New Seat Ibiza Cupra Leaked Ahead Of Geneva Debut

Contrary to a previous report, Seat will indeed launch a high-performance version of the new-gen Ibiza.

Sliding into the company’s newly-launched performance Cupra sub-brand, alongside the larger and more powerful Leon, the hot hatch will be officially shown to the public next month, at the Geneva Motor Show. But before that happens, we have the chance to see it courtesy of AutoPista.

The visual differences compared to the regular Ibiza models include a reworked front bumper, with a new apron that appears to be made from carbon fiber, tweaked grille, and modified roof-mounted spoiler.

However, the biggest change is the absence of Seat logos, which have been replaced with the Cupra badges on both ends of the car, on the wheels, steering wheel, and probably other parts of the cabin.

Seat hasn’t left the interior of the new Ibiza Cupra untouched either, as this gets new dashboard trim, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and handbrake lever, and sports seats.

This example uses an automatic transmission, and given that it shares its underpinnings with the new VW Polo GTI, we’re likely looking at a six-speed dual-clutch.

Power comes probably from the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine its German cousin uses, where it develops 200PS (197hp) and 320Nm (236lb-ft) of torque.

The 0-100km/h (0-62mph) acceleration takes 6.7sec in the Polo GTI, and it can reach a top speed of 237km/h (147mph), so the Ibiza Cupra could very well mirror its performance.

Thanks to Joel Serpico for the tip!