2009 Seat Ibiza Cupra

Press release

Less than six months after its launch, the new Ibiza range has expanded with the arrival of two new versions that combine distinct sports character with the commitment to environmental sustainability. In the first, innovative design and technology join character and exclusivity in the Ibiza CUPRA, a vehicle whose adrenaline rush is provided by the 180 hp 1.4 TSI twin-turbo engine and the 7-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift-paddles. In turn, the attractive ECOMOTIVE version is the most ecological of its segment thanks to its reduced CO2 emissions figure of only 99 g/km.

Cutting-edge technology

Created for exciting driving pleasure, the new Ibiza CUPRA features an exclusive design with a spectacular front end where the “Arrow Design” concept lends maximum expressivity, especially due to the newly designed bumper, featuring the air intake vents surrounding the central grille, and the overall athletic looks, with its outstanding 17” alloy wheels, prominent shoulders that house the rear lights, and the newly designed, centrally placed trapezoid tailpipe.

Making its debut on the new Ibiza CUPRA is a brand-new version of the powerful, efficient 1.4 TSI engine. This twin-turbo engine now delivers 180 hp and is mated to a seven speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift-paddles. The 1.4 TSI twin-turbo engine delivers a noteworthy reduction in emission levels and fuel consumption thanks to its small cylinder capacity, keeping in line with the brand’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions on the entire engine range.

The combination of this engine and the agility and sporty character of the DSG gearbox provide the driver with a thrilling experience at the wheel. Add to this the possibility of changing gears by tapping the paddles located on the steering wheel and the great stability offered by the SEAT “Agile Chassis” system, and the driver is able to reach the highest levels of sports driving.

Among its equipment, besides the standard ESP, the Spanish maker’s new car also features ABS, TCS + EBA, driver and passenger airbag, head airbag, Hill Hold Control, tyre pressure loss warning light, twin chrome headlights, fog lamps with cornering function, “easy entry” system on the passenger seat, CUPRA suspension, CUPRA sports seats and aluminium pedals.

 ----

Exterior design

At first sight, the attractively imposing looks of the Ibiza CUPRA come to life in its unmistakeable compact silhouette, which provides a perfect synergy between a fiery sporty nature and the functionality, roominess and highest safety standards required to adapt to any need.

The “Arrow Design” concept lends maximum expressivity, especially due to the newly designed bumper and integrated spoiler, featuring large air intakes for easy cooling of the engine and front disc brakes.

The front-end looks of the Ibiza CUPRA are rounded off with the sophisticated new U-shaped air vents beneath the newly designed central grille, with its honeycomb structure and black surround. SEAT further identifies its exclusive new model with black badges on the front bumper, notably the word “CUPRA” on the left, a trademark of the company’s sportiest model.

The car’s overall athletic looks are unquestionable. The side view reveals its outstanding 17” alloy wheels, whose 5 double-spoke structure shows enormous disc brakes and four-pot red callipers, and low profile 215/40 tyres. The black door mirror casings also stand out, combining emoción red that permeates almost the entire vehicle.

The rear end features prominent shoulders that house the rear lights, as well as an attractive black moulding at the bottom of the bumper that contains the number plate holder, and the newly designed, centrally placed trapezoid tailpipe, flanked by slatted wings.

The centre of the rear hatch sports the word “CUPRA”, which identifies SEAT’s sportiest model range, immediately beneath the brand symbol which characteristically doubles as the boot latch.

 ----

Sporty on-board atmosphere

The passenger compartment conveys the sporty looks that are typical of all the SEAT models, providing a practical and functional use to all of the interior elements. At the wheel of the new Ibiza CUPRA, the driver immediately knows it is not just another car, but a distinctly race-minded vehicle.

