I've always been a fan of the fiery Spanish VW Group's offering, and Seat captures something of the continent where others can't quite. The Cupra is a great little hot hatch, and the performance figures of the latest Cupra look to match expectations.
During the development of this engine, particular attention was dedicated to the combustion process. In addition to FSI petrol direct injection, the 1.8 TSI uses an indirect injection system that injects the fuel at the end of the intake manifold close to the tumble flaps, where it swirls intensively with the air. Indirect injection comes into play under partial load, lowering fuel consumption and reducing particulate emissions.
Lightweight Design
The engine is incredibly light, weighing just 133.4 kilograms and thus substantially assisting the performance and handling of the Ibiza CUPRA. The technology highlights include the new turbocharger/exhaust manifold module, a new casting process for the cast-iron crankcase with wall thicknesses of around three millimetres and the crankshaft with four instead of eight counterweights and smaller main bearing diameters. The pistons are made from a new, stronger alloy. The oil sump features lightweight plastic and many fasteners are aluminium.
Design
I've always liked the look of the Ibiza, but I was a little skeptical about making the car as muscular as it could be. I've always appreciated it's mroe refined looks, but from the pictures it looks like the new Cupra is going to have the right lines in the right places. It looks like it might sit a little high....but I'll leave that for you to decide.
The Ibiza CUPRA comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels and suspension tuned for maximum agility and precision. One new standard feature is the CUPRA Drive Profile, which allows the driver to adapt the car’s steering and suspension at the touch of a button. The system offers two settings, comfort suspension and sport suspension, and also modifies steering behaviour. The XDS electronic differential lock improves handling characteristics, especially under fast cornering.
The upgrades in the new Ibiza CUPRA’s redesigned interior are immediately apparent. The cockpit’s horizontal proportions and driver focus make a compelling statement through the optimum layout of all elements and the soft-touch finish. The attention to detail, with simple and clear functionality is apparent in the new steering wheel from the Leon family, air vents, new instrument panel and latest infotainment systems.
The CUPRA front sports seats come with new upholstery in an elegantly sporty combination of black fabric with light-grey inserts, while Alcantara upholstery is as an option. The leather steering wheel is standard, as are aluminium-look pedals.
Headline Figures
- Outstanding performance, thanks to power increase from 180 PS to 192 PS and significant 70Nm hike in torque
- Exclusively available with six-speed manual gearbox on Ibiza SC
- 0-62 mph in just 6.7 seconds
- New premium interior – distinctive, powerful design
- Optimum connectivity with Full Link
- UK pricing and specification to be confirmed closer to launch in January 2016
I will be looking forward to driving this, and hopefully providing a full review in the new year!