07 Oct 08 11:01
Here's the Seat Ibiza we've been waiting for: the Cupra.
Based on the three-door Ibiza Sport Coupe, it looks the part with its black-edged honeycomb grille, fat bumpers, large air intakes and rear spoiler, a central exhaust tailpipe, 17-inch alloys and low-profile 215/40 tyres. Inside you get glossy piano-black trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and black sports seats.
And here's the crucial lowdown: the Cupra comes with a 180bhp version of the VW Group's 1.4 twin-charger engine, which combines a turbocharger and supercharger, plus seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) automated-manual transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifts. Top speed is 140mph, and 0-62mph comes up in 7.5 seconds, yet the Cupra still returns 42mpg and emits 159g/km of carbon dioxide.
More details, and UK prices, will be announced nearer to the launch in the first half of next year.
At the other end of the Ibiza range, Seat has also unveiled the new-generation Ecomotive. This has an 80bhp 1.4-litre TDI diesel engine that returns 76.3mpg, with carbon dioxide output a tax-busting 98g/km. It will be offered in both Sport Coupe three-door and five-door bodystyles.
Check out the rest of our Paris Motor Show coverage.
