SEAT Ibiza CUPRA concept

SEAT officially unveiled the “Ibiza Cupra Concept” at the China Auto 2012 in Beijing.

Outside there's a set of LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights and bi-xenon headlamps. You also get 17-inch wheels, gloss black mirrors and slightly beefed-up styling about the bumpers.

Ibiza Cupra’s firepower comes from a 1.4 litre TSI, the same you’ll find in the Polo GTI, Audi A1 and Skoda Fabia VRS. The direct-injection, twin charged engine produces 180 PS and 250 Nm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG with paddle shifters. Ibiza Cupra also gets the XDS electronic differential lock and high-performance brakes.

One of the most important differences between the standard Ibiza and the Cupra model is not visible to the naked eye. The Cupra rides on a track-tuned Cupra chassis, which provides a sportier driving experience.

Inside there's a new entertainment system which works with the portable sat-nav system like the one in the Seat Mii and VW Up. You can simply unclip the five-inch nav unit and take it with you while you finish your journey on foot. This will soon be offered across the whole Ibiza family, says Seat.



Press Release

SEAT Ibiza Cupra Concept world debut in Beijing

• New, powerful design
• Muscular performance, innovative technology
• Exclusive equipment, even better quality

Just days after it went on sale in the UK SEAT is taking the already sporty design of the New Ibiza up another notch, with the world debut of the Cupra Concept at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

SEAT is presenting the Ibiza Cupra Concept as a close-to-production concept car. Even more clearly than before, the Ibiza Cupra Concept shows the SEAT DNA in its most concentrated form - vigorous performance, the latest technology and comprehensive equipment clad in an emotional design. With its compact dimensions, the Ibiza Cupra Concept is a sports car for everyday use, combining agile driving fun with a high degree of functionality. The production version of the new Ibiza Cupra Concept will arrive towards the end of the year.

The Ibiza Cupra Concept is fitted with SEAT's award-winning 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder petrol engine, featuring direct injection and both a turbocharger and a supercharger. It produces a maximum power output of 180 PS, transmitted to the front wheels via a highly-sophisticated seven-speed DSG transmission with shift paddles. Other highlights include XDS electronic differential lock, high-performance brakes and an optional SEAT Portable System that combines navigation and entertainment functions and is removable for mobile use.

'With its new, powerfully accentuated design, its innovative technologies, upgraded interior and further improved quality, the new Ibiza Cupra Concept clearly shows how our brand is continuing to develop,' says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. 'Emotional design and refined dynamics guarantee driving fun on every single kilometre. We are presenting the Ibiza Cupra Concept at the Beijing Motor Show because this compact athlete will be an important element in the development of our brand in this key market.'

The dynamic icon of the SEAT brand
The first generation of the Ibiza Cupra took to the streets in 1996, since when the dynamic Cupra lineage has developed to become an icon of the SEAT brand. The Ibiza Cupra Concept shows how the next chapter of this success story will be written - the state-of-the-art 1.4 TSI engine is not only powerful but is also muscular, producing a maximum torque of 250 Nm. For a race car-style driving experience, the seven-speed DSG transmission with its extremely short shift times can also be operated via paddles behind the steering wheel.

'Immediate and linear acceleration, with agile handling, good traction and responsive brakes are the key ingredients for what the Cupra name represents,' says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice President for Research and Development at SEAT S.A. 'The new Ibiza Cupra Concept is a perfect example of how we at SEAT are adapting the latest Volkswagen Group technology to create a unique and highly rewarding package.'

Expressive design with powerful lines

The sharp design communicates the spirit of the new Ibiza Cupra Concept from the very first glance - this compact hot hatch has a solid and powerful stance. The new face with its broad grille and bold air intakes emphasises the breadth, solidity and power of the Ibiza Cupra Concept. The sophisticated design of the headlamps shows the attention to detail in the work carried out at the SEAT Design Center. Typical of SEAT's design language are the highly defined outlines to the lamps, which at the same time are integrated perfectly into the Ibiza's sculptural form. The LED daytime running lights trace the line of the headlamps to deliver a unique light signature, as do the LED rear lights.

