Spy Shots: 2010 Seat Ibiza Cupra

The Seat Bocanegra Concept from March’s Geneva Motor Show was originally thought to be means of creating excitement ahead of the launch of the fourth generation Ibiza hatch, however, prototypes of a new performance Ibiza hatch with similar styling to the original show car have now been spotted. The new car is the Cupra edition of the Ibiza and it’s expected to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in November before going on sale early next year.

According to Seat’s design director, Luc Donckerwolke, the positive reception at Geneva meant “there was no way Seat couldn’t put the Bocanegra into production.” He also said that many of the concept car's features, including the panoramic glass sunroof, would make it to production.

The new Ibiza Cupra will be based on the three-door sports coupe revealed earlier this month but will sport a new bumper with larger intakes and a twin-pipe exhaust system. Under the hood will be a twin-turbo 1.4L petrol engine with 180hp (134kW) channeling power through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This will ensure it will be able to keep up with similar sporty hatches such as the Ford Focus ST and Renault Clio.

Seat Ibiza Cupra spy shots

Seat Sportcoupe three-door Ibiza

Seat Bocanegra Concept