The Seat Leon has become the brands biggest seller, after 18 years & 3 generations.

• Fast approaching its 18th anniversary, the SEAT Leon has established itself as one of the Spanish brand's pillars
• Sales of the third generation Leon have already surpassed the first
• The German market is the biggest for the Leon, followed by Spain and the United Kingdom

SEAT has just launched a reworked version of its SEAT Leon, a model which has sold nearly two million units since it came onto the market in the late 90s. Keep reading to discover nine facts about this model.

• Created in Barcelona. All three generations of the Leon have been designed, developed and produced in the SEAT facilities in Martorell (Barcelona). Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the first generation, Walter da Silva the second, and Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos is the author of the third.
• Nearly two million sold. Since its launch in 1999, 1.8 million units have been sold. 534,797 cars were marketed of the first generation (1999-2005). The second generation (2005–2015) saw an increase of 140,000 units sold compared to the previous one. This upward trend was intensified with the current generation, as in only four years (2012-2016), 566,931 units were sold, which is more than the entire first generation.
• 2016, best year for the Leon. The model brought last year to a close with the highest sales figure in its history, adding 3% compared to the previous year to reach 165,000 units. This was the best sales result of the model since its launch in 1999. 
• An international model. SEAT exports 80% of production of the Leon. The figures also show the increasing internationalisation of the brand as well as the model. Sales of the third generation are following the Spanish company’s trend that Germany remains its main market, where 136,674 units have been sold. 
• Major pillar of the company. Sales of the SEAT Leon exceeded the figures for the Ibiza for the first time in 2014, pointing to the fact that the Leon is the company’s second pillar and has enabled it to explore new segments. A case in point is that the brand’s first SUV, the SEAT Ateca, made its appearance in 2016.
• A world champion vehicle. The SEAT Leon won the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in 2008 and 2009, making it the first car equipped with a Diesel engine to win this competition.
• Record-setter on the Nürburgring. A SEAT Leon CUPRA driven by Jordi Gené in 2014 became the fastest front-wheel drive production car on the Nürburgring with a lap time of 7:58 minutes. One year later, the Leon ST CUPRA also became the fastest estate car on the famous Nordschleife track with a time of 7:58:12.
• Little-known facts. The third generation SEAT Leon weighs 90 kilos less than the second. In addition, this generation enabled the model to the be first vehicle in its segment to feature Full LED headlights.
• New version of the third generation SEAT Leon. SEAT has just presented the reworked version of the SEAT Leon, with evolved exterior design and an advance in the technology featured on the car: “You might even say that we’ve tucked the Ateca inside the Leon”, said SEAT Vice-president for R&D Matthias Rabe.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries. In 2015, SEAT’s turnover amounted to over 8.3 billion euros, the highest in its history, and the company achieved worldwide sales of more than 400,000 units for the first time since 2007.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia. 

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitisation process to promote the mobility of the future.

Seat launches an all new super fast and powerful 300ps Leon Cupra model from march 2017.

• Latest version of SEAT’s iconic Leon CUPRA to boast 300PS and 380Nm; the most powerful SEAT road car in the brand’s history
• 4Drive all-wheel-drive system and DSG-auto gearbox for ST version
• In UK SEAT showrooms from March 2017

The Leon CUPRA has always stood out for its scintillating performance, striking design and alluring price and quality. All of these have now been taken to the next level with the launch of the Leon CUPRA 300 range, which hits UK showrooms in March.

It’s not just about power either. The new Leon flagship, available in three bodystyles; SC, five-door and ST, also offers a highly rewarding driving experience and the safest, most reliable, functional and advanced technology. 

Among its features are driver assistance systems such as Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Pedestrian Protection, plus, Electric Parking Brake and KESSY (Keyless Entry and Start). 

The integrated Media System Plus infotainment system with its eight-inch screen is the highlight of the new-generation, and, is the very first time that the Leon CUPRA has a Connectivity Hub that comprises a smartphone wireless charger and a GSM antenna amplifier for areas with low signal coverage.

