Weekend roadtest: Spanish gem is rare treat

Black faced Ibiza leaves rivals red faced

SEAT has unveiled a little gem in its range.

The Ibiza ‘supermini’ is the cornerstone of the brand with a third of SEAT’s sales in the UK taken up by these three and five door models.
The new Ibiza uses the Volkswagen latest group platform and offers the latest in engine and powertrain technologies so with prices starting from £9,135 they are considerably cheaper than similar their VW counterparts. No longer can we complain that the Ibiza, although smart, was let down by its noisy and under-performing engines and the ride comfort was far too harsh.
The new range includes sporty FR, Cupra and Cupra Bocanegra versions and these have the brand’s first use of VW’s brilliant 1.4-litre TSI engine with its twin supercharger-turbocharger engine. This unit is also mated with the VW seven-speed DSG automated gearbox and XDS electronic differential lock. This engine/transmission combination is only available for Ibiza SC three-door models, reminding us of SEAT’s sporting heritage.
The FR uses a 150PS version of this engine whilst the Cupra and Cupra Bocanegra use a stunning 180PS state of tune.
The difference between the Cupra and Cupra Bocanegra is the front-end styling, dark tinted alloy wheels, black lettering on the boot lid badging and a few interior enhancements. Priced at an attractive £16,695 the Bocanegra is £700 more expensive than the ‘standard’ Cupra.
Bocanegra means ‘black-face’ in Spanish and SEAT first used the Bocanegra name 34 years ago but they showed a SportsCoupe Bocanegra concept at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and such was the demand that it is now available, but only in relatively small undisclosed numbers.
Believe me the black-faced Ibiza really did attract some attention from fellow road users and pedestrians during my very brief test drive last week. Any owner will be noticed so be aware and if you are not seen you will be heard because the exhaust note of the twin-charged 1.4-litre petrol engine is fantastic at full bore.
I’m too old to be a boy or a girl racer but even for me the Ibiza Cupra and Bocanegra is a car I would be happy to have. The response of the twin-charger engine is stunning for its capacity and seamless in its power delivery between the supercharger and turbocharger modes.
Zero-62mph takes 7.2 seconds but it feels much faster and the top speed for road use is an irrelevant 140mph. But the unit, because it delivers 250Nm of torque from 2,000rpm, means it is just as happy and responsive at slow in-traffic dawdling speeds. Fuel economy is officially 44.1mpg but my short test returned less than half that figure.
The seven-speed DSG twin clutch automated gearbox with the electronic XDS differential works well but some owners, particularly track day fans, I’m sure would rather have a close ratio manual gearbox. However the sequential shift gearlever or paddle shift options get you in the mood for fun or just leave it in full auto mode for the crawl to and from work.
The ESP electronic stability and traction control light came on very easily on wet roads during my test drive and would be intrusive for some experienced drivers who might like to experience the extreme parameters of this excellent model’s performance.
The new SEAT suspension requirements for improved comfort, but with the same sharp handling characteristics we know from the past, work. The ride is on the firm side but the car is comfortable and the sports seats supportive.
A little gem is now to be found in the all new SEAT range.

MILESTONES.
SEAT Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra 3-Door £16,695
Engine/Transmission: 1.4-litre, four-cylinder TSI petrol with supercharger and turbocharger, 180PS, 250Nm of torque from 2,000rpm, 7-speed DSG gearbox with XDS electronic differential lock. Performance: 140mph, 0-62mph 7.2 seconds
Fuel: 44.1mpg (20-ish having fun), CO2 148g/km, VED Band F £125, BIK tax 17%. Insurance group: 14E.
For: The engine, the looks, the price, the fun.
Against: Not enough supply to meet demand I suspect.