SEAT is trying to up its supermini hot hatch game by bestowing the Ibiza Cupra with a new engine that VW also gave the revised Polo GTI. It’s a 192 PS 1.8-liter turbo that replaces the old 180 PS 1.4-liter TSI, and it drops the sprint time to 100 km/h or 62 mph to under 7 seconds.

It’s 6.7 seconds to be precise (.3 seconds faster) and the top speed is a respectable 146 mph or 235 km/h.

Quoted economy figures promise an average of 6 l/100 km or 47 mpg UK.

Looks wise, it would appear the exterior hasn’t changed at all, and it’s clear SEAT is unsure it can still cut it, as the digital press blurb reads: “the exterior design is still very much up-to-the-minute and incredibly well received by customers and prospects alike;” of course it is, SEAT, of course it is…

Inside, they’ve done a bit more work. There’s a new and sportier looking steering wheel, new instruments and an extra dose of soft touch finish.

Tech level is also upped via the addition of Apple Car Play and Android Auto capability which can be accessed via a new touchscreen. Two apps are also offered to give users extra connectivity options: SEAT DriveApp and SEAT ConnectApp.

SEAT didn’t say if it was coming to Frankfurt or not, but one thing’s certain: an all-new Ibiza is due next year and we’re looking forward to what they have planned.

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