SEAT Ibiza Cupra Diesel Version Unveiled

SEAT Ibiza Cupra

SEAT Sport extends its range

May 26, 2004 8:02 AM
Filed Under: German, Seat

Press Release

Introduction

SEAT Sport extends its range

With the arrival of the new Ibiza Cupra, SEAT Sport is extending its range of high-performance products. The Diesel version features the new 160 hp (118 kW) 1.9 TDI, the sportiest, most powerful Diesel engine in SEAT's history, while the petrol version is equipped with the 180 hp (132 kW) 1.8 20VT, an exclusive engine-chassis combination within the Volkswagen group. Both versions will be sold exclusively in the three-door version and, together with the León Cupra R, will form SEAT's sportiest trio.

With its 160 hp output, the Ibiza Cupra TDI reaches a top speed of 220 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. Top speed on the petrol version is 229 km/h and its 180 hp boosts it from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.3 seconds. These figures make the Ibiza Cupra some of the best performing cars within their segments.

Greater power and higher speed required a specially developed, efficient chassis to transmit the engine's horsepower to the asphalt, offering exceptional stability in all driving conditions and enhanced braking capacity. As with the latest brand launches, this new Cupra is equipped with Agile Chassis (DSR dynamic steering response), that includes modifications to certain mechanical elements, giving the model greater driving response.

The Ibiza Cupra's unmistakably attractive looks lie in its compact silhouette, large air intakes, low profile 205/40 tyres on 17 inch alloy wheels. It comes equipped with 16 inch brakes, 312 mm self-ventilating front discs and a special option of red, four-pot brake callipers.

The colour black abounds in the interior, giving a sporty feel to the passenger compartment. Colour details are reduced to the white-faced dials on the instrument panel and touches of red on the air nozzles, gear indicators, and stitching on the steering wheel, seats, headrests, gear lever and hand brake. The Cupra logo is stitched on the backrest of the front seats and embedded on the central spoke of the steering wheel.

A sports minded vehicle must provide a high level of safety. The Ibiza Cupra is equipped as standard with ABS, TCS and ESP, which includes EBA, an aid that increases braking capacity in emergency situations. Other standard safety features include driver and passenger airbags, side airbags and seatbelts with pyrotechnical pre-tensioners.

The Ibiza Cupra is the fourth production model launched by SEAT Sport since 2000, when they began developing and manufacturing the brand's most exclusive, high performance production cars.

With the arrival of this model, SEAT has included the Cupra concept, synonymous of sportiness and high performance, in a Diesel powered vehicle. As with the León Cupra R, all the Ibiza Cupra units will be manufactured at SEAT Sport's facilities in Abrera near Barcelona.

The Diesel version is scheduled for an imminent market launch, while the petrol version will be available after the summer.

Design

Sporty image

All the elements that make up the sporty design of the Ibiza Cupra have a practical and functional purpose.

Unique elements to the Cupra is a specially designed front bumper that includes a spoiler without visible mouldings or mountings and larger air intakes to increase airflow into the engine bay, making it easier for the intercooler to 'breathe'. The front end also features a contrasting grille arrangement with intake slats at the top and a honeycomb design underneath. Sitting proudly in the centre is the SEAT symbol in a chrome surround.

In profile, the Ibiza Cupra can be identified by the striking design of its alloy wheels. The five double-spoke 7J x 17 inch wheels have visible bolts and are shod with low profile 205/40 R17 tyres.

The rear bumper also features a spoiler without mouldings and has a large chromed oval tailpipe emerging from beneath. This is an exclusive feature of SEAT Sport products that helps identify the new Ibiza Cupra at a glance.

Other distinguishing features at the rear are the spoiler trailing off the roof, smoky titanium coloured taillight housings and the word 'CUPRA' directly beneath the large S symbol. Externally there is no difference between an Ibiza Cupra TDI and Ibiza Cupra petrol.

Sporty interior atmosphere

As is traditional with products developed by SEAT Sport, the image of the exterior is mirrored on the inside. Elements that lend to this sporty feel are the seats, steering wheel and pedal block.

