UK: SEAT releases first details of new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR

SEAT is releasing first details of the forthcoming new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR, two hot hatches that further strengthen the ‘sporty' gene which lies at the very core of the dynamic Spanish brand.

OneShift Editorial Team

22 Apr 2009

Both cars are set to make their world debuts at the Barcelona Motor Show (9 to 17 May), with UK sales commencing around July for the Leon Cupra and September for the Ibiza FR.

Cupra is the hottest badge in the SEAT hierarchy and therefore the 237 hp TSI Leon version will, as before, sit above the Leon FR models that have already been unveiled (which have a choice of 2.0 TDI CR 168 hp or 2.0 TSI 208 hp engines). Meanwhile, the Ibiza Cupra, which has already been previewed at the Paris Motor Show last year, will now be joined by this barely less swift FR TSI version.

[B]New Leon Cupra - an even more appealing flagship[/B]

With the arrival of the 2009 version of the Leon, SEAT's flagship now features even more dramatic looks thanks to several new design elements introduced both inside and out. Its eye-catching appearance makes it the perfect road-going reflection of the Leon that is making phenomenal strides in the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.

As with the previous version, the new Leon Cupra is equipped with a powerful 237 hp 2.0-litre TSI engine, providing emphatically strong performance along with impressive fuel economy figures. Top speed is 246 km/h and the benchmark 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes only 6.4 seconds, yet average combined fuel consumption is 6.9 liters/100 km.

[B]New Ibiza FR - high-tech pocket rocket with razor sharp looks[/B]

The FR version of the new generation Ibiza introduces several technical highlights compared with the previous model, which combine to provide a more intense driving experience. First and foremost, the compact hot hatch is equipped with a state-of-the-art 148 hp twincharger 1.4 TSI engine. This means that this relatively small capacity powerplant is able to deliver big-engine performance through the fitment of both a supercharger and a turbocharger - a first in the supermini class.

The Ibiza FR's powerful engine is mated to a latest generation seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles fitted as standard. As on the Cupra version, the gearbox has been developed with more driver-focussed software than on the 1.6 version of the Ibiza.

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20090421184906765.jpg[/IMG]
[I]Seat Ibiza FR - interior[/I]

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20090421184835913.jpg[/IMG]
[I]Seat Ibiza FR[/I]

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20090421184807940.jpg[/IMG]
[I]Seat Leon Cupra - interior[/I]

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20090421184736172.jpg[/IMG]
[I]Seat Leon Cupra[/I]