|
|
CAP Blog > CAP Blog > Martin's Blog
|
|
Nov
11
Written by:
Martin Ward
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The new Ibiza Cupra is an odd mix of features. The Cupra name is well known by the public and whilst its recognition is not up there with GTI or VXR, it is still nonetheless a good brand.
 However, the new Cupra seems to have lost some of its flair that made it popular in the previous model. For a start the engine is a 1.4 litre TSI petrol engine that produces 180ps. This is a lot of power for such a relatively small engine and is not the 2.0 litre that you would expect in this type of car. Although the engine produces 180ps, it does not feel that quick when driving it. The Cupra is only available with 7 speed DSG transmission that is to all intents and purposes an automatic. Many will say that the DSG is more sporty than a manual and with it having F1 inspired steering wheel paddles, it will appeal to young drivers. This may be true in some cases but I recently went to the local filling station and some young drivers in a Ford Fiesta and a Citroen who were both putting £5 worth of petrol in their cars asked if they could have a look at the Cupra. They were surprised and disappointed with the gear shift lever and said that they would not have one as automatics were for old people. It seems that there may be a need to educate the ‘boy racers’ and whilst some of us are convinced that the DSG system is good, it is going to take a lot to convince others. It might have been a good idea if Seat had been able to offer a manual as standard and the DSG as an option. The DSG gearbox though is very quick and smooth, but you cannot get any wheel spin, which I am sure is what some drivers demand with their cars. If Seat do not want this type of driver to be seen in the Cupra then they will probably have achieved this. The one thing to consider is that while young drivers will not buy this car new, they might do in five or six years time when it becomes affordable to them. Seat might have lost a whole generation of buyers.
The 1.4 litre engine takes the Cupra SC from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds. It has a combined fuel consumption figure of 44.1 mpg, and during our time in the Cupra, it achieved an average of 42.3 mpg according to the on board computer. The CO2 emissions are 148g/km.
 The Cupra is only available in the SC (sports coupe) and it is thought unlikely that it will be offered with five doors. The three door SC does have great styling and is very appealing to both young and old. It has body coloured door handles and bumpers with integrated front fog lights. The SC has some great design lines that make it look very sporty and it does stand out in a crowd as there are some good, strong, vibrant colours available that are bright and really suit the car.
 However, the interior seems to lack the sporty look for a sports coupe. It is just basically a black interior with no added colour to lift the interior and this is a bit disappointing. It really needs Seat in Barcelona to nip down to the local haberdasheries and buy a lot of red cotton or red piping. This would be put to good use on the seats and give it a much deserved sportier look and feel. The front seats do not slide forward but the back rest simply folds; this does not sound very high tech but it does work and provides plenty of room to get in and out of the rear seats.
For so much power and a very stylish and sporty looking car, the price is very reasonable. At £15,995, the Ibiza SC Cupra does offer good value.
Tags:
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
