SEAT UK has finally launched the updated Ibiza Cupra, meaning you can finally have a good old-fashioned manual and a more powerful 1.8 turbo engine that replaces the 1.4. Most importantly, the Spanish carmaker's tradition of offering VW goods for less money continues, as the 2016 baby Cupra is just £18,100, £880 less than the previous model (with DSG transmission).
That rises to £18,900 for CUPRA Black, which is expected to be the best-selling version. Before anything else, we took a quick look at the competition to see how the Ibiza stacks up. The new Polo GTI with the same engine stickers for £1,000 more, the MINI Cooper S is £18,840, and a Fiesta ST1 is on sale at £17,145 until the end of March.
Specs-wise, the updated Cupra model is impressive. Spanish engineers have gotten rid of the old 1.4 TSI engine with a turbocharger and supercharger. In its place, they installed a tuned version of the 1.8 turbo used by the Leon, which puts out 192 PS and up to 320Nm, across a much broader rev range of 1,450 to 4,250 rpm.
Performance is the same with both gearbox options, as 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.7 seconds. However, we'd pick the manual because it's cheaper, more fun and makes the car lighter. Also, DSG that would be fitted restricts torque output and isn't as smooth as the one in the Leon. The top speed has also been increased from 229 km/h (142 mph) to 235 km/h (146 mph), making it one of the fastest models in the segment.
The Black pack we've mentioned at the beginning of the story consists of black alloy wheels with red brake calipers. It also benefits from a Navigation System with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, 3D map display, voice recognition and two SD card slots. There are a few options worth considering as well. For example, SEAT Sound adds a subwoofer in the back and better quality speakers for £155.
Uplifting the otherwise sober interior, there are three boxes worth ticking: sporty Alcantara upholstery for £400, a panoramic glass sunroof at £495, together with ambient lighting for £60.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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