by: Susan Roberts

i


Less than six months after its launch, the new Ibiza range has expanded with the arrival of two new versions that combine distinct sports character with the commitment to environmental sustainability. In the first, innovative design and technology join character and exclusivity in the Ibiza Cupra.

At SEAT, they believe that a car should move the driver in more ways than one. The sportier new Ibiza is an adventure in power, comfort and technology.

The 0 to 62 mph time is an entirely respectable 7.5 seconds and the top speed cracks three figures - 135 mph to be precise. On paper the petrol engine has the edge on top speed and acceleration but such comparisons can be misleading because the diesel engine gets a six-speed manual 'box while the petrol makes do with five cogs.

This combines suspension settings tuned for the keen driver with an intelligent power steering system that not only adjusts the amount of assistance according to driving speed nothing particularly novel there but also considers the position of the wheels and how quickly the steering wheel is being turned.

Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the three cylinder 1.2 petrol delivers a decidedly 'green' 42 mpg on the combined cycle, producing just 149 g/km of CO2. SEAT's new ECOmotive variant is one of only two cars eligible for the Group A tax band - the other being VW's Polo Bluemotion.

With more torque than a Boxster S, SEAT's new Ibiza Cupra is a convincing hot hatch. SEAT offers a 1.8-litre 20v turbocharged petrol engine in the Cupra which has more power (176bhp to the 1.9-litre TDI's 158bhp) but less wallop (181lb ft at 2000rpm).

The attractive looks of the Seat 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. Also the interior conveys the sporty looks that are typical of all the Seat models. At the wheel of the new Seat Ibiza Cupra, the driver immediately knows it is not just another car, but a distinctly race-minded vehicle.

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 interior features a red, white and black colour scheme, with the trim all black, the instruments picked out in white with red highlighting on the air vents, indicators, and stitching on the wheel, seats, headrests, gear lever and hand brake. The seats themselves feature the Cupra logo writ large into the sculpted backrest and the Cupra logo also features on the sports steering wheel. SEAT couldn't resist the inclusion of the ubiquitous metal capped pedals.

Overall, the Seat Ibiza Cupra is a stylish and desirable hot hatch - no matter what fuel it runs on.

The new sporty Ibiza Cupra with its 180HP 1.4-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-pot isn't due to arrive in U.K. showrooms for a while yet, but those interested can take a virtual spin of the car with a racing game that is available for iPhone and iPod touch owners. SEAT claims that in the three weeks that the game has been made available online, more than a quarter of a million people downloaded it to their iPhones and iPods. The company also said that in the summer, it will release an updated version of the Ibiza Cupra game with more cars, circuits and competition models.


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