With its newly uprated 2.0 TSI engine putting out 300PS, the new Leon CUPRA is its most powerful roadcar yet. The figures related to this achievement in engine power deserve a special mention. Not only is the engine 10PS more powerful than before (up from 290 to 300), but, more importantly, it’s maximum torque has increased from 350Nm to no less than 380Nm, across an impressive range too, from 1800 to 5500 rpm. With such a wide band, the result is a convincing and powerful response, from the engine barely ticking over, all the way up to hitting the rev limiter.

Harking back to its roots with the 2000 launch of the Leon CUPRA with all-wheel-drive, the SEAT Leon CUPRA 300 will also now boast a similar set-up, with 4Drive traction on the ST version, allied to a double-clutch automatic gearbox (DSG).  

To get the most out of such a potent machine, the Leon CUPRA also comes with dynamic chassis control (DCC), a progressive steering system and electronic self-locking differential as standard. The dynamic qualities of the CUPRA can be adapted to the drivers’ tastes thanks to CUPRA Drive Profile too. There are four modes to choose from - Comfort, Sport, Individual and logically, CUPRA mode. This mode is the ultimate in hot hatch performance and takes the driving experience to another level.

UK pricing, specification and full technical information for the Leon CUPRA 300 range will be confirmed shortly ahead of order books opening ahead of its March 2017 showroom launch.

Did SEAT actually make a profit or not, well, acording to a recent report, not, but then its all how you read the results.

When is making a profit actually a loss? When you're the accountant at Volkswagen Group's chronic underperformer Seat.

Earlier this month, VW's Spanish unit reported itsfirst profit since 2008. On closer inspection, the 6 million euros after-tax profit Seat said it made in 2015, compared to a 66 million euro loss in 2014, isn't as impressive as it seems.

Firstly, the figure only includes Seat S.A. – the core company that lacks certain subsidiaries and is not representative of the overall "Seat Group" as the unit's 2015 annual report shows.

Secondly, the income statement was prepared using Spanish accounting principles rather than the international IFRS standard that VW Group is required to use to improve comparability among global corporates.

Thirdly, the figure is expressed in net profit rather than earnings before interest and tax (EBIT). No doubt it has its supporters and bottom line profits are important (certainly better than bottom line losses). Yet this is the kind of white noise that says little about the health of the underlying business, which is best encapsulated by its operating result.

Lastly, it needed help to get there. Seat actually received money back from the tax collector. Only then did it become profitable.

Smaller loss

After a request by Automotive News Europe, Seat provided results that showed as a brand it had narrowed its operating loss to 10 million euros last year from the 127 million loss posted in VW Group's 2014 annual report, a figure that is directly comparable to VW group profits.

The last time that Seat as a whole earned any money was when it posted the tiniest of operating profits in 2007 at the absolute high point of the Spanish car market.

This isn't to say I am not confident that Seat can finally contribute positively to results. The launch of the critical Ateca compact SUV will finally bring a margin-rich product to its range that – even after the inevitable launch costs – should propel Seat into the black for this year. Seat also plans to save around 100 million euros by improving processes, focusing on higher added-value business and reducing costs.

Although it's important to follow Seat on its quest to break even, it's equally worthwhile to look at the cashflow statement. That is one of the few aspects of a business that should not differ regardless of what accounting standard is used, since it is supposed to reflect cold hard cash moving into and out of the till over the reporting period.

Here the company for the third year in a row was able to fund itself through its own internally generated cashflow and even have a further 310 million euros left over.

This figure of course doesn't factor in typical non-cash charges such as from the depreciation that inevitably results when investing in future growth. This alone can make the difference between earnings and losses, and in fact it amounted last year to roughly 310 million euros as well.

Helping Dieselgate costs

What this free cash flow figure tells us importantly is that Seat does not represent an actual drain on VW Group's precious liquidity reserves – every euro of which will almost certainly be needed to pay the costs from the Dieselgate scandal.

Indeed just the opposite proved to be the case, according to the annual report. After adjusting for currency effects and a small 10 million payment elsewhere, the remaining 260 million euros left in surplus cash at Seat went straight into servicing debts owed to VW Group and other associated group companies.

Seat was allowed to keep 100,000 euros at the end of last year, unlike in the previous reporting period when it was left with nothing in the till. The part of the near 4 billion euro balance sheet that lists cash and cash equivalents among its assets actually had zero-point-zero. At least now there is the slimmest of cash reserves.