 From a technical point of view, the bi-xenon headlamps provide enhanced illumination, while cornering lights are integrated into the large fog lamps.

In profile the three-door Ibiza SC bodyshape is brought to life by its sharply drawn lines and edges, while the muscular rear shoulders and 17-inch wheels underscore its dynamics. The exterior mirrors are painted gloss black - as is the Cupra tradition - and offer a clear contrast to the distinctive Crono Yellow paint finish of the Cupra Concept in Beijing. The powerful rear end underscores once more the special role of the Ibiza Cupra as the new benchmark among compact sports cars - the yellow of the broad bumper frames the substantial, matt-black, diffuser and the trapezoidal exhaust outlet.

Clear interior of the very best quality

The emotional power of the exterior design is also apparent from the interior of the Ibiza Cupra Concept and in the clean, minimalist and clearly structured cockpit. The exceptional feeling of quality and precision craftsmanship serves to underscore SEAT's incredibly high standards. The new sports steering wheel with the Cupra logo and the shift paddles for the DSG transmission, the dedicated instruments and the leather sports seats with their lateral flashes of yellow to match the Cupra exterior are all clear indications of the special role held by the top version of the Ibiza range.

The entertainment system in the Ibiza Cupra Concept is completely new - and the powerful audio set-up can be complemented by the innovative SEAT Portable System. The highly affordable solution with a 5-inch screen is removable for mobile use and yet perfectly integrated into the vehicle's electronics. Its many functions include a navigation system, hands-free phone system with voice control and an on-board computer. At a later point, the SEAT Portable System will be available as an option for the entire Ibiza family.

With the Ibiza Cupra Concept, driving enjoyment and cutting-edge engineering are guaranteed.

Seat Mii【Video】

>
SEAT has unveiled the Mii minicar this is the Spanish company’s version of the Volkswagen Up!-based Citigo and skeptics bashed the first leaked image, Seat has its own Latin variant which will be a new entry-level model for the brand - the first minicar in the vehicle range since the Arosa (which was based on the VW Lupo) was discontinued back in 2005.

The Mii measures just 3550mm long with a boot volume of 251 litres and will be initially sold as a three door until the availability of a five door model later in 2012.

Power comes from a 1.0-litre engine in either 60PS or 75PS forms, and thanks to a low weight of 854kg it should be sprightly and nimble. The cleanest example, called the Mii Ecomotive, will be capable of covering 62.8mpg on the combined cycle and will emit 97g/km of CO2, making it free to tax and exempt from the London Congestion Charge. Both manual and automated manual transmission will be available.

The interior features all the body-colour panels of the VW too, and SEAT again offers the Mii with a ‘SEAT Portable System’ infotainment device. This is based around a five-inch removable touchscreen that includes sat nav, hands-free phone and onboard computer.

The Mii will launch in three-door form later this year, with a five-door variant joining the line-up after first debuting in Volkswagen Up! form next year.


　


Press Release

THE PERFECT COMPANION FOR URBAN MOBILITY

SEAT Mii - the sporty city car with a youthful design

• Premium interior with great scope for individualization
• SEAT Portable System infotainment computer with Eco-trainer
• Innovative City Safety Assist with laser sensor
• Mii Ecomotive with just 97 grams of CO2/km
• CNG version is one of the world's cleanest vehicles
• Sales start in Spain in November; rest of Europe in Spring 2012

With the Mii, SEAT is presenting the perfect automobile for the urban lifestyle of today. The Mii makes life easier - with compelling utility, exceptional driving fun, high efficiency and innovative technology. The Mii combines SEAT's sporty Mediterranean design with the very best craftsmanship and enormous scope for individualization. Moreover, the outstanding value-for-money and reasonable maintenance costs make the joy of driving a Mii easily attainable - also typical SEAT. Spain, SEAT's home market, will begin sales of Mii before the end of the year, with the rest of Europe following in Spring 2012.

