Monday 23rd April 2012

Beijing show: SEAT Ibiza Cupra concept

Well, we say concept... it's more of a 'refresh'...

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SEAT has unveiled what it, at least, is calling a 'concept' - the new Ibiza Cupra - at the Beijing motor show.

We use those inverted commas because, although officially a 'close-to-production' car, this is evidently a near as makes no difference the hot Cupra version of the revised Ibiza range - which went on sale in the UK a few days ago.

Even then it doesn't in all honesty seem massively revised, with the 1.4-litre still turbocharged and supercharged, still putting out 180hp, still via a seven-speed DSG transmission with the XDS electronic differential lock.

There are a few styling tweaks, mind, with LED DRLs at the front and new LED tail lamps. There's been some titivation going on inside, too, with a new sports steering wheel and an all-new entertainment system with a portable 5-inch screen that incorporates sat-nav, phone and a trip computer.

All of which is nice enough, but to call the 'new' Ibiza Cupra a concept does stick in the craw somewhat. It's a facelift guys, admit it...

[CedricN]

Damn my cupra will be old now

I see that they changed color on the temp screen and freshhend up the stereo (although looks a bit messy). The dials also seems redone.´I´m glad that they didnt change the engine, feels better for me I dont know about the front, I think the old one looks better, this one seems a bit audified

Great car though, really enjoy it as a daily commuter. Maybe not the raciest hatch but for everyday fun and practicality its awesome. And most important it looks special, evertime I leave the car and look back at itIi think, sweet lookin car. Thats one reason why i didnt chose the boxy fabia

[CedricN]

I really like the looks, so why not put in this pic from the area around the Nurburgring where we had our hotel, beautiful

Dont like the ride height though, if it werent a leasing car i would have it lowered imidietly, if it were possible to adjust the alignment of course. The wheels also look a bit boring, again, if it were "mine" it would have black wheels . It looks pretty cool on black steel wheels for the winter tyres.