This suggests the company may now have fully paid off whatever liabilities to Wolfsburg had been hanging over its head at the start of last year and can start planning now for the future.

If Seat proves this year that it will no longer be a drag on either VW Group's profits or cash, the repeated speculation that VW will dump the brand may come to an end.

Seat (Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo) was created in 1950 as a prestige project under former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. It has never had a strong heritage or aspirational brand image.

After acquiring majority control in 1986, VW has sent one executive after another to Barcelona in an attempt to turnaround the loss-making business. Former CEO James Muir said in 2010 that the brand had one last chance to break even in five years.

Even if VW Group has to dispose of some of its 12 brands to fund the costs of its emissions crisis, the company could not expect to raise much by selling off a sub-scale Spanish carmaker with a weak brand image.

Christiaan Hetzner

REPORT HERE

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.

SEAT delivers growth in a large number of markets resulting in a a great year for the Spanish brand.

• Production in Martorell reaches its highest volume since 2001
• Luca de Meo – “The SUV is set to become the brand’s third major pillar”
• SEAT Quality director Joaquín Serra – “Quality is essential for competitiveness”

SEAT closed 2015 with increased sales for the third consecutive year. Brand deliveries broke the barrier of 400,000 vehicles sold in a year (400,037; +2.4%) for the first time since 2007, amounting to a growth of 25% since 2012 (321,000 vehicles).

SEAT Executive Committee Chairman Luca de Meo delivered the annual results this morning on the occasion of the first edition of the 2016 “Encuentros SEAT” meeting, under the title “Quality: success factor of Spanish industry.” 

The increase in sales is a result of recovery in Spain (77,200 vehicles; +14.3%) and Italy (15,900; +22.1%), the fifth consecutive year of growth in Germany (87,800; +3.8%) and the successful Mexican market (24,100; +13.2%), which is the fourth largest for SEAT. 

In addition, the brand achieved its best-ever sales results in countries such as Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Turkey, Israel, Tunisia and Morocco.

Regarding its model line-up, sales of the Leon went up by 4.4% (total: 160,900 units) and was once again the brand’s top-selling car. Meanwhile, the Alhambra posted the highest increase (17.2%) and achieved the second best sales result in its history (27,000). The Ibiza also made progress, with a 2.4% growth, amounting to a total of 153,600 delivered vehicles.

The sales increase, in addition to the success of the Audi Q3, boosted production in Martorell by 7.8% (total: 477,077 cars), reaching the highest figure since 2001. The Martorell plant manufactures the most cars in Spain and has recorded its sixth consecutive year of growth. Between 2009 and 2015, production volume went up by 60%.

When speaking about 2016, Luca de Meo explained that “the highlight of the year will be the launch of the first compact SUV in the history of the company”, which is due to reach the dealerships in the middle of the year. It will be joined by three more new models in 2016 and 2017. 

“The SUV is set to become the brand’s third major pillar, together with the Leon and the Ibiza, and will enable us to cover the fastest growing segment in recent years”, said SEAT Executive Committee Chairman.

Quality – a success factor

Furthermore, in his presentation, SEAT Quality Director Joaquín Serra highlighted the opportunities for the brand to improve competitivity through excellence in quality. 

“Design, quality and cost efficiency are key elements. The Quality department is involved in the entire cycle of the automobile, from vehicle design and development to supplier component industrialization and in-house production, all the way to after-sales service. The challenge for the entire Quality team is to make SEAT a distinctive brand with industrial excellence.”

Pure performance and pure fun, that will be the new SEAT Ibiza Cupra, even more power to play with.

• 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

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 cars in the hot supermini class. 

With its compact format and excellent functionality, the Ibiza CUPRA is the perfect sports car for everyday use. 

The performance generated by the 1.8-litre TSI engine is impressive – acceleration from nought to 62 mph in just 6.7 seconds, a top speed of 146 mph – paired with exceptional efficiency. 

The new interior creates an extraordinary feeling of quality, while SEAT Full Link, the SEAT DriveApp and the SEAT ConnectApp enable optimum connectivity. 