At a length of 3,56 meters, the Mii is the perfect size for modern-day urban spaces. The Mii comes to market at the end of 2011 as a two-door; the four-door version follows in 2012. The all-new 1.0-litre petrol engines with 44 and 55 kW (60 and 75 hp) combine with the low weight of 854 kilograms to guarantee light-footed agility and exemplary efficiency. The Mii Ecomotive has a CO2 figure of just 97 grams per kilometre. The Mii is also a leader when it comes to innovative technologies. The City Safety Assist for instance, adds an extra dimension of safety in the city, while the SEAT Portable System brings together entertainment, navigation, phone and vehicle functions in previously unheard-of fashion.

"The new Mii is the perfect partner for everyday urban life. It is young and fresh, thought through to the very last detail and built to the finest quality. The Mii brings clear SEAT identity to the sub-compact segment and is set to win a significant share of the market," says James Muir, President of SEAT, S.A. "This is why the Mii is an important addition to the SEAT portfolio and a clear next step in our company strategy. With the Mii, we are starting the most comprehensive model offensive in SEAT history."

The package - perfect for the city, but also for longer journeys

Even though the Mii fits lithely into every parking space, its optimum space usage means it still offers plenty of space for four. With a volume of 251 litres the Mii offers the largest luggage compartment in its class. With the rear seat back folded, this increases to as much as 951 litres.

Yet the Mii doesn't stop at the city boundaries. Its spaciousness, excellent comfort levels and sporty dynamics - also thanks to its low weight - also make the Mii a compelling companion over longer distances.

"At just 3.56 metres long, the Mii combines innovative technologies with an incredibly well-balanced overall feel," says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Vice President for Research and Development. "With its low weight and modern drives, the Mii is both sporty and efficient at the same time. It also offers comfort, spacious interior dimensions and a level of safety normally found in larger classes of car."

Design - Mediterranean modernity with clear character

Characteristic and unmistakable - from the very first glance, the Mii is clearly recognisable as a member of the SEAT family. Its front end carries forward the typical arrow visual, while its side line is distinguished by powerful wheel arches and slender roof pillars. The rear end shows a new form of light design with triangular lamp units. The perfect proportions are a key element and are made up of the width of 1.64 metres, the long wheelbase of 2.42 metres and unusually short overhangs front and rear. The steep rear end facilitates the Mii's exceptional spaciousness - optimal functionality is particularly important in the super-compact segment.

"The Mii breathes the very spirit of its remarkable hometown, Barcelona," says Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the new Head of SEAT Design. "It is modern, it has a strong personality, but isn't loud. The Mii has the feel of a modern yet timeless product design. Every detail is precisely defined, but with not a line too many. With the Mii, we are making sporty chic and design quality attainable for all."

Modern clarity and compelling functionality are defining aspects of the interior, too. The perfect ergonomics of the instruments and the control elements fit beautifully with the premium surfaces that can be individualized using coloured trim from the various equipment lines. Its seats are also new - with integrated head restraints, they possess sports car flair, while being very comfortable and well-suited to long-distance driving.

Safety - the Mii looks ahead and brakes for itself

A unique innovation in this class of vehicle is the City Safety Assist - in the event of danger, the Mii warns its driver or even brakes automatically. A laser sensor recognizes other vehicles in front, whether they are driving or stationery. The system warns the driver under threat of an accident at less than 30 km/h. If he/she does not react, the Mii brakes autonomously. In many situations this is sufficient to avoid an accident altogether and will, at the very least, mitigate its consequences. A perfectly matched ESP system is also available and is always combined with City Safety Assist when specified.

Systematic lightweight design means that the base weight of the Mii is only 854 kilograms. Its bodyshell is a piece of hi-tech, formed largely from high-strength and, in places, form-hardened steels. Thanks to exceptional stiffness, it delivers a high-quality feel and excellent passive safety. The side airbags are standard equipment and are particularly large for optimum protection of head and upper body.

Drive - sporty agility with low fuel consumption

Beneath the short bonnet of the Mii is a completely new generation of engines. The compact three-cylinder with a one-litre displacement is very light, compact and smooth-running. With two outputs of 44 and 55 kW (60 and 75 hp), it ensures light-footed agility and compelling dynamics, and not just in city traffic.