The interior colours - black, red and white - also add to the atmosphere. The trim is all black, the instrument dials are white, and there are touches of red on the air nozzles, gear indicators, and stitching on the steering wheel, seats, headrests, gear lever and hand brake.

The model is equipped with supportive sculpted seats as standard. The passenger seat features Access Plus, a system that makes it easier to get into the rear seat. The front seats have the Cupra logo stitched onto the backrests.

The exclusive three-spoke steering wheel has a perforated black leather ergonomic grip on both sides for more positive handling. A neat touch is the strip of red leather at 12 o'clock on the steering wheel imitating the 'straight ahead' marker found on a racing car. The steering wheel also has a small Cupra badge embedded in the central spoke.

Behind the height and reachable steering wheel stand four white-faced dials; a large speedometer and rev counter flanked by a smaller temperature gauge and fuel level indicator. Metal capped sport pedals lie at the driver's feet.

ENGINES

The most powerful Diesel in its segment

Both engines available on the Ibiza Cupra are outstanding in their own way; the 180 hp 1.8 20VT petrol version for its powerful agility and the 1.9 TDI for its performance output.

Ibiza Cupra TDI

The new Ibiza Cupra TDI is the most powerful Diesel vehicle within its segment. Its 1896 cc, 160 hp (118 kW) 1.9 TDI engine mated to a six-speed gearbox is based on the León FR's 150 hp 1.9 TDI.

Engineers at SEAT Sport have carefully fine-tuned the engine for increased performance. The result is a fantastic 118 kW (160 hp) output at 3,750 rpm, placing this TDI engine at the top of its segment. The 10 extra horsepower and 20 Nm extra torque achieved by SEAT Sport are delivered at the same rev range as on the 150 hp version. In fact, the new Diesel engine outperforms the 150 hp version across its entire rev range.

With its high engine torque of 330 Nm at 1,900 rpm, the model reacts immediately to driver response, giving exceptional in-gear acceleration. The Ibiza Cupra TDI only takes 5.27 seconds to accelerate from 60 to 100 km/h in fourth gear, 7.16 seconds in fifth and 13 seconds in sixth.

Further contributions to added performance include efficient electronic management, a redesigned intake and exhaust manifold, and the front intercooler, which enhances thermal performance by cooling intake air and increasing its density. This has a direct effect on power by taking better advantage of the fuel's combustion.

The intake diameter is larger until it reaches the air filter, and the new diesel injection and turbo regulation mapping have increased horsepower without significantly increasing turbo pressure, which is now 1.55 atmospheres compared with 1.5 on the 150 hp TDI.

Another improvement is in the exhaust system. Redesigned for the engine to 'breathe' better, the lower counter pressure at the exhaust exit also helps the engine deliver better performance.

Its 160 hp output gives the model a top speed of 220 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 7.6 seconds and 0 to 1000 metre acceleration in 28.6 seconds. These outstanding performance figures are achieved with low fuel consumption. The Ibiza Cupra equipped with a TDI engine only needs 4.5 litres of fuel for 100 km of out of town driving, with a combined fuel consumption rate of 5.4 l/100 km.

Ibiza Cupra petrol version, powerful and effective

The Ibiza Cupra petrol version is equipped with the well-known 180 hp (132 kW) 1.8 20VT engine. This sporty, powerful engine provides a pleasant driving experience, thanks to its steady torque of 1,500 at 4,000 rpm, for a value of 245 Nm.

Mated to a five-speed gearbox, the Ibiza Cupra petrol version reaches a top speed of 229 km/h. The new suspension ratings on the front shaft help boost the car from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.3 seconds, and give 0 to 1000 metre acceleration in 28.4 seconds.

Its fuel consumption figure on the extra-urban cycle is 6.1 litres of petrol for every 100 kilometres of driving.