In one area, however, there was very little room for improvement – the Ibiza’s emotional and dynamic design, which is still cited as the main reason for purchasing the compact Spanish model.

“The new generation of the Ibiza CUPRA displays the strong character of the SEAT brand. With its unique design and exceptional performance, the Ibiza CUPRA is the epitome of sheer driving fun,” says Luca de Meo, President of SEAT S.A. “SEAT is a brand in motion and the Ibiza CUPRA is one of its icons. 

Innovative connectivity, a significantly upgraded interior and further improved quality are just a few key areas that demonstrate how fast and consistently our brand is moving.”

A success story starts a new chapter. The first generation of the Ibiza CUPRA hit the roads in 1996, with every generation since building on the highly dynamic capability of its performance arm, to become a core element of the SEAT brand. 

The next chapter of this story is being written by the new Ibiza CUPRA: 192 PS, XDS electronic differential lock, high-performance brakes, CUPRA Drive Profile with adjustable damping – the high level of technology in the new Ibiza CUPRA is as much as given as the extensive equipment with innovative details. 

One example is the new SEAT infotainment systems, which offer exclusive solutions for optimum smartphone integration with Full Link and the SEAT DriveApp.

“Responsive, powerful acceleration, extremely precise handling, good traction and fade-free brakes guarantee the kind of driving fun that the CUPRA name stands for,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President for Research and Development at SEAT S.A. 

“The new Ibiza CUPRA is a perfect example of how we at SEAT bring together the very latest technologies from the Volkswagen Group to create a unique and highly distinctive overall package.”

Exceptional performance, state-of-the-art technology

The new 1.8 TSI engine with turbocharger and combined direct / indirect injection is a compact piece of hi-tech kit that guarantees exceptionally refined performance. Power is up by 12 PS to 192 PS compared to its predecessor, but arguably its greatest advance comes in the form of its boosted torque. 

Instead of the previous 250 Nm, there are now 320 Nm on call – across an extremely broad rev range, from 1,450 to 4,200 rpm. This delivers incredibly forceful pulling power in any given situation. 

A 0-62 mph sprint of 6.7 seconds and top speed of 146 mph put it in the premier league of hot superminis.

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.

Hi-tech in detail

The rail pressure in the FSI system has been increased from 150 to 200 bar. Direct injection is active during start-up and under higher loads and can deliver two to three individual injections per cycle. 

To further optimise the charge cycle, the valve control now also has a greater degree of freedom. The valvelift system, which adjusts valve lift in two stages, operates on both the exhaust and the intake camshaft. Both shafts can be adjusted by either 30 or 60 degrees of crank angle.

The four-cylinder offers further innovations with its state-of-the-art thermal management system. Coolant flow is regulated by two high-speed rotary valves integrated into a single module and driven by worm gear connected to an electric motor. This plays a major role in bringing the engine oil up to operating temperature as quickly as possible following cold start. 

The cooling water remains stationary in the crankcase for a relatively long time and the interior heating runs via the separate circuit for the cylinder head. This means that the main radiator, which dissipates heat into the surroundings without any benefit, does not come into play until as late as possible.

Perfect for efficiency and performance

The new rotary valve module can adjust the water temperature in accordance with load and engine speed between 85 and 107 degrees Celsius, meaning it always achieves the best compromise between minimum internal friction and thermodynamic efficiency. 

Throughout the entire cooling system, switchable valves manage the flow of heat between the engine, the transmission heat exchanger and the car’s interior. This concept was helped by the

integration of the exhaust manifold into the cylinder head and its water cooling system. It also lowers the temperature of the exhaust gas, meaning the 1.8 TSI does not require the widely used enrichment of the fuel/air mixture under full load. As a result, fuel consumption during sporty driving is significantly reduced.

The 1.8 TSI’s turbocharger too, is a completely new design. Its main features are a turbine rotor made from a new alloy that can withstand exhaust temperatures of up to 980 degrees, the lambda sensor upstream of it, a pulsation-noise damper, a compressor rotor machined from solid and an electric wastegate actuator that regulates charge pressure extremely quickly and precisely, thus further improving fuel economy.

