After the Ibiza Cupra Concept unveiled earlier this year at the Beijing Auto Show, Seat->ke80 has finally dropped the production version. The model delivers stunning design, amazing performance and state-of-the-art technology and will be put on sale in January 2013. On the British market the model will be priced at £18,825 or about $30,000 at the current exchange rates.

Seat used the Cupra name for the first time back in 1996 as a special, top-of-the-line Ibiza built to commemorate Seat's World Rally Championship victory in the 2.0-litre category. Since then the model became a hit and now is being used for both the Ibiza and Leon ranges.

The new Ibiza->ke303 Cupra is powered by a a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine that delivers a total of 180 HP and 184 lbs-ft of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds and can hit a top speed of 142 mph.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Seat Ibiza Cupra.

2013 Seat Ibiza Cupra

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Seat Ibiza Cupra
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 180
  • Torque: 184
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

The exterior

On the exterior the model will be distinguished by an expressive design language that will help customers to distinguish it as a Cupra model. Up front the model will get a broad grille with very forceful air intakes and new headlamps with standard-fit bi-xenon lights.

On the side customers will notice sharply defined lines and edges, with the muscular rear shoulders and exclusive 17" wheels. As a signature to all Cupra models, Seat has also placed new black, high-gloss exterior mirrors and for the rear a broad bumper which frames the substantial, matte black diffuser incorporating the trapezoidal exhaust outlet.

The interior

The same distinctive Cupra language continues on the interior. Seat has placed an extremely minimalist, clearly structured cockpit, a new sports steering wheel featuring a Cupra logo combined with the very easy to reach shift paddles for the DSG transmission.

The car's sports seats are offered with an optional two-color leather upholstery, and will offer both driver and passenger easy access to a high-performance audio system which includes a navigation system, Bluetooth audio streaming, a Micro SD card slot for music storage, hands-free phone system with voice control, and an on-board computer.

The engine

Under the hood Seat has placed a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine equipped with a turbocharger and a supercharger as well as direct injection. The engine delivers a total of 180 HP and a peak torque of 184 lbs-ft. The engine will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 142 mph.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission, with extremely short shift times that can be operated via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

When compared to the standard Ibiza, the Cupra model features a lowered ride height and an optional AP Performance braking system. Seat is also offering an optional AP Performance braking system and an XDS electronic differential lock that reduces the tendency to under-steer and improves handling through fast corners.

Prices

On the British market the model will be priced at £18,825 or about $30,000 at the current exchange rates. Sales will begin in January 2013.

The competition

While the standard Seat Ibiza targets models like Audi A1 and the Volkswagen Polo, the new Cupra version raises the bar a little bit and targets models like the MINI Cooper S->ke629. The Cooper S is powered by a twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 184 HP.