  1.9 TDI 160 hp 1.8 20VT 180 hp
Performance
Top speed (km/h) 220 (in 6th) 229 (in 5th)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) 7,6 7,3
In-gear acceleration 60-100 km/h (s) 7,16 (in 5th) 7,28 (in 4th)
Acceleration 1000 m (s) 28,6 28,4
Fuel consumption
Urban cycle (l/100 km) 7,0 10,9
Extra urban cycle (l/100 km) 4,5 6,1
Combined (l/100 km) 5,4 7,9
CHASSIS

Effectively agile

A sporty vehicle must be equipped with a powerful engine and a chassis that is designed for safe, precise and agile driving.

As on the latest vehicles developed by SEAT, this new model is also equipped with the 'Agile Chassis' concept incorporating Dynamic Steering Response (DSR). This sophisticated system combines carefully tuned suspension settings with a computer controlled 'intelligent' programme that varies the assistance given to the steering according to how the car is being driven, resulting in precise handling and sharper responses to driver input.

The work carried out by SEAT Sport engineers on both the Diesel and petrol versions has led to a series of modifications to every part of the suspension system - coils, shock absorbers, silent blocks, anti-roll bar, etc., without modifying its inherent design.

The suspension system combines softer coils and short, stiff shock absorbers, silent blocks that quickly transmit compression support to the chassis, tyres with a lower slip angle and more purposeful steering.

The softer coils on the Ibiza Cupra compared with the FR versions are an essential aspect on a vehicle with these characteristics. The stiffer shock absorbers lend greater stability against rocking and are slightly stiffer than on the FR in terms of compression support. The shock absorber blocks are 8 mm shorter, which improves sporty driving on curvy roads, and the anti-roll bar (20 mm) has a slightly wider diameter (Ø 19 mm on the FR), improving road-hugging around curves.

The silent block anchoring has been changed from the wishbone to the front sub-chassis. Their rubber structure is stiffer, transferring support immediately to the chassis like the ball joints on group N rally cars, but with superior driving comfort.

Modifications to the rear shaft include new coils, which are 20% stiffer than on the Ibiza FR, and revised shock absorbers to match the car's greater power output and front shaft characteristics.

The Ibiza Cupra also has a lower ground clearance than the FR versions. The front shaft has been lowered by four millimetres and the rear by thirteen, placing them at the same level and lowering the car's centre of gravity.

The distance between the front and rear track on the Ibiza Cupra is greater, giving increased stability when driving at high speed and on the motorway.

The electro-hydraulical power steering provides less assistance at high speed, increasing the dynamic driving feeling at motorway speeds.

All of these modifications have led to a 15% increase in rigidity compared to the Ibiza FR and 30% compared to the Sport versions. With an added 8% improvement in road hugging, the Ibiza Cupra offers sportier behaviour and better road handling around curves than the effective Ibiza FR.

Comprehensive standard safety

Besides the excellent level of active safety provided by DSR and specific suspension ratings, the model features several other safety elements as standard.

The Ibiza Cupra features all the active safety systems currently available across the SEAT range, including ABS, TCS and ESP with latest generation EBA.

EBA increases braking capacity in emergency situations, when many drivers do not take full advantage of the car's braking power. The system recognises this pattern and applies all the necessary pressure to reduce braking distance.

The 16 inch brake system is made up of 312 mm (288 mm on FR) self-ventilating front discs and 232 mm solid discs at the rear. The discs are visible through the 17 inch alloy rims, which are shod with low profile 205/40 tyres. SEAT Sport has also developed winter tyres with the same dimensions.

Red, four-pot brake callipers are also optionally available on the front shaft, which make the brake system more resistant to fading and improve effectiveness when braking pressure is repeatedly applied.

Passive safety elements include standard driver and passenger airbag, side airbags, front seatbelts with pyrotechnical pre-tensioners and pressure regulator, rear seatbelts with three point anchoring and Isofix fasteners for child seats.

All of these active safety elements make the Ibiza Cupra an agile performer around curves with sharp, safe reactions to driver response.

EQUIPMENT

Distinctly exclusive

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

ELECTRICAL

SEATS AND UPHOLSTERY

FUNCTIONAL AND MECHANICAL

SAFETY

AIR CONDITIONING

INSTRUMENT PANEL

WHEELS AND TYRES

Optional equipment

A wide range of optional elements can be added to the complete list of standard equipment.