Cupra Born Focused on Vulnerable Road Users

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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21st April 2022

Cupra’s city-focused BEV, the Born, is hoping to help reduce driver stress levels in streets populated by pedestrians and cyclists.

It will feature ADAS specifically tailored to protect the more vulnerable road users in congested urban streets. The car comes equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to alert vulnerable road users to its presence. While all new EVs are required to be equipped with AVAS which emits sound when travelling at less than 12mph, the Born system is clearly perceptible at speeds in excess of 25mph.

It backs this system with Front Assist with emergency braking is capable of detecting both pedestrians and cyclists, as well as other vehicles. If the system detects an imminent collision with a cyclist or pedestrian, it will first provide visual and audible warnings to the driver and, if the driver still fails to brake in time or with insufficient braking effort, maximum braking is automatically applied. The system is able to detect vulnerable road users crossing the road, travelling along the side of the road, and those that cross from behind an obstructed view such as a parked car. The system also works at night-time.

On top of this, Exit Warning works by providing visual and audible alerts to vehicle occupants about to open doors to leave the vehicle. The system detects if another road user is passing the vehicle as an occupant goes to open a door, negating the need to apply the ‘Dutch Reach’ forcing occupants to look over their shoulders while opening car doors.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_