NEW SEAT IBIZA CUPRA
A new benchmark for sporting excellence
• Featuring an enhanced electronic traction system • 180 hp twin charger 1.4 TSI engine
• 7-speed DSG gearbox with motorsport-style steering wheel paddles
SEAT is increasing the new Ibiza range with the arrival of the much-anticipated new CUPRA version, the Spanish maker’s sportiest, most exclusive and most spectacular model.
This latest launch underlines the brand’s goal to offer new, high-performance products to its customers, in addition to the character traits that immediately identify the Spanish maker’s vehicles – design, sportiness and liveliness.
Striking exterior design
The attractive looks of the Ibiza CUPRA come to life in its unmistakeable compact silhouette, which provides a perfect synergy between a fiery sporty nature and the functionality, roominess and highest safety standards required to adapt to any need.
The “Arrow Design” concept lends the nose a particularly expressive shape, courtesy of the newly-designed bumper and integrated spoiler featuring large air intakes for easy cooling of the engine and front disc brakes.
The front of the Ibiza CUPRA is rounded off with sophisticated new U-shaped air vents beneath the newly-designed central grille, with its honeycomb structure and black surround. SEAT further identifies its exclusive new model with black badges on the front bumper, notably the word “CUPRA” on the left, a trademark of the company’s most sporting model.
The car’s overall athletic looks are unquestionable. The side view reveals its outstanding 17″ alloy wheels, whose five arm double-spoke structure shows enormous disc brakes and four-pot red callipers, and low profile 215/40 tyres. The black door mirror casings also stand out, contrasting with the show model’s Emoción Red paintwork.
At the back, there are prominent ’shoulders’ that house the rear lights, as well as an attractive black moulding at the bottom of the bumper that contains the number plate holder, and the newly-designed, centrally placed trapezoid tailpipe, flanked by slatted wings.
The centre of the rear hatch sports the word “CUPRA”, which identifies SEAT’s sportiest model range, immediately beneath the brand symbol which characteristically doubles as the boot latch.
Sporty on-board atmosphere
The passenger compartment conveys the sporty looks that are typical of all the SEAT models. At the wheel of the new Ibiza CUPRA, the driver immediately knows it is not just another car, but a distinctly race-minded vehicle.
The Ibiza CUPRA features an exclusive interior design with a dashboard studded with glamorous and shiny black elements such as the radio panel, the ventilation nozzles and the instrument binnacle hood. The steering wheel on the new Ibiza CUPRA is not perfectly round but rather has a flattened base, as on competition vehicles. Its three-spoke structure and side indentations make the height and reach adjustable wheel easier to grip, too.
Featuring a centrally-placed brand symbol and the “CUPRA” logo on a shiny black background on the central spoke, the steering wheel includes paddles to control the 7-speed DSG gearbox, which is certainly one of the distinguishing elements of the new CUPRA version Ibiza.
The instrument panel has two newly-designed dials and includes a screen between the two containing Bluetooth telephone functions. Calls are handled by controls on the steering column, optimising driver-vehicle connectivity.
The model is equipped with attractive, efficient seats with a new sporty design as standard. With black upholstery and the addition of the “CUPRA” logo on the backrest of the front seats, the interior of the Ibiza CUPRA looks even more sporty and more exclusive, clearly reminiscent of classic 70s sports cars. The front passenger seat is also equipped with the Easy Entry system, where the seat folds down and slides forward at the same time to give easy access to the rear seats.
Twin charger 180 hp 1.4 TSI engine
Making its debut on the new Ibiza CUPRA is a brand-new version of the powerful, efficient 1.4 TSI engine. This twin charger engine now delivers 180 hp and is mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox with levers on the steering wheel. This combination is a first within the Volkswagen Group.
The combination of this engine and the agility and sporty character of the DSG gearbox provide the driver with a thrilling experience at the wheel. Add to this the possibility of changing gears by tapping the levers located on the steering wheel and the great stability offered by the SEAT “Agile Chassis” system, with the help of the electronic traction system in this case, and the driver is able to reach the highest levels of sports driving.
The 1.4 TSI twin charger engine delivers a noteworthy reduction in emission levels thanks to its small cylinder capacity, 159 g/km, keeping in line with the brand’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions on the entire engine range.
The new Ibiza CUPRA delivers the following performance figures – a top speed of 225 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 7.5 seconds. Furthermore, the 1.4 TSI engine delivers a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1,750-4,500 rpm providing a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.7 litres for every 100 km. These figures make the Ibiza CUPRA one of the most powerful yet efficient cars in its segment, improving all the performance results of the previous model.
Excellent traction capacity
With a high performance twin charger engine such as the 180 hp 1.4 TSI, with both turbocharged and supercharged forced induction, one of the aspects that requires most attention is traction. For this purpose, SEAT, along with the rest of the Volkswagen Group brands, has developed a new electronic traction mechanism combined with ESP and TCS, this system effectively acts as a self-locking electronic differential, without introducing any additional mechanical element. The system anticipates tyre traction loss and limits power conveyed to the wheel that may be losing traction.
The feeling at the steering wheel is similar to that of driving a car with a limited slip differential, substantially improving the capability of conveying power to the driven front wheels. This especially prevents the inside wheel from skidding in curves, reducing under-steer and thereby putting the Ibiza CUPRA at the top of its segment in terms of driving course quality and sporty motoring pleasure.
Besides, the system perfectly combines with ESP, considerable raising its levels of active safety.
The application of this system, its first use in the Volkswagen Group, is another important coup for SEAT following the brand’s introduction of the latest VW Group platform on the fourth generation Ibiza.
Top-notch equipment
The SEAT Ibiza CUPRA features generous standard equipment including extensive safety measures and on-board comfort elements.
Besides ESP, the new Ibiza CUPRA is also equipped with ABS, TCS + EBA, electronic traction system, driver and passenger airbag, head airbag, Hill Hold Control, low tyre pressure warning light, MP3 audio equipment with Aux-in and six speakers, cruise control, trip computer, front seatbelt reminder, double chrome headlights, cornering fog lights, passenger seat with Easy Entry system, CUPRA suspension, specific body coloured bumpers and aluminium pedals.
The SEAT Ibiza CUPRA will be manufactured exclusively at the SEAT factory in Martorell near Barcelona.
NB: All figures related to performance, consumption and emissions are pending homologation.
