The new Seat Ibiza Cupra has been previewed in a set of computer renderings.
The new Seat Ibiza is expected in the second half of next year and will be built on the compact version of the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform.
It’s thought that the new Ibiza will be previewed by this dramatic concept, which draws heavily on sporting influences. The pictures also show that the Ibiza will stick closely to its trademark ‘edge’ design, with more dramatic surfacing than its Seat Leon sister model.
Even though these images are relatively basic computer renderings, it is still possible to see the new car’s wider tracks, even allowing for the Cupra’s slightly extended wheel arches. The Cupra gets huge star-spoke alloys, with a spare taking up much of the boot.
The Cupra concept also features bold air scoops front and rear, marked by dramatic strakes. The theme is continued on the LED head and tail-lights and the full-width high-level brake light.
Inside, the competition-style gear lever appears to have been milled from solid aluminium, as have the door pulls, U-shaped hand brake, cupholders and dash facing.
The current Ibiza, Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo are all based on the VW Group’s aging PQ25 small-car platform, which is overdue for replacement. All three models are expected to be replaced next year and will be usefully bigger than today’s cars.
The Cupra images were found on a filing with the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM), the agency responsible for registering trademarks and designs that are valid in all 28 countries of the EU.
