It’s a bit too easy to get chin-scratchy in this business, surrounded as we are by other enthusiasts in the bubble of motoring journalists and manufacturer representatives. But there does seem to be a theme running through conversations going on at the moment, both inside and outside the bubble, as more and more people end up discussing how to make electric cars both exciting and different. Everyone is well aware that change is coming but isn’t quite sure how it’s going to manifest itself for the people in this world who love cars.
It’s a real concern, because a lot of manufacturers are proposing platform sharing. The economies of scale make financial sense, and to a certain extent it’s no different to what the Volkswagen Group has been doing for years with ICE cars, but with the company’s new MEB platform and the numbers involved, it takes on a whole new meaning. Some estimates have 50 million EVs being built on the MEB – a vast number. In a world where EVs are arguably more susceptible to being homogeneous white goods, it really is a worry.
In light of all that, step forward the latest to try to persuade us that all will be okay with the strategy: the Cupra Born.
This was originally conceived as the Seat el-Born concept, but as time went on, Volkswagen Group suits decided to launch it as a Cupra. It makes sense: people are prepared to pay more for a Cupra, and with a starting price of around £31,500 for the most basic model (exact prices will be published in December), it isn’t as cheap as customers expect of a Seat.
Esta historia es de la edición October 13, 2021 de Autocar UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 13, 2021 de Autocar UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal