2013 Seat Ibiza Cupra revealed
* Powered by 178bhp 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine
* Price from 18,825
This is the new Seat Ibiza Cupra, shown in production form for the first time ahead of its arrival in British showrooms in January.
The latest in a long line of hot Ibizas (the first Cupra was introduced 16 years ago), gets a 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine with 178bhp and 184lb ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. That's enough to take the three-door Ibiza from 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 142mph.
A manual version of the car will not be available; Seat claims the seven-speed DSG unit offers faster shifts anyway, via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.
The car's styling sticks closely to the look previewed by the hot Ibiza concept car first shown at the Beijing motor show earlier this year. The front end gets a wider grille and deep air intakes, along with bi-xenon headlights as standard. Other styling cues include 17-inch wheels, black high-gloss side mirrors and a rear diffuser that incorporates the trapezoidal exhaust.
Styling sticks closely to the look previewed by the hot Ibiza concept car shown at the 2012 Beijing motor show
Inside, there's a sports steering wheel and a version of the same removable infotainment unit first seen in the Mii city car. It offers sat-nav, Bluetooth audio connectivity and a trip computer.
The chassis set-up promises to be more extreme than the regular Ibiza's, with a lowered ride height, an electronic differential lock and a different stability control system. Seat will offer an AP Performance braking system as an option.
The Cupra's chassis set-up will be more sporty than the regular Ibiza's
Seat has already confirmed aggressive pricing; the Ibiza Cupra will cost 18,825, a figure that could undercut key rivals such as the Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi and Renaultsport Clio when they join the small hot hatch market in 2013.
