Super Cupra

Finds out how the Ibiza Cupra’s hot hatch credentials measure up against the competition

The Cupra badge has been adorning Seat’s hot hatches since the Ibiza first wore the moniker way back in 1999. Under the bonnet of the latest model to wear the badge sits a 1.8-litre turbo coupled to a sixspeed manual gearbox.

The front axle wears an XDS electronic differential and you also get adjustable dampers for no extra cost.

The front seats are snug and supportive with plenty of flexibility to allow you to get comfortable, very comfortable, behind the wheel.

Some of the plastics are less tactile than you might like but they are generally reserved for less well explored areas.

The five-inch touchscreen comes equipped with Media System Plus 3D map display, high resolution colour driver’s display, two SD card slots and navigation voice control. You also get Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink thrown into the mix, so there are plenty of connectivity options.

Rear legroom is restricted, this is a small car, after all, but there’s ample headroom.

You won’t be concerning yourself with all of that once you’re on the move though.

The Ibiza will, according to Seat’s official figures, reach 62mph in just 6.7 seconds but in real life, even in my hands, it feels much, much quicker.

Peak torque arrives at just 1,450rpm but, while the engine will rev to just short of the 7,000rpm, it does get a little breathless towards the top end so it’s better to change up a little early if you want to keep the motor in the hot zone.

The exhaust emits a satisfyingly raspy note that perfectly suits the Cupra’s character but, if it’s a little too muted for you Sport mode will raise the volume in the cabin – although it’s largely synthetic – while also stiffening up the dampers and adding a little welcome weight to the steering, which is a little light in normal mode.

It is direct, though, and accurate. Turn into a bend and there’s never any doubt that the rear wheels will follow the carefully prescribed arc of the fronts.

The gearbox is a slick and precise and the clutch offers just the right amount of resistance. Refinement is excellent. Aside from the engine noise permeating the cabin under hard acceleration – which is more than welcome, thank you – there’s very little else to disturb the peace and quiet.

The boot is a reasonable 293 litres, which during my week with the Cupra has proven to be perfectly adequate for my day to day needs.

I’ve had a soft spot for the Ibiza since I drove the onelitre FR earlier this year and

the Cupra only reinforces that affection.

Apart from the fact that it’s a bit of a bargain, it’s an absolute hoot to drive quickly, yet can also accommodate four passengers in comfort, or five if they don’t mind their comfort with a little dis.

It’s a strict three-door which does impact on practicality a little but hot hatches always look a little cooler minus the rear doors.

There are some very capable machines providing the Cupra with some serious competition – the Ford Fiesta ST chief among them – but Seat’s hot hatch is hard to ignore.