Seat will be expanding its recently-launched Ibiza line-up at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, with the unveiling of the fire-breathing Cupra.
Set to make their Show debuts on October 2nd, the Cupra and Ecomotive are highly significant additions to the sharp-looking new Ibiza range – at a stroke, they become respectively the meanest and greenest versions of Seat’s supermini.
The Cupra is brimming with sophisticated technology. It uses a 180 bhp, 1.4-litre petrol engine, featuring not only a turbocharger but also a supercharger, an approach beneficial to both power delivery and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, this compact, yet potent, powerplant is mated to a seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox ) transmission, complete with F1-style steering wheel shift-paddles.
As expected, from the Spanish brand whose ethos is ‘auto emoción’, the new Ibiza Cupra has style to match its spirit. Based on the SportCoupé (SC ) three-door body shape, the Cupra boasts a bespoke look, with a new front bumper and air intakes surrounding the grille. Eye-catching 17” alloy wheels, a rear diffuser incorporating a centrally-placed trapezoid exhaust pipe, Cupra sports seats and track-inspired aluminium pedals are other visual highlights penned by Luc Donckerwolke, SEAT’s Design Director whose curriculum vitae includes the Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago.
Price and specification for the new Ibiza Cupra will be announced closer to the expected arrival here, in the middle of next year.
