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Scheduled to arrive in the UK next February, the Seat Ibiza Cupra should shake up the supermini hot hatch market thanks to its innovative drivetrain.

Good for 178bhp, the 1.4-litre TSI unit is boosted by both a turbo and supercharger, which should deliver a top speed of 140mph and a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds as well as a combined fuel consumption figure of 42mpg.

However, there will only be one transmission offered on the car: a seven-speed DSG box with standard-issue steering wh...Read the full article

I can't help but think when i look at this car that it could have been so much more. Even though it closely resembles the Bocanegra concept it seems to be missing something. Perhaps it's the wheels, i know they're 17" but they don't seem big enough for that enormous bodykit , the Bocanegra was riding on 19's, but that would probably ruin the ride even more than Seat will have done in this standard Cupra. Then there's the engine, only 178 hp driving an automatic gearbox, who are they making it for, one legged, Playstation users? Surely this top of the range Ibiza should have 200 hp, with an FR version having about 160 hp, or maybe the powers that be at VW have just short changed Seat again. It's a shame that Seat can't make more of their sporting aspirations, despite my moaning, i used to work for Seat in the UK, and thoroughly enjoyed driving their cars when they were cheap VW's, i now just think they've lost their way.

Can't help but agree with you. Bought a '97 cupra 2.0 16v when it came out and it felt and looked the part (for all its faults.. harsh ride and patchy build quality in places). But it was a real alternative the the established Golf MK3 and was quick for the time with 150hp. Seat now seem to be the poor relation in the VW empire with Skoda being more in-favour with a clearer idea where they are headed. The new Cupra has too much air under the arches (as you say too small a wheel choice??) and seems to sit very high. the front lights from the Bocanegra concept wouldn't have harmed the looks either. I also wonder how many would-be buyers will walk away because of the lack of a manual gearbox. VW always wanted Seat to have that Alfa passion thing going. Why not just but a Mito instead and be done with it?

So unsure about the new Ibiza Cupra. I've been waiting for this for the past six months, since I first got over excited having seen the Bocanegra concept! But having seen the 'Sportcoupe' at the London Motor show, excitement turned to disappointment.Hoped the Cupra would spice it up a lot more, and not sure they've achieved that. I've contacted my local Seat dealer and asked it the Cupra will also come with a six speed manual box, and the reply was, it will. They got that information from Seat UK HQ, so it should be reliable info. Funny you should mention the Mito, feeling I may be unfaithful to Seat, my shortlist for the next motor includes the Mito Veloce 155 ( fantastic spec for the money!) and the VW Scirocco 1.4TSI out in January. Driven the 2ltr GT and its brill, with looks to match! Really wanted to stay with Seat, I'm a very loyal person . . . . . . or was!