Volkswagen Group brand Cupra has joined the (relatively) affordable electric vehicle (EV) ranks in Australia with the release of the $59,990 (before on-road costs) Born.

Arriving in March, this price is for the 77kWh version which will be the only one available for the time being. Less-expensive models are expected to arrive later on.

Not only does this make the Born the sixth-cheapest EV (after the MG ZS EV, BYD Atto 3, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric and Mini Cooper SE), it’s also the first to be positioned as a hot-hatch, with performance on a par with recent versions of the VW Golf GTI, although not the latest iteration.

However, numbers will be limited to around 500 units in the Born’s first year on sale in Australia when the order books open on Tuesday, December 20, although Cupra is hopeful that might increase to 1000 units if production constraints ease over the course of 2023.

The sub-$60,000 pricing is for the standard version that also delivers a highly-competitive WLTP range of 511km, making it the least-expensive EV in Australia with more than 500km of range between recharges.

“It’s the first EV in Australia with the price starting with a five and range starting with a five,” according to Cupra Australia head of product and planning, Jeff Shafer.

However, choosing the $2600 Performance Package that includes larger 20-inch alloy wheels (up from 19 inches) on wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, as well as adaptive chassis…