Scheduled to arrive in the UK next February, the Seat Ibiza Cupra should shake up the supermini hot hatch market thanks to its innovative drivetrain.
Good for 178bhp, the 1.4-litre TSI unit is boosted by both a turbo and supercharger, which should deliver a top speed of 140mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds as well as a combined fuel consumption figure of 42mpg.
However, there will only be one transmission offered on the car: a seven-speed DSG box with standard-issue steering wheel paddles. Seat sources say that the car’s performance is ‘seamless’ thanks to extra gear ratio and quick-shifting transmission.
A new XDS ‘enhanced electronic traction system’ is fitted, which the company says ‘mimics’ the function of a limited slip differential.
The Cupra also gets a pretty extravagant body kit, 17in alloys, red brake callipers and, inside, a dramatic cross-stitched ‘quilted’ seat trim that wouldn’t look out of place in a Bentley.
The Cupra arrives in the UK in late February next year, though Autocar expects to get behind the wheel in January next year.
April next year will also see the UK launch of the new 1.4-litre TDi Ibiza Ecomotive, which has CO2 emissions of just 98g/km – or a combined fuel economy figure of 76.3mpg.
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Re: Paris show: Seat Ibiza Cupra
Couldn't have put it better myself!
I know the DSG box is good and the engine the same but both individually lack the engaging driving experience that a small hot hatch should have. I shudder to think what their like coupled together then. If this is the new environmentally friendly version of a hot hatch, then I don't want to know.
Re: Paris show: Seat Ibiza Cupra
Anyone got a release date for this??
Re: Paris show: Seat Ibiza Cupra
So unsure about the new Ibiza Cupra. I've been waiting for this for the past six months, since I first got over excited having seen the Bocanegra concept! But having seen the 'Sportcoupe' at the London Motor show, excitement turned to disappointment.Hoped the Cupra would spice it up a lot more, and not sure they've achieved that. I've contacted my local Seat dealer and asked it the Cupra will also come with a six speed manual box, and the reply was, it will. They got that information from Seat UK HQ, so it should be reliable info. Funny you should mention the Mito, feeling I may be unfaithful to Seat, my shortlist for the next motor includes the Mito Veloce 155 ( fantastic spec for the money!) and the VW Scirocco 1.4TSI out in January. Driven the 2ltr GT and its brill, with looks to match! Really wanted to stay with Seat, I'm a very loyal person . . . . . . or was!