Despite being shown a couple of months ago, the newest version of the Ibiza Cupra was only recently highlighted.

The revamped model is powered by the same engine as the VW Polo GTI.That’s a 1.8-liter TSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit rated at 192 PS (189HP) and 320 Nm (236lb-ft) of torque available between 1,450 and 4,200 rpm. With the 6-speed manual gearbox, the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration takes 6.7sec and top speed stands at 235 km/h (146 mph).

Drivers can choose between comfort and sport modes of the suspension settings on the new Cupra Drive profile, which also modifies the steering response, while the XDS electronic differential lock improves handling, especially under fast cornering.

Besides reminding us of its performance, Seat also mentions the new infotainment system that’s compatible with MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the new Seat DriveApp, “developed exclusively for users of Seat Full Link and MirrorLink”. This offers personalization of the touchscreen with local weather reports or contacts and it’s called the DriveApp. With the “text to speech”, the system can read out the latest posts from Facebook and Twitter and it also has a “where is my car” function, which stores the vehicle’s position, coming in handy in large parking lots.

The ConnectApp, developed by Samsung, brings the gesture control and it can individualized to display info such as the current weather forecast or appointments. The “smart tips” allow the app to learn personal preferences like the frequent destinations and it can issue appointment reminders too. The app stores no personal details, apart from the e-mail address and vehicle specification.

When it comes to the exterior, there isn’t much to talk about because Seat still says that the “design is still very much up-to-the-minute and incredibly well received by customers and prospects alike”. The updated version features standard bi-xenon headlights, LED DRLs, LED rear lights, “exclusive” the 17-inch wheel, high-gloss black side mirrors and matte-black diffuser with a trapezoidal tailpipe.

The driver-assistance systems found in standard on the updated Cupra include the ESP, hill-start assist, multi-collision brake and tire pressure warning. It also has a safety system that identify driver’s drowsiness from steering behavior and, if it’s erratic, emmits a warning sound.

The Seat Ibiza is currently in its fourth generation. Launched in 2008, it was first updated in 2012 and again earlier this year ahead of being succeeded by a new model in 2016.

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