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Never one to rest on its
laurels, SEAT will be expanding
its recently-launched Ibiza
line-up at the forthcoming Paris
Motor Show, with the unveiling
of the fire-breathing Cupra and
ultra-green Ecomotive models.
Set to make their Show debuts on
2 October, the Cupra and
Ecomotive are highly significant
additions to the sharp-looking
new Ibiza range – at a stroke,
they become respectively the
meanest and greenest versions of
SEAT’s supermini.
The Cupra is brimming with
sophisticated technology. It
uses a 180 PS 1.4-litre petrol
engine, featuring not only a
turbocharger but also a
supercharger, an approach
beneficial to both power
delivery and fuel efficiency.
Furthermore, this compact yet
potent powerplant is mated to a
seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift
Gearbox) transmission, complete
with F1-style steering wheel
shift-paddles.
As
expected from the Spanish brand
whose ethos is ‘auto emoción’,
the new Ibiza Cupra has style to
match its spirit. Based on the
SportCoupé (SC) three-door body
shape, the Cupra boasts a
bespoke look, with a new front
bumper and air intakes
surrounding the grille.
Eye-catching 17” alloy wheels, a
rear diffuser incorporating a
centrally-placed trapezoid
exhaust pipe, Cupra sports seats
and track-inspired aluminium
pedals are other visual
highlights penned by Luc
Donckerwolke, SEAT’s Design
Director whose curriculum vitae
includes the Lamborghini
Gallardo and Murcielago.
The other high performance Ibiza
– though in this context
performance is measured in mpg
rather than mph – is the next
generation Ecomotive which, just
like the current model, has an
official carbon dioxide
emissions figure of just 99
g/km. That is currently the
joint lowest figure of any
internal combustion engined-car
available in the UK today, which
means that the Ecomotive will
once again qualify for free road
fund licence.
Available in both 5dr and SC
versions, the Ibiza Ecomotive is
equipped with a clean and frugal
80 PS 1.4 TDI engine with DPF
diesel particulate filter. Its
notably low fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions are
achieved through engine software
modifications, as well as
enhancements to the gearbox and
gear ratios, the fitment of new
175/70 R14 low
rolling-resistance tyres and the
substitution of the spare wheel
for a puncture kit.
Aerodynamic performance has also
been analysed, resulting in a
new closed front grille and
revised rear spoiler which
combine to reduce air
resistance. Naturally, these
changes do not affect the
Ibiza’s extrovert appearance,
meaning that the Ecomotive is
arguably the sportiest-looking
small eco-car on the market.
Both prices and specification
for the new Ibiza Cupra and
Ibiza Ecomotive will be
announced closer to their UK
arrival towards the middle of
next year. In the meantime, all
current Ibiza Ecomotive models
are available with 0% finance
(over 3 years, with 35% deposit)
– a hugely attractive deal for
financially and environmentally
aware buyers, who will already
benefit from the car’s road tax
exemption and 74.mpg fuel
economy. |
