SEAT Ibiza Cupra (2009 - 2017) 1.4 TSi Cupra Sport Coupe (09-12) 3d DSG (2011/60) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I think that the poor downtrodden motorist can still have fun and be enviro aware!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My family like it - my daughter tries many ploys to get her hands on it. I don't care what anyone else thinks.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes I would. It's terrific to drive (ignore the carping DSG reviewers). I'm not in the first flush of youth but I'm not ready for the comfy slippers and the Nissan Note.

What are you likely to buy next?

Same again, unless the money for my Aston Vantage comes through from the lotto.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£15,500

When did you buy the car?

February 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got an excellent deal (This car comes with most of the options and I'm not fussy about colour which means I got a car that just been delivered into the UK - no waiting) and a terrific trade-in value for my Alfa 159. I think times are hard for dealers and we really pushed for the best deal (2.5 hours!). Also great servicing deal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Mostly, there's only the two of us in the car although it's capable of taking 5 as long as they're slim. The cost of motoring is such that I wanted sports performance but with economy and lower running costs than my previous Alfa.

What was the dealer like?

Very good, unlike the dealer I used before.

What's it like to drive?

Terrific. Fast yet composed. The Parkers reviewer didn't like it so much (see review) he mentions the kickdown for example. No reviewer seems to have noticed that, even in auto mode, you can still override with the paddles. The tiptronic gearstick mode seems to be the wrong way round - you pull back to change down - which isn't very intuitive. The sport mode is a bit hairy and not really suited to Brit roads or smooth driving. Stay in auto or use the paddles or both and you won't go wrong.

What's it like to park?

Simple. Even for me.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not a thing.

What's most practical about your car?

This is a supermini so practicality not really an issue for me but the boot's pretty good for the size and takes all the luggage for two of us.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

No one thing stands out - it's all good The DSG gearbox is brilliant.