The Ibiza CUPRA features an exclusive interior design with a dashboard studded with shiny black elements such as the radio panel, the ventilation nozzles and the instrument binnacle hood. The steering wheel on the new Ibiza CUPRA is not perfectly round, with a flattened base as on competition vehicles. Its three-spoke structure and side indentations make the height and reach adjustable steering wheel easier to grip.


Featuring a centrally-placed brand symbol and the “CUPRA” logo on a shiny black background on the central spoke, the steering wheel includes paddles to control the 7-speed DSG gearbox, which is certainly one of the distinguishing elements of the new CUPRA version Ibiza.

The instrument panel has two newly designed dials and includes a screen between the two containing the telephone functions. Calls are handled by controls on the steering column, optimising driver-vehicle connectivity.

The model is equipped with attractive, efficient seats with a new sporty design as standard. With black upholstery sewn at right angles and the addition of the “CUPRA” logo on the backrest of the front seats, the interior of the Ibiza CUPRA looks even sportier and more exclusive, clearly reminiscent of classic 70’s sports cars. The front passenger seat is also equipped with the easy entry system, where the seat folds down and slides forward at the same time to give easy access to the rear seats

 ----

Twin charger 180 hp 1.4 TSI engine

Making its debut on the new Ibiza CUPRA is a brand-new version of the powerful, efficient 1.4 TSI engine. This twin charger engine now delivers 180 hp and is mated to a seven speed DSG gearbox with levers on the steering wheel. This combination is a first within the VW Group.

The combination of this engine and the agility and sporty character of the DSG gearbox provide the driver with a thrilling experience at the wheel. Add to this the possibility of changing gears by tapping the levers located on the steering wheel and the great stability offered by the SEAT “Agile Chassis” system, with the help of the electronic anti-blocking system in this case, and the driver is able to reach the highest levels of sports driving on board of the Ibiza CUPRA.

The 1.4 TSI twin charger engine delivers a noteworthy reduction in emission levels thanks to its small cylinder capacity, 159 g/km, keeping in line with the brand’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions on the entire engine range.

The new Ibiza CUPRA delivers the following performance figures – a top speed of 225 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 7.5 seconds. Furthermore, the twin charger 1.4 TSI engine delivers a maximum torque of 250 Nm at 1,750 – 4,500 rpm providing a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.7 litres for every 100 km. These figures make the Ibiza CUPRA one of the most powerful, efficient cars in its segment, improving all the performance results of the previous model.

Excellent traction capacity

With a high performance twin charger engine such as the 180 hp 1.4 TSI, one of the aspects that requires most attention is traction capacity. For this purpose, SEAT, along with the rest of the VW Group brands, has developed a new electronic anti-blocking mechanism called XDS.

Combined with ESP and TCS, this system acts as a self-blocking differential without introducing any additional mechanical element. This way, it anticipates wheel traction loss, limiting the power conveyed to the road surface to the wheel that may be losing traction.

The feeling at the steering wheel is similar to that of driving a car with a self-blocking mechanism, substantially improving the capability of conveying power to the front shaft. This especially prevents the inside wheel from skidding in curves, reducing under-steering, placing the Ibiza CUPRA at the top of its segment in terms of driving course quality and sporty motoring pleasure.

Besides, this system perfectly combines with ESP, considerable raising its levels of active safety.

If SEAT introduced the VW Group platform on the fourth generation Ibiza, with the Ibiza CUPRA the company now introduces the first Group model to feature the anti-blocking XDS system.

Top-notch equipment

The SEAT Ibiza CUPRA features a complete standard equipment range, including safety measures and on-board comfort elements.
 
Besides ESP, the new Ibiza CUPRA is also equipped with ABS, TCS + EBA, XDS, driver and passenger airbag, head airbag, Hill Hold Control, low tyre pressure warning light, MP3 audio equipment with Aux-in and 6 speakers, cruise control, trip computer, front seatbelt reminder, double chrome headlights, cornering foglights, passenger seat with easy entry system, CUPRA suspension, specific body colour bumper and aluminium pedals.