics with its blend of award-winning, reasonably-priced models that offer peace of mind thanks to a generous seven-year/80,000-mile warranty as standard.

The result is that the now Chinese-owned company is enjoying record-breaking sales and is the “UK’s fastest-growing mainstream car brand”.

Just to put that into perspective, MG’s 51,050 sales in 2022 were up nearly 67% year-on-year and some way ahead of established brands including Renault, Mazda, Honda, Citroen, Suzuki, Dacia and Fiat.

I’m already a fan of the MG ZS EV crossover and MG5 EV estate, but the new MG4 EV is something else, adding serious style and impressive driveability to the mix.

For me, the MG4 is a breath of fresh air in an automotive world dominated by high-riding SUVs. I prefer to sit lower in the cabin. I want to feel more involved and enjoy extra agility.

In the EV world, there aren’t many hatchbacks on offer. Currently, the MG4’s most obvious rivals include the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID.3, the Cupra Born and the ORA Funky Cat.

You only have to look at the picture of the car (here in signature Volcano Orange) to see that it’s no ordinary hatchback.

Up front there’s a swooping nose, sculpted bonnet, angular LED headlights and aggressive air intakes. The profile is aerodynamic and crisp, while the rear features a complex two-part roof spoiler, a full-width LED taillight bar topped with unique, inset zig-zag lines.

Competitively priced from just £26,995, range will depend on the battery size chosen – so it’s up to 218 miles with the 51kWh, or a possible 281 miles if you opt for the 64kWh battery.

Both battery units power an electric motor, producing 168bhp with the smaller battery or 200bhp (larger one). As with most EVs, there’s a single-speed automatic gearbox, while drive is via the rear wheels.

The 51kW Standard Range battery version accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, while the 64kWh Long Range unit is slightly slower (7.9 seconds). So, whichever you choose, the MG4 is no slouch.

There are two trims levels (SE and Trophy), with the latter exclusive to the bigger battery.

All MG4 EVs are generously equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen (thankfully including physical short-cut buttons below) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus an additional 7.0-inch digital driver’s display as standard, along with climate control, rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloys.

Other goodies include keyless entry, automatic headlights, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel.

The MG4 is wider than you think with a long wheelbase, so there’s plenty of space for passengers, front and rear. And, despite the sporty roofline, there’s ample head and legroom in the back.

There’s also a decent luggage capacity of 363 litres, rising to 1,177 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Driving an MG4 couldn’t be easier. Once you’re inside, simply put your foot on the brake, select D for Drive via the rotary gear selector in the centre console, release the parking brake and you’re away.

On the road, the MG4 delivers just what you’d expect from an EV – and more. The ride is comfortable and refined. There’s a little road and wind noise, but it’s in no way excessive, while the engineers have done a great job of insulating you from lumps and bumps in the road.

The steering is light and there’s good forward visibility. However, the slim tailgate window makes backing into spaces slightly trickier, but there is a useful reversing camera and the top-of-the-range Trophy version I tested is blessed comes with a 360-degree camera.

The revelation with the MG4 is that it’s one of the few reasonably priced electric cars to treat owners to a genuinely dynamic drive (the MINI Electric is another example).

Hustle it through more challenging corners and it stays flat and planted, helped by a low centre of gravity from the batteries mounted far down in the chassis and 50:50 weight distribution.

It feels agile and lively, and it can even get playful in the wet or on looser surfaces, thanks to the rear-wheel drive set-up. Unlike many competitors, the brakes are well judged, inspiring confidence and adding to an overall smoothness.

The MG4 features three driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport) plus four different levels of brake regeneration (Low, Medium, Strong and Adaptive). Normal/Medium worked best for me in everyday driving, though Sport/Low spice things up for overtaking and the odd blast.

If you can find a rapid 150kW connection, a 10-80% charge can take as little as 35 minutes and, if you have a wallbox, it will also charge overnight at home.

All in all, the MG4 is a fantastic EV. Sure, the infotainment touchscreen isn’t state of the art and it’s a tad slow to power up, while the steering wheel controls are fiddly. Additionally, rear visibility isn’t ideal and the boot could be bigger, but overall it’s a fab car at a great price.

Verdict: Affordable, distinctive, well equipped and practical, the MG4 delivers the kind of driving dynamics that’s streets ahead of many EVs twice the price. Add MG’s generous seven-year warranty, and it it’s a no-brainer if you’re ready to switch to 100% electric motoring.

MG Motor

Cupra Born review

We drive the Volkswagen ID.3’s stylish Spanish cousin, named after the cool El Born district of Barcelona…

I have to be honest, this is a painful article for me to write because I really like the Cupra Born – I just don’t think I could live with it.

Let’s start with the positives. It’s an electric hatchback. SUVs are all very well, but they are two a penny and not everyone wants to sit high up, largely disengaged from the road.

It shares a platform with the acclaimed VW ID.3, which is no bad thing. In fact, Cupra’s done a great job giving the sporty-looking Born a character all of its own with some eye-catching design features. It’s also practical with plenty of space for the family and has a decent 385-litre boot.

And as I’ll explain, even though it would be wrong to call it a hot hatch, there is still fun to be had, while its official range is between 260-340 miles, depending on the size of battery chosen.

