2023 Cupra Born V2 EV Electric · NG23 KLS

The latest DVSA MOT test for the 2023 CUPRA Born V2 EV was conducted on 29th June 2026, resulting in a failure due to two major faults related to headlamp alignment—both the nearside and offside front headlamps being aimed too low—and three recurring advisories concerning tyre wear. The previous MOT, also on 29th June 2025, was passed with identical tyre advisories, indicating a consistent pattern of tyre degradation rather than a sudden deterioration. While the headlamp alignment issues represent a roadworthiness concern that must be rectified immediately, the tyre advisories suggest a maintenance trend that has remained stable over the vehicle’s short operational period, with no evidence of worsening wear beyond the legal limits. The absence of further failures or advisories in the intervening year supports the likelihood that the vehicle has been maintained within basic regulatory standards, though the headlamp adjustments are critical to address before re-testing. The recorded mileage of 31,876 miles for a vehicle aged three years represents an annual usage rate of approximately 10,625 miles, which is within the expected range for its class. This figure aligns with typical light-to-moderate use, where the vehicle may have been operated at lower intensity than higher-mileage examples, potentially due to seasonal demand, fleet deployment, or owner preference for lower mileage. There is no clear indication of rapid mileage accumulation or excessive wear beyond what would be anticipated from the recorded usage profile. However, the consistent tyre advisories suggest that the vehicle has been driven in a manner that has accelerated tyre wear, possibly due to aggressive driving techniques, frequent short trips without adequate tyre warm-up, or alignment issues that have contributed to uneven contact patches. The absence of significant gaps in mileage data also implies that the vehicle has been in regular use, which could have influenced the rate of consumable wear, such as brake pads or suspension components, though no such failures have been recorded. Given the recent MOT failures, the prospective buyer should prioritise addressing the headlamp alignment issues first, as these are mandatory to rectify before the vehicle can pass another test. The nearside and offside headlamps being aimed too low may not only affect visibility but also pose a safety risk by potentially causing glare for other road users. Upon inspection, the headlamps should be checked for proper alignment using a headlamp tester or by comparing beam patterns against a standard reference. If the issue persists after adjustment, the bulb or mounting hardware may need further investigation. In addition to the headlamps, the tyre advisories—particularly the nearside and offside front tyres being worn close to the legal limit—demand immediate attention. The edge wear suggests that the vehicle has been driven with an uneven load distribution or may have suffered from misalignment, leading to premature wear. Buyers should replace these tyres before they reach the legal minimum tread depth to prevent hydroplaning risks and ensure safe handling. A thorough test drive should also include checking for any unusual tyre noise, vibration, or uneven wear patterns that could indicate deeper alignment or suspension issues. For the broader roadworthiness assessment, the buyer should conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle’s electrical and structural components, given its age and the recent MOT findings. The battery health should be evaluated, as electric vehicles are particularly susceptible to degradation from prolonged periods of low usage or standing, which can accelerate battery degradation. A quick check of the 12V battery voltage and any warning lights on the dashboard would be prudent, though a professional diagnostic test would be advisable if the battery appears aged or underperforming. The suspension system, including coil springs, shock absorbers, and suspension bushes, should be inspected for signs of wear or damage, as the tyre advisories may have been influenced by suspension misalignment. Listen for any unusual clunking or rattling noises during the test drive, particularly when driving over bumps or at speed, which could indicate failing suspension components. The brake system should also be scrutinised for signs of corrosion on brake discs, particularly on the nearside and offside front brakes, which may have been exposed to moisture or road salt if driven in wet or salty conditions. Binding calipers or excessive brake fluid contamination could also warrant further investigation. Finally, given the vehicle’s age and the potential for calendar-based fluid degradation in an electric vehicle, the battery management system and any auxiliary fluids should be checked for signs of degradation or contamination, though the CUPRA Born V2’s electric powertrain typically requires less frequent fluid servicing than internal combustion engines.