Currently reading: Updated: Seat Bocanegra
Geneva show concept gives best hint yet at next Ibiza

Seat’s latest concept car, the Bocanegra, was unveiled at the Geneva show this morning and it’s our clearest look yet at the all-new Ibiza. And on this evidence, the Luc Donckerwolke-designed supermini will be a sharp looking, stylish machine. The aggressive appearance of the Bocanegra has certainly gone down well with the assembled crowd here in Switzerland. This concept actually previews the performance version of the new Ibiza, which will wear a Cupra badge when it’s launched. We should expect warm FR models too, says a Seat source, plus Eco-motive versions likely to offer sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. The standard Ibiza will also get the latest VW Group TSI engine technology.A 1.4-litre TSI turbo engine, expected to offer around 200bhp, lies under the bonnet of the Bocanegra, and will stay there for the finished Ibiza Cupra. The Bocanegra’s also got a seven-speed DSG ’box, which should make it into the finished Ibiza, although it’s not currently clear whether that will be in the Cupra or paired with another engine. The new Ibiza will therefore be the only car in the supermini class to offer DSG. The Bocanegra’s proportions, muscular shoulders, sweeping headlights, sharply flared side panels and panoramic sunroof will all feature on the finished car. Take away the most overtly aggressive styling touches, particularly the large 19inch alloys, and you’re left with the finished Ibiza.The concept’s black, heavily meshed front grille and bumpers are the most likely candidates to be toned down on the production Ibiza Cupra. But there could be potential for a special edition model further down the line, which might revisit these design cues, particularly after the Bocanegra concept went down so well at the show today. The word ‘Bocanegra’ literally translated in Spanish means ‘black mouth’ and harks back to the Seat 1200 Sport of 1975, which got the nickname after its distinctive black plastic front bumper. So it’s a bit of Seat's sparse non-Fiat heritage. Seat also says the Bocanegra showcases Donckerwolke’s new design language for future models, including a new D-segment saloon due next year.

Will Powell

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moneymouth77 8 May 2009

Re: Revealed: Seat Bocanegra

Apparently the Bocanegra is a bit rubbish... just a bit of paint on an Ibiza. Lot's of good info here: http://motoring.sky.com/news/galleries/seat-ibiza-bocanegra--first-look....

NiallOswald 4 March 2008

Re: Revealed: Seat Bocanegra

Now that does look good - what's the betting the production version will be a massive disappointment though. (much like the Jaguar XF concept).