Due to its top speed of 160 and 171 km/h, its fuel consumption is just 4.5 and 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres. With a 35-litre tank volume, it offers generous range and long-lasting driving fun - at very low maintenance costs.

The most notable efficiency experts are the two Ecomotive versions of the Mii. Thanks to a start/stop system, recuperation and further consumption-lowering initiatives, they make do with just 4.2 litres, which equates to a CO2 figure of just 97 grams/km. The little SEAT with the later available CNG drive emits a mere 86 grams of CO2/km, making the Mii one of the cleanest cars in the world. As an alternative to a manual transmission, the Mii is also available with an automated manual box, with two electric motors managing the smooth gear change.

Infotainment - unique tool aids efficient driving

SEAT is a young brand - the unique SEAT Portable System is, of course, part of that. The innovative solution with a 5-inch screen is removable for mobile use and yet perfectly integrated into the vehicle electronics. Its many functions include the navigation system, the hands-free phone system with voice control and an on-board computer. The PID can be combined with the integrated radio and speaker system.

"The Mii offers enormous intelligence in a compact format," says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Vice President for Research and Development. "The SEAT Portable System shows how it is possible to offer fascinating technology and innovative functions with tangible added value at an attractive price."

The unique functions of the SEAT Portable System include the Eco-trainer. Shift display, engine speed recommendations, average values and consumption profile all help the Mii owner to drive particularly economically. Plus, the SEAT Portable System is fully integrated into the vehicle electronics. It can be kept up-to-date via internet download, while tailor-made apps will offer additional functions in future.

Equipment - sporty chic or chic sportiness

With three equipment lines, two Style Packs and a wide array of optional equipment and accessories, the Mii can be adapted perfectly to suit individual lifestyles and preferences. Even the base model has all the key elements for safety and urban driving fun, such as ABS, an adjustable steering column, side airbags and Isofix points with Top Tether. Reference and Style are the names of the two other equipment lines, with Style offering features like power windows and central locking.

Would you prefer more chic or more sporting character in your Mii? The two equipment packages Chic and Sport offer the choice, with special colour and trim elements for interior individualization. Alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel are always part of the package - the chrome package in the Chic version adds a special touch, while the Sport version offers tinted windows and a sporty suspension setup for an even more dynamic feel.

SEAT is the only company in its sector with the full-range capacity to design, develop, manufacture and market cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting approximately 75% of its production to 72 countries. SEAT is the market leader in Spain, and in 2010 reached a turnover amounting to 4.7 billion Euros, with total sales of 339,500 vehicles.

SEAT Group employs 13,000 professionals at its three production centres in Barcelona - Zona Franca, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon, amongst other models. The Volkswagen Group production facility at Palmela in Portugal supplies the SEAT Alhambra.

The Spanish multinational also has a Technical Center, a ‘knowledge hub' bringing together more than 900 engineers whose goal is to be the driving force behind innovation for the number one industrial investor in R&D+i in Spain. In line with its declared commitment to environmental protection, SEAT undertakes and bases its core activity on sustainability, namely reduction of CO2 emissions, energy efficiency, as well as recycling and re-using of resources.

2010 RDX RACEDESIGN Seat Ibiza

RDX Racedesign has Releases a new body kit for the Seat Ibiza / Ibiza SC (6J).

RDX’ kit consists of a 169 Euro front spoiler which can be fitted to all model expect Cupra and FR, 35 Euros headlight covers, 129 Euro side skirts, rear bumper extension with mesh grille for 189 Euro, and a roof spoiler which costs 149 Euro. This kit can be fitted to both 3 and 5-door models.

Since every individual component is made of high quality PU/ABS, perfect fit is guaranteed along with low weight, optimal elasticity, and high material stability. This quality is guaranteed by RDX RACEDESIGN with a 14-day cancellation right and a two year warranty.

The RDX RACEDESIGN Seat Ibiza price, which includes all the body parts mentioned above, minus the wheels, is 671 EUR.




