Currently reading: Revealed: Seat Ibiza Cupra

Hot 178bhp hatch gets Paris show debut

Seat has revealed the hot Seat Ibiza Cupra ahead of the car’s Paris show debut in October.The Ibiza Cupra gets its sporting potential from a 178bhp 1.4 TSI twin-turbo engine and a seven-speed double-clutch DSG gearbox, combined with stiffened sports suspension, and a host of driver aids including ESP and traction control.

The styling of the Cupra is much closer to the Bocanegra concept that preceded the Ibiza, including its larger, more sharply defined black grille, revised air intakes and a centrally placed trapezoidal exhaust. Other standard equipment on the Cupra includes cornering lights, bucket seats and 17-inch alloys. No performance figures or prices have been released, but we’d expect the Cupra to compete with the £16k Renaultsport Clio 197. Seat’s new offering should go on sale before the end of the year.

Vicky Parrott

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jammy_rex 1 September 2008

Re: Revealed: Seat Ibiza Cupra

So ugly! looks a mess; too much going on in the design for such a small car

One should also not get their hopes up on this being a stirring drive. Even though it will be priced closely to it, I would not envisage it even being half as fun to drive as a Clio 197…

Jon Hardcastle 1 September 2008

Re: Revealed: Seat Ibiza Cupra

Its got Chris Bangle 1 series written all down the side.

Bloody ugly car. From the front it looks too squashed in at the sides. Shades of latest Evo rear lights and Lambo central exit exhaust.

private 31 August 2008

Re: Revealed: Seat Ibiza Cupra

Mini1 wrote:
Slightly aftermarket looking overall,
I agree, it looks awful, looks like they've taken a 1.2 down to Halfords for a makeover and failed. Seriously under-wheeled and over body kitted. Rubbish. Lets hope it drives better than it looks!