The Seat Ibiza Cupra Is Now Rocking More Power And A Manual Gearbox

We were never terribly fond of the old Seat Ibiza Cupra for a few reasons, but probably the biggest was the gearbox. Like its VW Polo GTI, Audi A1 184 and Skoda Fabia vRS siblings, its 1.4-litre ‘twin-charger’ engine was only available with a twin-clutch automatic gearbox - not exactly the transmission of choice for a small hot hatch. Happily, the Ibiza Cupra has just been facelifted, and like the recently refreshed Polo GTI, the 1.4 is gone, replaced with a 1.8-litre. With a six-speed manual. Much more like it.

It’s more powerful than the old 1.4, with 189bhp (plus 236lb ft of torque) making 0-62mph possible in 6.7 seconds. Interestingly, unlike the Polo - which still has a DSG option - the Cupra is stick only.

Want one? It’ll go on sale in the UK early next year, for an as yet undisclosed price. You’ll be able to see it in the metal at this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.