Ahead of the global unveiling of the Cupra Born, design director Jorge Diez explains the inspiration behind the design and the key features that make the Born unique.

The Cupra Born's design is defined by two distinctive features. First, the wheels are pushed to the corners of the vehicle to accommodate the battery units, creating an occupant-centric design with a remarkably spacious interior. Meanwhile, the proportions have been designed to accentuate the vehicle's sportiness, reflected in an sweeping A-pillar combined with a long wheelbase, and a short front and rear overhang.

Previewing the never-before-seen rear of the vehicle, Cupra has emphasised the width of the car with a horizontal light signature, and combined it with a pronounced diffuser, increasing the car's efficiency and aerodynamics. This enables electrification has to go hand in hand with efficiency. Angular shapes on the shoulder line, as well as stretched window graphics give a greater sense of tension and speed.

The Born district of Barcelona not only lends its name to Cupra's first all-electric vehicle, but has also inspired its design. The design team has given the vehicle the combination of light and shadow that defines Barcelona, and this can be seen in the interior's materials and textures. The Cupra team has used state-of-the-art technologies such as laser cutting to create precise and highly textured surfaces both inside and out.

"Electric vehicles don't have to be boring, and the Cupra Born is proof of that. When people see it on the street, they'll want to drive it, and this is the greatest reward for the team's work," Diez concludes.