Scheduled to arrive in the UK next February, the Seat Ibiza Cupra should shake up the supermini hot hatch market thanks to its innovative drivetrain.
Good for 178bhp, the 1.4-litre TSI unit is boosted by both a turbo and supercharger, which should deliver a top speed of 140mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds as well as a combined fuel consumption figure of 42mpg.
However, there will only be one transmission offered on the car: a seven-speed DSG box with standard-issue steering wheel paddles. Seat sources say that the car’s performance is ‘seamless’ thanks to extra gear ratio and quick-shifting transmission.
A new XDS ‘enhanced electronic traction system’ is fitted, which the company says ‘mimics’ the function of a limited slip differential.
The Cupra also gets a pretty extravagant body kit, 17in alloys, red brake callipers and, inside, a dramatic cross-stitched ‘quilted’ seat trim that wouldn’t look out of place in a Bentley.
The Cupra arrives in the UK in late February next year, though Autocar expects to get behind the wheel in January next year.
April next year will also see the UK launch of the new 1.4-litre TDi Ibiza Ecomotive, which has CO2 emissions of just 98g/km – or a combined fuel economy figure of 76.3mpg.
