SEAT confirms new Ibiza Cupra pricing

SEAT has confirmed prices for the new Ibiza Cupra will start from 18k.

Two major changes for SEAT's hot hatch includes a new 1.8 TSI engine in place of the former 1.4, plus the reintroduction of a six-speed manual gearbox replacing the DSG.

The new engine, with more power and torque is joined by a new two-tier line-up, plus a ‘raft of technical enhancements’, larger front brakes, plus Cupra Drive Profile with adjustable damping and steering - offering two modes; Comfort and Sport. Exclusively available in the ‘Sports Coupe’ bodystyle, the new line-up will be available in two versions. The standard Cupra, is priced at £18,100, (£880 less than the previous model with DSG transmission), while the Cupra Black costs from £18,900.

The 1.8 TSI adds an additional 12 PS and 70Nm additional torque, up to 320Nm across a much broader rev range of 1,450 to 4,250 rpm. 0-62 mph is dispatched in 6.7 seconds, before heading on to a top speed of 146 mph. At the same time, fuel economy is 45.6 mpg on the combined cycle.

The new Ibiza Cupra has a 'powerful and edgy stance', with the three-door featuring 'sharply executed' lines and edges. The accentuated rear shoulders and 17-inch alloy wheels also underline its performance. The high-gloss black door mirrors and front grille frame contrast with the Cupra’s paintwork, while at the rear its broad bumper frames a matt-black diffuser which incorporates the race-honed central exhaust tailpipe. EmociOn Red is the standard paint choice.

The upgrades continue on the inside with styling cues from the SEAT Leon. The higher quality interior, with more premium and tactile touches includes a new steering wheel, air vents, instrument panel and infotainment systems. A five-inch Media System with colour touchscreen and DAB digital radio, is joined by a Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free system and multi-function steering Wheel. Hill Hold Control and Tiredness Recognition System have also been added to its list of core equipment.

Both versions include standard-fit Cupra 17-inch ‘Barcino’ alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, XDS electronic differential lock, Cupra front sports SEATs, electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors, plus climate control and cruise control. On the outside, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights and LED daytime running lights join LED rear lights, plus tinted glass on the side and rear windows.

Moving up to the range-topping, the Cupra Black brings styling and technology additions including black alloy wheels with red brake calipers, a Navigation System with 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, 3D map display, voice recognition and two SD card slots.

The new Ibiza Cupra is on sale now.

SEAT reveals Alhambra 20th anniversary model

SEAT’s MPV - the Alhambra - celebrates its anniversary with a special edition model.

The new Alhambra 20th anniversary special edition includes unique design features with an ‘extensive package’ of technologies. The special edition runs on 17-inch alloy wheels in high-gloss black, which are complemented by the xenon headlamps, the tinted side and rear windows and the large panorama glass sliding roof.

On the inside, the dark Alcantara upholstery features stitching in light corn silk with ‘Alhambra 20 years’ stitched into the front sports massage seats. The technology package includes Keyless entry while the tailgate can be operated hands-free by a foot gesture. Like the two sliding doors also open and close electrically. Safety and assistance systems includes Lane Assist lane-departure warning system, Blind Spot Detection, traffic sign recognition and the light assistant.

Prices for the SEAT Alhambra 20th anniversary model are expected to start around the £25k mark.

SEAT unveils Ateca SUV

SEAT has revealed its first ever SUV - the Ateca - in Barcelona. 

Deriving its name from a village in the west of Zaragoza, the Ateca is said to combine distinctive design, dynamic driving fun, urban versatility and compelling utility. 

Launching in the UK this September, it will be available with a choice of turbocharged TSI petrol and TDI diesel engines spanning from 115 PS to 190 PS, with either front-wheel or all-wheel-drive, mated to manual or dual-clutch DSG transmissions. 

An array of technology options extends from full-LED headlights through a series of assistance systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist, right through to a package of high-endinfotainment systems with eight-inch touchscreens and Full Link connectivity. 

At 4.36 metres in length, the Ateca offers seating for five and a boot capacity of 510 litres, or 485- in versions with all-wheel-drive.

“The SEAT Ateca is perfect for an urban lifestyle. It possesses stunning design and dynamics, and boasts compelling quality and utility. But above all, the Ateca exudes unmistakable character,” says Luca de Meo, President of SEAT, S.A. “Our first SUV marks the start of a new era for SEAT. The Ateca is a clear development of the Leon DNA and will drive forward the success of the range. SEAT is a brand on the move.”

Italian Police chooses SEAT Leon

Italian Police chooses SEAT Leon

Italian Police chooses SEAT Leon

Italian Police chooses SEAT Leon

Italian Police chooses SEAT Leon

SEAT has won the fleet contract to supply new Leon cars to the Italian police.

The first 206 vehicles have already started being handed over, with an initial 106 service vehicles being delivered to the Carabinieri and a further 100 to the Polizia di Stato. Overall, the contract includes the option for up to 4,000 vehicles over the next three years. So far, they have taken orders for 925 cars, split between 475 'panthers' (Polizia di Stato) and 450 'gazelles' (Carabinieri).

This marks the first time that both police forces have tendered and selected the same brand and the same vehicle. SEAT says that major factors in the decision included the Leon’s low fuel consumption and emissions figures, as well as its high quality and excellent total cost of ownership.

"We are honoured by the trust given by the Italian police in SEAT and the Leon. And we are very proud to be able to contribute thanks to reliable, secure and high quality vehicles to public safety," says Jurgen Stackmann, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SEAT. 

The new Italian police cars are based on the five-door Leon powered by the 150 PS version of the 2.0 TDI engine. The front end of the cars will be armoured against small arms fire and special safety tyres are fitted, with the suspension adapted to suit. 

Warning and alarm lights, radio and communications equipment, weapons carriers and other items of equipment are also featured and the back seat is laid out as a secure 'prisoner cell', with police officers seated in the front protected by a dividing partition.

Extensive prototype tests were conducted with two vehicles codenamed 'gazelle' and 'panther', while comprehensive endurance testing assured the quality of the vehicles, which will face harsh and demanding conditions in day-to-day use. The armoured door, for instance, was opened and closed 100,000 times and the two vehicles were finally driven continuously for 30,000 kilometres, stopping only to refuel and relieve drivers. 

The base vehicles are produced at the SEAT factory in Martorell near Barcelona, before being transferred to Chivasso, Italy for further adaptation at N.C.T. (Nuova Carrozzeria Torinese), the specialist firm that has converted most of the police cars in Italy since 2003.