To compete with a popular model like the Renault Clio RS, Seat needed a new Cupra member, so it revised the currently Ibiza, infusing more power under its hood.
The new Seat Ibiza Cupra is scheduled to make an official appearance during this year Frankfurt Motor Show, but until then we have a complete photo gallery and some details about its performances.
From the outside, the LED daytime running lights trace the line of the headlamp to form a unique light signature, as do the LED rear lights. The accentuated rear shoulders, the exclusive 17-inch wheels, the high-gloss black exterior mirrors, the powerful rear end with the broad bumper framing the substantial, matt-black diffuser, which incorporates the trapezoidal tailpipe are just a few details of its sporty character.
Inside we find new steering wheel from the Leon family, the air vents, the new instrument panel and the infotainment systems.
The new 1.8 TSI engine with turbocharger offers 192 PS. Power is up by 12 PS compared with its predecessor, but the greater advance is in the torque. Instead of the previous 250 Nm, there are now 320 Nm across an extremely broad rev range from 1,450 to 4,200 rpm.. A 0-100 km/h acceleration figure of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h put it close to its rivals. Nevertheless, the Ibiza Cupra has an average fuel consumption of just 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres.
The power is managed with a Cupra Selective Suspension, an adaptive suspension control system that let you choose between comfort suspension or sport suspension and also, modifies the steering behaviour. The XDS electronic differential lock reduces the tendency to understeer and improves handling characteristics, especially under fast cornering.
