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SEAT Ibiza Cupra (2009-2017) review

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Parkers overall rating: 4 out of 54.0

At a glance

Price new £17,775 - £19,120
Used prices £1,724 - £11,004
Road tax cost £190 - £210
Insurance group 27 - 29
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 436 - 465 miles
View full specs for a specific version

Available fuel types

Petrol

Pros & cons

PROS

Great hot hatch styling, turbocharged performance, sharp handling, comfortable and well built interior

CONS

No manual gearbox, DSG automatic detracts from driver enjoyment

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

It may not quite be up there with GTI, but the Cupra badge is fast building a reputation as a name associated with great to drive, performance hatchbacks. This Cupra is based on the three-door Ibiza SC hatch and adds even more striking features to the distinctive shape including 17-inch alloys, larger bumpers and a centrally mounted squared-off exhaust.

It certainly stands out, but to confuse things slightly, there’s also a Bocanegra model. Translated this means ‘black mouth’ and the name becomes obvious when you see the front with its distinctive black grille and bumper surround. It’s mechanically identical to the Cupra and uses the same 1.4 TSI engine that delivers an impressive 180bhp and a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds.

Unusually, there’s no manual gearbox, instead the quickest Ibiza is fitted with a sequential DSG gearbox as standard.