Seat Ibiza SportCoupe 1.4

Seat Ibiza Sport Coupe 1.4

2008-09-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

If we're being picky - and when aren't we? - there are a couple of tiny problems with the Ibiza SportCoupe. One, it isn't sporty. And two, it isn't a coupe.

You can't blame them for a little over-excited hyperbole. The Seat marketing guys are so pleased with the three-door iteration of their new supermini - penned by former Lambo designer Luc Donckerwolke - that they've foisted a mildly nonsensical name on it.

The SportCoupe may not strictly be a coupe, but it is a striking little design. The roofline has been chopped by a couple of centimetres, and everything from the B-pillar back has been substantially revised.

(In fact, Seat plans to bring out a special edition SC with the concept's trick lights and plastic grille. We approve.)

The sharp shoulder crease now runs up over the top of the rear light cluster - on the five-door, it cuts straight through the middle - giving the SC a squatter, muscular stance. On the bigger 17in wheels especially, the overall impression is, well, impressive. The interior's neat, too - all soft-touch plastics and swoopy lines and glossy buttons. All good.

Inevitably, the SportCoupe isn't quite so striking in the driving department. Inevitable because, remember, this is ultimately a value-driven supermini: it's simply a symptom of the sharp looks that you expect a bit more responsiveness on the road.

Objectively, the SC drives perfectly adequately - the steering is nicely judged, while the optional 'Sports' suspension handles body roll well without ever resorting to crashiness - but the overriding sensation is that the Ibiza's handling is set to 'homely' rather than 'edgy'. A lack of Sport, in other words.

The engines don't help. With no diesels likely to arrive until next year, you're stuck with the choice of a 1.2-litre three-cylinder (too small), a 1.6-litre four-pot (too lethargic) or a revvier 1.4-litre engine. The last is the best bet, but none of the engines gives you the chance to find the outer limits of the chassis, which I'd wager are high. Or wide. Or something.

However, next year we'll see the Cupra version of the SportCoupe, expected to develop around 180bhp from a turbo- and supercharged 1.4-litre petrol engine. That'll sort out the sportiness gripe, while bigger wheels and a bodykit won't harm the looks. With the promise of such a potent combination, we can only assume it'll be named the Ibiza CabrioTractor.

Seat Ibiza Sport-Coupe Revealed

2008-09-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

Set for its worldwide debut at the London Motor Show in July, the first teaser images and details of the Seat Ibiza Sport-Coupe have been released The highlight is surely the introduction of a new seven-speed DSG gearbox for the 105 hp 1.6-liter version – the first time a vehicle in this segment has incorporated the new technology.

The exterior styling follows very much along the lines of the Bocangra concept although it still lacks the large front and rear air intakes which we will probably see in the high performance “Cupra” version. Three engines will be available starting with the entry level 1.4 liter petrol engine and a 90hp 1.9-liter TDI engine along with 105 hp 1.6-liter petrol engine with the seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Production has been slated for the Martorell factory near Barcelona but there is no word on the launch date or pricing yet. On top of the expected super performance Cupra model, there will also be the FR and ECOMOTIVE version released in the not too distant future.

Seat Ibiza SportCoupe 1.4

2008-09-11T04:08:00.000-07:00