Go-faster version of Seat's Ibiza gets a more powerful engine and refreshed styling and will go on sale in the UK early next year
The facelifted Seat Ibiza Cupra, which goes on sale in the UK early next year, has been revealed prior to its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show later this month.
The key change adopted by Seat’s hot hatchback is a new 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine – the same unit already in use by sister brand Volkswagen’s Polo GTI. The new engine develops 189bhp and 236lb ft, 12bhp more than the 1.4-litre turbo and supercharged petrol engine used by the outgoing Ibiza Cupra.
Seat says the updated Cupra model is capable of hitting 62mph from rest in 6.7sec and has a top speed of 146mph but is also capable of returning 47mpg. By way of comparison, the old Cupra managed the 0-62mph sprint in 7.0sec.
The facelifted Ibiza Cupra will be available with a six-speed manual gearbox only in the UK. The car sits on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard and adopts subtle styling tweaks to mark the Cupra out from the rest of the facelifted Ibiza line-up, which was revealed back in May and will go on sale in the UK this autumn.
Inside, the Ibiza Cupra adopts the same look and technology as the larger Leon Cupra, including a newly designed steering wheel and infotainment system. Drivers can choose sports suspension and steering settings via Seat’s Drive Profile system.
In addition, the Cupra’s infotainment system has been upgraded to support both Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.
This facelifted model is expected to be a swansong for the Ibiza Cupra, as Seat has already started development of an all-new model, which is currently scheduled to launch in 2017.
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