Systematic lightweight design for greater dynamics and lower consumption

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.

Internal friction has also fallen drastically – due to a new kind of coating on the piston skirts and anti-friction bearings on both balancer shafts, which compensate for second-order forces of inertia. The regulated oil pump consumes very little energy, with a high-precision electrical system operating its oil-spray cooling.

CUPRA Drive Profile

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 ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system comprising Hill Start Assist, Multi-Collision Brake, Tyre Pressure Warning and Tiredness Recognition, all come as part of the Ibiza CUPRA’s standard safety package. Fatigue at the steering wheel is still the cause of many and serious accidents. 

The new drowsiness warning in the SEAT Ibiza identifies from steering behaviour when the driver’s attention is lapsing and emits a warning sound. Another new safety system is the Multi-Collision Brake. Following a serious collision, it automatically slows the car down to dissipate any remaining kinetic energy. 

If the airbag is activated by the first collision, the electronic stability control brakes the car and switches on the hazard lights. The Ibiza has been awarded the highest five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.

Expressive design with powerful lines

The new Ibiza CUPRA has a powerful and muscular stance. The edgy line of the standard bi-xenon lights is a typical element of the SEAT design language, perfectly integrated into the Ibiza’s sculptural form. 

The LED daytime running lights trace the line of the headlamp to form a unique light signature, as do the LED rear lights. 

The side view of the three-door Sports Coupé is brought to life by the sharply executed lines and edges. The accentuated rear shoulders and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels underline its performance. 

The high-gloss black door mirrors 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 trapezoidal tailpipe.

Extensively upgraded interior

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.

Perfect connectivity with Full Link

Alongside MirrorLinkTM, the SEAT Full Link connectivity solution incorporates the functions of Apple Car PlayTMand Android AutoTM. 

Users can be online, while retaining full concentration on the road, and make use of the various permitted functions conveniently and safely via the touchscreen in the new Ibiza. 

In the case of Apple CarPlay, those functions currently cover phone, messaging, music and maps, with more to follow in future. MirrorLink is another perfect technology that enables the safe operation of smartphones and many of their functions and apps via the Ibiza CUPRA’s infotainment system by “mirroring” the smartphone screen on the touchscreen in the redesigned Ibiza cockpit. 

This works seamlessly with a growing number of MirrorLink-compatible Android smartphones.

Android Auto provides quick and easy access to navigation, communication and music applications and services in a way that is safer than accessing these apps on the phone screen while driving.

New SEAT DriveApp

The new SEAT DriveApp has been developed exclusively for users of SEAT Full Link and MirrorLink. It offers a whole range of innovative functions that can be used either in or outside the Ibiza CUPRA. For instance, the vehicle’s touchscreen can be personalised with local weather reports or contacts. 

Plus, the SEAT DriveApp uses “text to speech” to read out the latest posts from Facebook or Twitter, while “Challenger” offers interesting challenges to optimise driving skills, leading to a more efficient driving style. On leaving the vehicle, the “where is my car” function stores the Ibiza’s current position and finds it again whenever necessary.

New SEAT ConnectApp “powered by Samsung”

The Spanish car maker has agreed a cooperation with Samsung for the development of innovative connectivity solutions and is offering the new SEAT ConnectApp as an initial step. It makes perfect use of MirrorLink integration – the driver is “always on”, yet remains fully concentrated on the traffic. 

One new and exclusive function is gesture control, enabling functions such as calls or contacts to be called up on the SEAT Media System touchscreen. 

The welcome screen of the SEAT ConnectApp can be individualised to display information such as the current weather forecast or appointments. With “smart tips”, the app learns personal preferences such as frequent destinations and can issue appointment reminders. 

A wide range of other functions are already available at launch of the SEAT ConnectApp, with regular updates scheduled to maintain currency going forward. Data security is absolutely guaranteed. 

Aside from e-mail address and vehicle specification, the backend of the ConnectApp stores no personal details – they remain entirely on the owner’s smartphone.

Extensive equipment

With its extensive range of standard equipment, the new Ibiza CUPRA boasts a comprehensive package of safety and comfort elements. It also features 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights and LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, climate control, cruise control and tinted glass on the side and rear windows.