Press Release

RDX RACEDESIGN makes the Seat Ibiza 6J & 6J sc more temperamental

• Complete body kit gives the Spanish super-mini a sporty look

• TÜV parts certification or TÜV approval of all parts (no registration required)

• Made of PU/ABS for a perfect fit

RDX RACEDESIGN gives the little Spaniard a sporty flair. The new program for the Seat Ibiza 6J from the body kit specialist makes the Spanish car a racy hit.

The new front spoiler for all Ibiza models except FR and Cupra (169 Euro including VAT) extends the model's lines almost down to the pavement. Together with the headlight covers (35 Euro) it creates a more aggressive looking front section.

The side skirts (set for 129 Euro) lengthen the body between the wheels for a sporty look. This is emphasized by the recess that ends in two grids in front of the rear wheels.

RDX RACEDESIGN makes the rear end look more athletic. This is achieved by the rear bumper extension (189 Euro for all models except FR and Cupra) with its two large grids separated by a striking brace.

The sporty conversion is complemented by the new roof spoiler (149 Euro) that adds a striking accent to the transition to the tailgate.

All components of the new RDX RACEDESIGN body kit are available for the 3-door and the 5-door Seat Ibiza 6J.

The front and roof spoiler package includes a TÜV parts certification, so there is no problem registering them in the vehicle's documents. All other components of the RDX body kit are exempt from registration and do not need to be presented to the inspector.

Since every individual component is made of high quality PU/ABS, perfect fit is guaranteed along with low weight, optimal elasticity, and high material stability. This quality is guaranteed by RDX RACEDESIGN with a 14-day cancellation right and a two year warranty.

For more information on all products of the body kit specialist for Audi, Alfa Romeo, BMW, Fiat, Ford, Opel, Peugeot, Seat, Skoda, Toyota, and VW RDX RACEDESIGN is available by phone at +49 (0) 9172 700 78-0 or on the internet at www.rdx-racedesign.com

2010 Seat Ibiza Good Stuff Special Edition

Seat has released a new special edition Ibiza in partnership with Shakira, the name of this special edition is given after Shakira’s forthcoming Good Stuff European tour.

The Ibiza GS features a Candy White or Speed Blue exterior, 16-inch ‘Sonda' alloy wheels, and tinted rear windows. Other goodies include TomTom satellite navigation, an 8GB iPod Nano, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic climate control, power windows and mirrors, and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system.

The Seat Ibiza Good Stuff engines powered by 1.4-litre 16V petrol engine matched to a five-speed manual gearbox and returning 85PS at 5,000rpm. The sports coupe version is capable of 0-62mph in 11.8 seconds and a top speed of 110mph.
The five-door model takes 12.2 seconds to reach 62mph from standing and has a top speed of 109mph. Fuel consumption is recorded at 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions are as low as 142g/km in the five-door Ibiza.

The Seat Ibiza Good Stuff interior comes with cornering function, one touch electric windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, MP3 compatible AM/FM radio/CD player with combined USB and AUX in port, trip computer and speed sensitive electro mechanical power steering.

Prices start at £12,300 RRP (£12,710 RRP for the 5dr).




Press Release

SEAT'S LATEST SPECIAL EDITION HAS STAR QUALITY

SEAT is celebrating its partnership with Columbian pop sensation Shakira with the debut in UK showrooms of a special edition SEAT Ibiza that's packed with ‘good stuff'.

The new Ibiza Good Stuff is based on the popular Ibiza 1.4 SE, available in both practical 5dr and sporty SC bodystyles, and boasts a sparkling array of neat extras for its bargain £12,300 RRP (£12,710 RRP for the 5dr).

It has been named in recognition of SEAT's sponsorship of Shakira's forthcoming Good Stuff European tour and is available in a selection of smart paint shades including Candy White and Speed Blue.

As befits its moniker, the Ibiza Good Stuff adds a great selection of state-of-the-art extras including a TomTom satnav system and unique SEAT dashboard dock and cradle, black iPod Nano 8GB complete with etched SEAT logo and SEAT branded content, iPod cradle and charger, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

On top of this, Good Stuff buyers can look forward to keeping cool this summer thanks to the special edition's climate control system, and looking cool behind the wheel courtesy of the car's 16" ‘Sonda' alloys and dark tinted rear windows.

