Tuesday 18th February 2003

Ibiza Cupra R

Can SEAT get away with a diesel version?

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SEAT will unveil the prototype of its Ibiza Cupra R at the Geneva Motor Show (6th to 16th March).

Two engine options are on the table. The conventional option is the 1.8 20VT turbocharged petrol engine. Fueling the trend for diesel cars, SEAT are also said to be considering their 1.9 litre turbo diesel engine with a power output of almost 150bhp.

The Ibiza Cupra R is equipped with DSR (dynamic steering response) intended to give the chassis agility, positive handling and good feedback to the driver.

Giving the car a sporty look, the design team have used newly designed bumpers with a low honeycomb grill air intake, a large trailing roof spoiler, a chromed oval tailpipe and five-spoke 17" alloy wheels.

On the inside, the familiar "R" theme is followed with a fancy leather steering wheel, sculpted front sports seats and the familiar black colour scheme with red highlights in stitching and logos.

The new Ibiza Cupra R will be built at the SEAT Sport facilities in Barcelona, alongside the Leon Cupra R and SEAT’s high performance competition Toledo touring cars and the Leons used in the Spanish Supercopa series and the new British Cupra Championship which will run through the summer.

Production of the Ibiza Cupra R is planned to begin in late 2003. Prices haven't yet been announced.

[v8thunder]

I think this is the nearest thing the current market can offer to a MK1 Golf GTi. Looks good too - they're quite obviously after the Alfa Romeo market, though.

[Guy Humpage]

I once had a 90bhp Ibiza Tdi as a hire car, and it was a cracking little motor. If I was in the market for a towncar it would definitely be at the top of the list.

[paulk]

I have an ibiza TDIs with 110BHP for my every day car which is cracking little motor. I think Seat will over price the car as the local dealer has a 130BHP Tdi at 13-13.5K

Paul

[manwithcupra]

I have currently just got my Leon Cupra. Its a cracking car..lots of power and looks good too. I think Seat are gonna be big this year especially since they have become part of the Vw/Audi group.

[ChrisD]

Wait a second, weren't they a part of the VAG group since about 95? But I agree, Seats are getting some good models now...

[larobinson]

come on bring em both out!!!!!! now at about£14k

[larobinson]

come on bring em both out!!!!!! now at about£14k

[superlightr]

cracking !