Road test - Seat Ibiza Cupra

Author: Ian Strachan

It’s hardly surprising that the new fifth-generation Seat Ibiza Cupra is quick and handles like a dream. The car has a great pedigree.

The Cupra can trace its lineage back to the World Rally Championships where it has won three titles. The name is an abbreviation of Cup Racing.

This Seat oozes style. The car's profile is elegant and sleek, with meaty 17 inch alloys and low profile tyres. It also has a purposeful road stance, but despite its sporty lines it can accommodate four people in comfort.

Inside the Ibiza Cupra is as you would expect with its rallying ancestry. Sports seats hug you in a cockpit which is undoubtedly designed primarily for the driver. 

And if you bought this car for its handling and its excellent engine, you won't be disappointed. 

The car is powered by a gutsy 180 bhp twin-charged 1.4 petrol This engine has sparkling performance, with a throaty growl on acceleration, but is quiet inside the car and efficient, with respectable fuel consumption of nearly 35 mpg in mixed driving.

It's a real pleasure to drive. Linked to a tight seven speed DSG automatic gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles the engine is quiet and unruffled throughout. It never sounds or feels under pressure and delivers power exactly when you want it.

Ride and handling are exceptional, with crisp and positive steering response. Suspension is a little hard for some tastes so you'll feel bumps in the road, and it can get skittish on uneven surfaces at speed. There's a need for extra driver involvement, but it all adds to the fun.

Equipment levels are good, with all-round airbags, climate control, electric front windows and mirrors, cruise control, double headlights and cornering fog lights, a split folding rear seat and a good radio/CD player.

You also get steering wheel mounted controls, leather trimmed steering wheel and front sports seats.

This is an easy car to like and a fun and involving car to drive and I was sorry to see it go. The whole thing starts at a very keen £15,995 on the road. 

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserve.co.uk