SEAT unveils Ibiza SportCoupé
Click on the above image for high-res photos of the SEAT SportCoupé
Following the launch of the SEAT Ibiza five-door in April, the Spanish automaker has debuted the new Ibiza SportCoupé. When compared to the five-door, the new three-door appears nearly identical from the front. However, a glance at the profile reveals striking differences in the C-pillar. Where the rear side window on the five-door sweeps upward towards the integrated spoiler, the window sill on the new coupe follows the contour defined by the crease in the fender. The rear of the vehicle, with the large hatch, seems nearly unchanged.
Targeted towards a sportier clientele than its sibling, the SportCoupé sits 17mm (.67") lower than the five-door. When equipped with the 1.6-liter (105 PS) powerplant, the Ibiza will be offered with a seven-speed DSG double-clutch gearbox (courtesy of Volkswagen, SEAT's parent company). SEAT promises even high-performance Ibiza FR and Ibiza Cupra versions will debut over the coming months. We know Americans are supposed to hate hatchbacks, but more minds would change if vehicles like the SEAT SportCoupé were available here.
Gallery: 2009 SEAT SportCoupé
[Source: SEAT]
SVELTE NEW SEAT IBIZA SPORTCOUPÉ BREAKS COVER
Hot on the heels of the smart SEAT Ibiza five-door's international debut, the dynamic Spanish car maker is today revealing its stunning new Ibiza SportCoupé.
With two fewer doors and an even more svelte shape than its stylish five-door supermini sibling, the sassy SportCoupé is tailored very clearly towards drivers keen to mix fun and functionality with a head-turning shape.
The SportCoupé's bespoke silhouette – at 1,428 mm it is 17 mm lower than the five-door with a markedly different and more aggressive design treatment throughout – clearly signals the sporting intentions of the latest addition to the new Ibiza family.
And that dedication to driving excitement is underlined by the newcomer's technical highlights which include the option of cutting edge seven-speed DSG double clutch gearbox technology – a world first for the supermini segment.
The ultra slick-shifting automatic/sequential manual 'box will be available on 105 PS 1.6-litre versions of the new car, while crisp handling and a composed ride are assured courtesy of the Ibiza SC's all-new supermini platform – the first application of this particular engineering base in the Volkswagen Group.
There's also a different interpretation of designer Luc Donckerwolke's 'Arrow Design', with lowered headlights and repositioned radiator grille serving to reinforce the muscular new motor's obvious kerb appeal.
Precise engine and trim combos have yet to be confirmed, although it's already clear that more potent FR and Cupra versions of the new Ibiza will certainly sport SC styling when they make their debuts over the coming months.
SEAT Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said of the important addition to the new Ibiza family: 'Traditionally, a significant part of our business has been built on the success of three-door Ibiza, so the unveiling of this stunning new SportCoupé is a key moment for us.
'I know our existing Ibiza owners, as well as sports-orientated supermini buyers generally, will be thrilled at what they see. Personally, I can't wait to see the new Ibiza SC on the road here in the UK!'
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ultima GT-R 2:45PM (6/05/2008)
that thing a rebadged hyundai elantra?
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Astro 2:52PM (6/05/2008)
i think you mean Accent...
bbcha 2:55PM (6/05/2008)
you're not even close with that. There's no way that looks like a hyundai elantra or accent!
XJ 5:43PM (6/05/2008)
Yes, it does.
http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2006/10/30/30hyundaiM_m.jpg
CH 1:52AM (6/06/2008)
Yeah, I see what you mean. It got four wheels, an engine, a windshield and doors so it must be copied from Hyundai.
Ultima GT-R 2:32AM (6/06/2008)
@CH
no you don't see what i mean..you just need to stare at the elentra a little more
CH 5:23AM (6/12/2008)
Hmm.
*stare*
*stare*
*stare*
Jeesh, my eyes hurt and I still don't see the similarities.
Oh, wait...
Yeah it got four wheels, that's it.
Ultima GT-R 5:33PM (6/12/2008)
@CH
You are effin blind. ;)
Pacman 2:55PM (6/05/2008)
Looks like an old Hyundai Tiburon
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Shiftright 3:03PM (6/05/2008)
Whatever it looks like, it isn't very pretty. It is definitelu Hyundaish, which is not a very good thing. Not been crazy about Seat's designs of late. They are desperately seeking an image....Their first non-Fiat based cars in the early 80's were much more unique and interesting than their current VW based offerings.
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skiwithme 3:18PM (6/05/2008)
the bocanegra concept was sooooooo gorgeous
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/03/geneva-08-preview-seat-bocanegra-concept-next-ibiza/
:(
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SPG 4:15PM (6/05/2008)
Buy the Ibiza SportCoupe and some flat black paint and you're more then halfway to the concept you liked.
Guenther 3:29PM (6/05/2008)
Not sure if this looks more like HELLO KITY or the grinning cat from Alice in Wonderland.
Is the Ibiza a Golf or a Polo?
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Mattias 3:42PM (6/05/2008)
Next gen Polo.
Guenther 3:47PM (6/05/2008)
In that case, not terrible for a small car. The Polo is just SO vanilla. With the 80ps bluemotion set-up, it could be a nice commuter.
pmiddle5 11:11PM (6/05/2008)
Why do we hate hatchbacks again?? Is it because the last Honda Civic hatch diddnt sell well since they wouldnt allow it to compete with the rsx (a Honda cant be better then Acura!)
or is it the only other choice (Golf) is an unreliable nightmare generally.
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Bobby 1:42AM (6/06/2008)
Errr ..... I think I can be a car designer too. Given that the man behind this still gets a job, and of course Product Manager, as the man who gave the nod for production.
SEAT is probably the most lost-in-the-wild European manufacturer.
They're just trying to be different for the sake of being different.
THIS: http://www.autonetplus.com/autonetpluscom/noticias/fotos/seat_leon_cupra_r.jpgIs what I last remembered how SEAT's supposed to look like, I mean, can't they modernised this without going everywhere on the pen?
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Beastage 6:52AM (6/06/2008)
I dont understand Seat , why go with new lines?! almost all their new cars share similar design I expected the Ibiza to follow but they come up with something too asian in my eyes.
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