SEAT announces pricing and specification for the Ibiza CUPRA and CUPRA Black, in UK Showrooms now.

• Two major changes for New Ibiza CUPRA: new 1.8 TSI engine in place of former 1.4, plus six-speed manual gearbox instead of DSG
• Outstanding performance, thanks to power increase from 180 PS to 192 PS and significant 70Nm hike in torque (to 320Nm), available across broader rev range
• 0-62 mph in just 6.7 seconds, with top speed of 146 mph and impressive 45.6 mpg
• New premium interior, with Leon-look touches and high-end connectivity with Full Link
• Priced £18,100 for Ibiza CUPRA, up to £18,900 for Ibiza CUPRA Black. In UK showrooms  now

Twenty years on from the birth of its iconic CUPRA performance arm, which all started with an Ibiza, SEAT has confirmed UK pricing and specification for the latest version of its pocket rocket. Among several key changes for the New Ibiza CUPRA are a new two-tier range, plus a raft of technical enhancements including a new engine with even more power and torque,  plus the small matter of the reintroduction of a manual gearbox.

The New Ibiza CUPRA shows the essence of the SEAT brand in its purest form – emotional design, outstanding performance and state-of-the-art technology, combined to create one of the most dynamic and enjoyable hot superminis to live with.

Exclusively available in the SC (Sports Coupé) bodystyle, the new-look UK Ibiza CUPRA line-up will be available in two versions. Kicking things off is the standard CUPRA for £18,100, £880 less than the previous model (with DSG transmission), rising to £18,900 for CUPRA Black, which is expected to be the best-selling version.

Raft of technical improvements

Among a series of changes with the New Ibiza CUPRA, arguably the two most telling are the switch to a six-speed manual gearbox, plus, a new, even more potent engine. In relation to the former, where 80% of the UK hot supermini class is stick shift-based, SEAT will be looking to make significant inroads.

On top of these alterations come larger front brakes, plus CUPRA Drive Profile with adjustable damping and steering, offering two modes, Comfort and Sport.

Powering the halo model in the Ibiza line-up is a completely new engine. Out goes the previous supercharged 1.4, replaced by a 1.8 TSI pushing out an additional 12 PS, and crucially, a hefty dose of 70Nm additional torque, up to 320Nm, across a much broader rev range of 1,450 to 4,250 rpm. Performance is impressive with zero to 62 mph dispatched in just 6.7 seconds, before heading on to a top speed of 146 mph. At the same time, its potency doesn’t come at the expense of frugality, with fuel economy of 45.6 mpg on the combined cycle.

Expressive design with powerful lines

The new Ibiza CUPRA has a powerful and edgy stance, with the three-door Sports Coupé brought to life by sharply executed lines and edges. The accentuated rear shoulders and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels also underline its performance. The high-gloss black door mirrors and front grille frame set a clear contrast to the Ibiza CUPRA’s paintwork, while at the rear its broad bumper frames a substantial matt-black diffuser which incorporates the race-honed central exhaust tailpipe. Emoción Red is the standard free-of-charge paint choice.

The upgrades continue on the inside, with the latest Ibiza CUPRA taking a series of styling cues from its bigger brother, Leon. In comes a much higher quality interior, with more premium and tactile touches including a new steering wheel, air vents, instrument panel and infotainment systems.

Extensive equipment

As well as the series of improvements under the skin, the New Ibiza CUPRA also ushers in several new items of equipment, including a five-inch Media System with colour touchscreen and DAB digital radio, Bluetooth® audio streaming and hands-free system, plus multi-function steering Wheel. In keeping with SEAT’s safety expertise, Hill Hold Control and Tiredness Recognition System have also been added to its long list of core equipment.

Equipment on both versions is lavish. The standard CUPRA profers 17-inch ‘Barcino’ alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, XDS electronic differential lock, CUPRA front sports seats, electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors, plus climate control and cruise control. On the outside, the entry point to SEAT’s CUPRA line-up is immediately distinguishable through bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights and LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, plus tinted glass on the side and rear windows.

Moving up to the range-topping, and likely UK best-selling version, CUPRA Black, brings with it a whole host of styling and technology additions. Costing £800 more than the standard CUPRA, but offering around £1,000 worth of additional equipment, for an even sportier and striking look, it welcomes black alloy wheels with red brake calipers. It also benefits from a Navigation System with 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, 3D map display, voice recognition and two SD card slots.

Unsurprisingly, given the generous standard equipment list for both versions of the New Ibiza CUPRA, buyers won’t need to be ticking every box in the options list with wild abandon. However, for those seeking the ultimate in comfort, style and technology, there are several tempting items available. Among them for CUPRA are SEAT Sound which profers six high-quality speakers, a boot mounted subwoofer and an amplifier for £155, as well as Navigation System (includes Media System Plus with 6.5-inch color touchscreen with proximity sensor, MP3 compatible CD player and Bluetooth™ voice recognition) at £580 and Full Link for an enticing £145.

Taking the cabin ambience even higher on both versions are three upmarket additions; sporty Alcantara upholstery for £400, a panoramic glass sunroof at £495, together with ambient interior lighting for only £60. All prices quoted include VAT.