Of course there's much more to the car than this, as the extras add to the Ibiza's already generous SE spec which includes, as standard, the likes of electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, front fog lights with cornering function, one-touch electric windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, six-speaker MP3 compatible AM/FM radio/CD player with combined USB and AUX-in port, trip computer and speed-sensitive electro-mechanical power steering.

Beneath the bonnet lies a newly EU V-compliant 1.4-litre 16V petrol engine driving the front wheels through a crisp five-speed manual gearbox. Offering 85 PS at 5,000 rpm, the engine carries the SEAT from rest to 62 mph in a sprightly 11.8 seconds (12.2 seconds 5dr) and offers a top speed, where legal, of 110 mph (109 mph 5dr). CO2 emissions stand at 142 g/km and, on the combined cycle, the Ibiza Good Stuff's official consumption is put at a frugal 47.1 mpg.

The car's name is taken from one of the tracks on Shakira's latest album, She Wolf, and reflects SEAT's ongoing association with the singer from northern Columbian city of Barranquilla.

Aside from the tour sponsorship and multimedia advertising campaign around the Good Stuff model, SEAT is also actively supporting Shakira's work with the Barefoot Foundation - the charity the singer set up when she was just 18 with the aim of making education for children universally available.

Welcoming the showroom debut of the new car, SEAT UK Ibiza Product Manager Andy McGregor said: ‘Adding these great features to the already generously-specified Ibiza creates a smart, sporty and brilliantly well-equipped supermini.

‘Our dealers nationwide are already seeing a massive interest in the new model as TV, press and internet advertising campaigns highlight its availability here.'

Video:Seat Leon Cupra R Launched in the U.K.

The Spanish brand has announced today the Seat Leon Cupra R UK price and the fact that the first cars will hit British shores in a few weeks.

The production of the Seat Leon is sending only 500 copies to the U.K. of its hot new Leon Cupra R. The price is $37,350 and the first cars arrive "within weeks," according to the manufacturer.

Standard equipment includes XDS, ESP stability control, TCS traction control and EBA emergency braking assistance, a sporty twin central exit exhaust pipes within a customised rear diffuser, extended rear spoiler, ‘R’ badging and gloss black highlighting inside and out.

The 2010 Seat Leon Cupra R extracts 265 PS and 350 Nm of torque from a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, which translates into a top speed of 155 mph, needing 6.2 seconds when accelerating from 0 to 62 mph.

At the same time, the car gets 34.9 mpg, while spewing out only 190 grams of CO2 per kilometer.  Other features include XDS, a system that retools the anti-lock brakes to mimic a limited slip differential.  Stability control, traction control, and emergency brake assistance is also included.




Press Release

SEAT's scorching Leon Cupra R is here!

Just weeks after SEAT launched its most economical Leon to date in the shape of the latest Ecomotive the stylish Spanish brand is teeing up the showroom debut of its most potent Leon yet: the awesome Cupra R.

While the green-themed new Ecomotive with its road tax-busting CO2 rating of just 99g/km is all about economy and environmental responsibility the 265 PS Cupra R is, undeniably, aimed at ultra-hot hatch enthusiasts with high octane fuel coursing through their veins.

Storming into UK showrooms now, and due to face the glare of the nation's motoring media at a launch event in the next few days, the latest Leon is nothing less than the most powerful SEAT yet offered for sale in the brand's 25-year UK history.

That 265 PS power peak is the product of a tuned 2.0-litre, four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine - revised by the engineers at SEAT's state-of-the-art Technical Centre in Martorell to make it more potent, even, than the current Leon Cupra which is good for a still impressive 240 PS from its 2.0-litre powerplant.

The 16V petrol engine features a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to satisfy the greater performance demands and allow it to meet strict EU5 emissions standards while revisions to the electronic engine management system, plus increased maximum turbo pressure (1.9 bar at max output and 2.2 bar at max torque, versus 1.8 bar for the 240 PS 2.0-litre TSI in Leon Cupra) complete the powerplant changes beneath the SEAT's svelte ‘clamshell' bonnet.

