NZ-promised new VZ edition now fully unveiled.

SLIGHTLY more power and a whole lot more torque than a Golf R - that’s the promised output for a here-by-Christmas hotshot edition of what’s already the most playful of Volkswagen’s electric models here.

Only it is a Volkswagen in ownership terms only.

The badge stuck to the highest-performance powertrain yet for an MEB platform model will be from the VW Group’s Spanish effort, Cupra.

Cupra New Zealand boss James Yates last month confirmed intent to sell the VZ, a hot new range-topping version of the Born V plus already on sale here. Price has yet to be disclosed - the NZ market V Plus is a $74,900 ask.

Release overnight of full technical detail reinforces why the Auckland-based distributor is so keen to see what will be its most potent derivative.

The type whose specification designation is short for ‘veloz' - which translates to 'fast' in English – promises to be ‘Born again’.

A complete recalibration of the rear-drive positioned motor raises power from 150kW (which briefly rises to 170kW with the Cupra mode engaged) to 240kW - that’s 5kW more than comes from a 2.0-litre turbo petrol VW Golf R.

The torque increase is even more dramatic, with the motor producing an optimal 545Nm – up from 310Nm in the current Born and comparing to 400Nm from the most potent Golf.

Cupra cites a 0-100kmh time of 5.7 seconds, which though 0.9 seconds adrift of the Golf R nonetheless still makes it the quickest MEB platform model. The Born as it sells here now clocks the sprint in seven seconds.

The Born's top speed has been increased too, from 159kmh to 200kmh.

Cupra says this boost in performance isn't achieved by sacrificing efficiency; official range of 540 kilometres is on par with the current Born. This is partly a result of a small boost in battery capacity, taking it from 77kWh to 79kWh.

The drivetrain upgrades have demanded an overhaul for the chassis. There are new rear dampers and springs, the front supension is also recalibrated. The steering is retuned to lend a “sportier” feel and the brakes have been worked on, to be “stiffer and more robust”.

Overall design changes are less overt. Born already has a particularly pugnacious look and this is enhanced at VZ level, with two bespoke colour options, new designs for its wider 20in wheels and a dark chrome finish for the badges.

The VZ has bucket seats, and equipment additional to that already on the car here includes a 10-speaker Sennheiser audio system, plus Smart Lights that react to various vehicle functions and display the car's charge level. It also has a remote park assist function.

VZ also debuts a new 12.9in infotainment touchscreen that will come to the updated VW ID.3, likely to release here around the same time. VW is likely to use the VZ’s package of drivetrain and chassis upgrades to create a performance ID.3 to site as an electric alternative to the Golf GTI, but when or if that car comes to NZ is not clear.