Seat Reveal New Ibiza FR & León CUPRA Facelift Ahead of Barcelona Debut

• 150 hp twin charger 1.4 TSI engine for the FR version
• The León CUPRA 2009 features revamped interior and exterior styling
• XDS self-blocking mechanism as standard on both models

SEAT will be one of the main attractions at the upcoming Barcelona International Motor Show, which is taking place from 9 to 17 May, where two of the Spanish brand’s sportiest models will be making their world debut – the new Ibiza FR, which combines design and sporty character with top-notch performance; and the new León CUPRA 2009, distinguished by increasingly imposing looks and significant changes on both the interior and exterior.

New Ibiza FR – decidedly sporty

The new FR version of the Ibiza introduces several novelties compared with the previous model, which all combine to provide a more intense driving experience. First of all, the brand’s new car is equipped with the efficient 150 hp twin charger 1.4 TSI engine. Thanks to its latest generation technology, this engine provides greater elasticity, brilliant performance and lower fuel consumption figures and emissions levels, and fully complies with EU-5 legislation on the subject.

The Ibiza FR’s powerful engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles. As on the CUPRA version, the gearbox has been developed with sportier software than on the 1.6 model of the Ibiza range.

Furthermore, the addition of the XDS system provides greater driving comfort and safety. This electronic system works together with ESP and functions as a self-blocking mechanism. It improves the car’s performance when traction is lost by braking the wheel that loses grip.

The new design of the Ibiza FR highlights its sporty looks on the inside as well as on the exterior, with new bumpers that lend a more aggressive appearance, featuring front honeycomb slats and a chrome surround on the central grille in combination with the Arrow Design concept. Other tell-tale exterior elements on the FR are silver coloured door mirrors, specific 17 inch rims or the twin tailpipe to one side.

The interior also conveys the car’s racing nature with a specific instrument display that carries the FR logo, a new steering wheel with built-in DSG shift paddles and the seat design, whose upholstery also heavily contributes to its sporty looks.

As far as standard equipment goes, SEAT’s new car is further equipped with ESP, TCS + EBA, ABS, Hill Hold Control, low tyre pressure warning, driver and passenger airbags, head-chest airbag, trip computer, cruise control, climate control, CD radio with MP3 + 6 speakers + Aux-in connection, sports suspension and cornering foglights, among other elements.

New León CUPRA – completely new look

With the arrival of the 2009 version of the León, the SEAT range’s most powerful and spectacular car now features even more impressive looks thanks to several elements introduced on the interior and the exterior, making it the perfect extension of the León that is making phenomenal strides at the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.

The most obvious is the new silhouette, featuring sophisticated, innovative black honeycomb cooling vents at the front beneath the central grille. The front bumper houses two further black highlights, one at each side, with the word CUPRA immediately visible on the left.

The rear features a prominent black moulding at the bottom of the bumper, a polished steel oval tailpipe and the characteristic model name in the centre of the hatch.

A side look at the León CUPRA reveals a lower ground clearance compared to the basic León version, making the car look and feel more like a racing unit. The spectacular 18 inch rims, eye-catching wheel arches and black encased door mirrors are all distinctive traits of  the SEAT model.

All the interior elements are black clad, replacing the usual light tones on other models. There is a leather steering wheel with aluminium colour inserts and the CUPRA logo at the bottom and a matching gearknob. Further sporty details are the white faced instrument dials and aluminium pedals.

Special mention goes to the Leon CUPRA seats, with their true racing bucket styling, featuring integrated headrests and the “CUPRA” badge displayed on the backrests. These seats offer tremendous side support when dealing with corners and driving comfort. An attractive new option is now available in black leather upholstery with white cross-stitching.

The same as on the previous version, the new León CUPRA 2009 is equipped with the powerful 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine, which provides brilliant performance and delivers exceptional fuel consumption figures. Top speed is clocked at 247 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes only 6.4 seconds, and it covers a standing kilometre in only 26.4 seconds. At the same time, average combined fuel consumption is listed at 8.3 litres for every 100 km.

The new SEAT León CUPRA features such standard equipment as the XDS system, ABS and TCS, ESP with EBA emergency braking, low tyre pressure warning, driver and passenger airbag, side airbag and head airbag, climate control, cornering foglights, trip computer, cruise control, sports suspension and CD radio + MP3 + 8 speakers + Aux-in, among others.