The torque generated by the new Cupra R's refined and willing engine is, arguably, even more impressive than its power peak. No less than 350 Nm is on offer at just 2,500 rpm - that's a full 50 Nm more than the already muscular Leon Cupra.

Naturally, the challenge of harnessing all this urge in a front-wheel drive set-up has been comprehensively met by SEAT's engineers who have applied a host of effective yet unobtrusive aids to the task.

XDS - SEAT's clever electronic system which uses enhanced ABS functionality to mimic the operation of a traditional limited slip differential - ESP stability control, TCS traction control and EBA emergency braking assistance are among the new car's standard-fit kit and work together to help keep things on the straight and narrow.

The result? Near-supercar levels of acceleration and performance. The benchmark 0-62 mph dash is dispatched in only 6.2 seconds while, where legal, Leon Cupra R drivers can thence press onward to a top speed of 155 mph. Impressive stuff.

As impressive, perhaps, is the new Leon's frugality. Combined economy of 34.9 mpg and CO2 limited to just 190 g/km make the newcomer among the ‘greenest' ultra-hot hatches around. Not green enough to qualify for the brand's Ecomotive badge, of course, but markedly more environmentally responsible than a number of rivals which have CO2 emissions of 220 g/km and above.

The Cupra R's standard six-speed manual gearbox has not escaped the development engineers' attention either: modifications include a shorter ‘throw' (down by six millimetres) to help the driver achieve even faster changes.

As stylish as it is swift, the latest Leon has undergone a number of bespoke styling modifications, inside and out, to elevate its kerbside appeal and deliver the necessary air of exclusivity demanded by what will be an elite hot hatch.

Among the changes are the addition of sporty twin central exit exhaust pipes within a customised rear diffuser, discreet extended high level rear spoiler, subtle ‘R' badging and the careful application of gloss black highlighting inside and out.

The new ebony black front seatbacks even give rear seat occupants a taste of the Cupra R cabin upgrade, while the prominent ‘R' logo incorporated on the seatbacks leaves no one in any doubt about the identity of this super-quick SEAT.

Mighty 19-inch ‘Potenza' wheels, available in traditional silver alloy or contemporary white finish, mark out the ‘R' as something extra special and ensure the car becomes the first SEAT model to use 19-inch wheels on this platform.

UK pricing for the new Leon Cupra R is confirmed at £25,205, production is limited to around 500 in a full year, and the first customer cars are due to be delivered within weeks.

Welcoming the long-awaited arrival of SEAT's most powerful model to date the brand's UK Product Marketing Manager, Andy Medcraft, said: ‘The Leon Cupra R is a special car for us not just because it is the most powerful, fastest and most extreme production model we have yet made.

‘It also clearly illustrates what makes SEAT stand out from the crowd, and is our brand's familiar 'auto emoción' slogan made metal.

'We're anticipating a huge surge of interest around the showroom debut of this exclusive car and I know our dealers nationwide can't wait to welcome it.'

Geneva 2010: Seat IBE Concept

IBE Concept, is the latest creation from Seat and will be unveiled tomorrow at the Geneva Motor Show and is set to show us the design lines of the upcoming cars from the Spanish manufacturer.


In addition to the 2+2 coupe EV, the VW-owned company is also said to be working on a petrol/electric hybrid based on the next Volkswagen Golf platform. A Seat Leon plug-in hybrid is also planned for release in 2014.


The new Seat IBE Concept is a fully electric car and will carry a 102 hp engine capable to deliver a maximum torque of 18 kWh. This means that the car will borrow the same engine from the A1 e-Tron, set to make its official debut at the same Geneva show. Regarding its performances the car will be capable to sprint from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, to 80 km/h in 6.3 seconds and to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. Unfortunately these are the only details available for the moment but stay tuned.


At Geneva, the IBE Concept was shown with a 75-kiloWatt (101-hp / 102-PS) motor that produces up to 200Nm (147 ft-lb) of torque. The car sprints to 50 km/h in 3.4 seconds, and 100 km/h in 9.4s. The 3.78-meter long coupe weighs 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs).


via:4wheelsnews worldcarfans