However, like most new Cupra and (sister brand) Seat cars, along with many of the other Volkswagen Group models (eg the latest Golf), the Born has an infuriating infotainment system.

And I’m sorry, but for me it’s a deal breaker. Cockpit minimalism is all very well, but channelling so much functionality through a centre touchscreen is a step too far for me. Add touch-sensitive sliders (on the steering wheel) too, and it’s seriously frustrating.

In other words, pretty much everything from the heating to the navigation and radio are accessed via the 12.0-inch touchscreen and there are no physical short-cut buttons.

On a cold day you have to wait for the infotainment system to fire up, then fiddle around with sliders and menus. If you want to adjust the radio volume urgently, you have to mess about with the unresponsive touch-sensitive slider on the steering wheel. The same slider that you can sometimes accidentally touch with your hand when you’re turning the wheel.

If you can live with the above, then stick with this, because the Cupra Born has a lot going for it.

About the same size as a VW Golf, the Born has the edge on the ID.3 in the looks department. It has a lower, more athletic stance, with an aggressive front end featuring an inwardly sloping bonnet and large honeycomb vent below.

The rear gets a meaty diffuser, spoiler and distinctive taillight design, while Cupra’s trademark copper-coloured design flourishes adorn the car throughout.

Inside, the Born gets a digital driver’s cluster with side-mounted drive-mode selector, just like the ID.3. However, the cabin overall gets a darker look with a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel.

There are more copper accents and stitching throughout the interior, such as the air vents, door handles, centre console and sports seats. Oh, and the driving position is excellent, especially if you prefer to sit lower in the cabin (a rarity in an EV).

The Cupra Born range starts at £34,715 and at launch there was a choice of three batteries (45kWh, 58kWh and 77kWh) which power a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels.

That said, only the two more powerful versions are currently marketed. The 58kWh is available with either 201bhp or 228bhp (there’s also a 228bhp with e-Boost), while the 77kWh only comes with e-Boost.

The Born can be charged overnight by a home wallbox, but if you can hook it up to a 120kW rapid connection, 5-80% will take just 35 minutes.

There are three levels of trim (V1, V2 and V3) and we tested the 58kWh Cupra Born V2 with e-Boost, which temporarily increases power to 228bhp.

On paper, my test car had a range of up to 260 miles (closer to 220 miles in real world driving) with 0-62mph acceleration of 6.6 seconds (compared to the regular version’s 7.3 seconds).

The Born may have the looks of an EV hot hatch, but the reality is that it’s a little sharper than the sensible ID.3, but there’s no hiding its 1.8-tonne weight.

Yes, it’s fast off the line and fun to drive, but it can become unsettled if you hustle it in more challenging corners. What’s more, the suspension set-up is on the stiff side, so it’s worth test driving the Born on rougher roads too.

That said, the steering is quick and responsive, there’s plenty of traction when launching, grip in corners is good, and the sports seats are suitably supportive.

You can switch between various drive modes (Range, Comfort, Individual and Cupra) which change the response of the accelerator pedal and you can alter the amount of regenerative braking.

Oh, and the e-Boost button is fun, delivering instant performance at the push of a button on the steering wheel.

Ultimately, for me, the Cupra Born is no hot hatch in the traditional internal combustion engine sense and there’s still space in the market for an electric hatchback with the dynamism of a well sorted Golf R, Focus ST or Civic Type R.

So, there you have it – and I haven’t even mentioned the generous rear passenger space and the 1,267 litres of load space if you flip the back seats, or the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, or the generous equipment levels.

Verdict: More sporty family hatchback than hot hatch, the Cupra Born is a welcome addition to an EV sector dominated by SUVs. Fun to drive, practical and with a decent range, it’s an excellent choice (if you can live with the irritating infotainment tech).

Cupra UK

Kia EV6 crowned Car of the Year

Gareth Herincx

3 days ago
Auto News

The game-changing Kia EV6 has been named Europe’s top car at a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland.

Already widely acclaimed, the electric vehicle beat seven other cars that had made it to the final round of the contest.

The 61-member jury, made up of automotive journalists from 23 countries, voted as follows:

Kia EV6 – 279 points
Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric – 265 points
Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 261 points
Peugeot 308 – 191 points
Skoda Enyaq iV – 185 points
Ford Mustang Mach-E – 150 points
Cupra Born – 144 points

“It’s a nice surprise to see the Kia EV6 receive this award,” said the President of the jury, Frank Janssen.

“It was about time that the brand and the group were rewarded, as they have worked so hard on this car. Kia’s pace of progress is really impressive.”

Offering up to 328 miles of range, super-fast charging capability, space, refinement and a class-leading warranty, the boldy styled EV6’s other awards include the What Car? Car of the Year 2022 trophy in January.

A delighted Jason Jeong, President at Kia Europe, added: “The EV6 is truly a landmark development that’s been designed from the outset to make electric mobility fun, convenient and accessible by combining a highly impressive real-world driving range, ultra-fast charging capabilities, a spacious high-tech interior and a truly rewarding driving experience.

“The EV6 is an exciting sign of what’s still to come in our evolving electrified line-up.”

The prestigious Car of the Year award was established in 1964, when the Rover 2000 took top honours. The Toyota Yaris claimed the top prize last year, while the 2019 winner was the pure electric Jaguar I-Pace.

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