NEW SEAT LEÓN CUPRA AND IBIZA FR

Posted 7th May, 2009 in SEAT | Leave a comment

With the arrival of the 2009 version of the León, SEAT’s most powerful and spectacular car now features even more impressive looks thanks to several new features inside and out, creating the perfect extension of the León that is making phenomenal strides in the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.

Visitors to the Barcelona Motor Show can admire the design of a car that has become a benchmark in terms of performance and road handling, mainly thanks to the excellent work carried out on its chassis and its powerful, efficient 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine. And the best is yet to come, since the improvements made to the 2009 version, coupled with the electronic XDS self-blocking mechanism, make the new León CUPRA a true segment leader.

Reworked styling

The most obvious difference on the new León CUPRA is its new silhouette, featuring sophisticated, innovative black honeycomb cooling vents at the front beneath the central grille. The front bumper houses two further black highlights, one at each side, with the word CUPRA immediately visible on the left.

The rear features a prominent black moulding at the bottom of the bumper, a polished steel oval tailpipe and the characteristic model name in the centre of the hatch.

A side look at the León CUPRA reveals a lower ground clearance compared to the standard León version, making the car look and feel more like a racing unit, equipped with 225/40 tyres on spectacular 18 inch rims. Through each wheel’s five double-spokes, the brake discs and sporty red brake callipers are clearly visible, while the eye-catching wheel arches and black-encased door mirrors are all further distinctive traits of the SEAT model.

All the interior elements are black clad, replacing the usual light tones on other models. There is a leather steering wheel with aluminium colour inserts and the CUPRA logo at the bottom and a matching gearknob. Further sporty details are the white-faced instrument dials and aluminium pedals.

Special mention goes to the Leon CUPRA seats, with their true racing bucket styling featuring integrated headrests and the “CUPRA” badge displayed on the backrests. These seats offer tremendous side support when dealing with corners, as well as driving comfort. An attractive new option now available is black leather upholstery with white cross-stitching, highly reminiscent of 70s competition cars.

Maximum control with the XDS system

The new XDS system crucial in helping the powerhouse León CUPRA 2009 convey all of its horsepower to the road, at the same time guaranteeing the highest levels of safety, precision and control.

This electronic system works together with ESP to very progressively apply braking power to the wheel that loses grip when dealing with a curve. It is as effective as a mechanical self-blocking mechanism, but works more smoothly and avoids installing another mechanical element on the car.

A lot of credit must also go to SEAT’s efficient Agile Chassis, which is still fully effective on the León CUPRA 2009. Its precise exterior dimensions combine perfectly with a generous wheelbase and front McPherson suspension set-up with a Multi-link rear assembly, making it one of the models with the best dynamic performance in its segment.

The chassis of the previous León CUPRA generation was a benchmark in its segment for its sporty performance, agility and quick response to the driver’s prompts. But the new León CUPRA achieves the seemingly impossible – it provides the driver and passengers with even greater driving comfort, thanks to modifications made to the shock absorber ratings and silentblocks.

240 hp 2.0 TSI engine, a true thoroughbred

The new León CUPRA 2009 is equipped with the same powerful 240 hp 2.0 TSI engine as its predecessor, which provides brilliant performance and delivers exceptional fuel consumption figures. Top speed is clocked at 247 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration takes only 6.4 seconds, and it covers a standing kilometre in only 26.4 seconds. At the same time, average combined fuel consumption is listed at 8.3 litres for every 100 km.

In order to get the most out of this engine, the new León CUPRA is equipped with a six-speed gearbox, whose gear ratios have been purposely adapted to provide a top-notch mechanical assembly.

Top of the line equipment

The León CUPRA 2009 offers a fully comprehensive equipment line-up.

Driver and passenger safety is one of the highlighted aspects, with the possibility of protection offered by up to eight airbags – two at the front, two front side airbags, and a head airbag at the front and rear. These six airbags come as standard, with the further optional possibility of rear side airbags. The rear window seats are also equipped with Isofix anchoring points for child seats.

As well as the innovative new XDS system, other standard active safety elements include ABS, TCS, ESP and EBA emergency braking that activates the hazard lights when engaged. The car’s anti-theft device is a standard, volumetric, motion-sensing alarm. Furthermore, the León CUPRA is equipped with other electronic driving aids such as cruise control and a driver-defined maximum speed warning system.

Hill Hold Assist is an optional electronic driving aid found on the new SEAT León range that keeps the vehicle stationary on a slope for up to two seconds when the brake pedal is released prior to accelerating. This prevents the car from rolling forward or back, and makes city driving and manoeuvring more comfortable.

Furthermore, the navigation system is completely new compared to the previous version. This one combines audio equipment and satnav functions with a touch screen and SD memory card. The screen also interacts with the new climate control mechanism. The screen displays information related to navigation, audio, telephone and climate control. The Integral Parking Pilot has front and rear sensors, and the Optical Park System displays the proximity to obstacles surrounding the vehicle on its screen, as a visual back-up to the warning beeps.

Additionally, the León CUPRA is equipped with the following standard equipment: low tyre pressure warning, cornering fog lights, trip computer, CD radio + MP3 + 8 speakers + Aux-in, combined USB + Aux-in installation and dark glass, among others.

NEW SEAT IBIZA FR

The Barcelona International Motor Show is the chosen backdrop by SEAT for the world debut of the new FR version of its most popular Ibiza.

This important addition instantly expands the most sporty element of the Ibiza range, as SEAT launches a spectacular car that combines innovative design with the character and exclusivity of a 150 hp twin charged 1.4 TSI engine and DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles. The new FR promises a truly intense driving experience, and will soon be available in the SC and five-door body styles in the different markets.

FR genetic make-up

True to its name, the SEAT Ibiza FR features an exceptionally sporty exterior, matched by an equally engaging interior.

The athletic look of the whole is first noticeable on the front and rear bumpers. Both are bigger and project an aggressive silhouette, highlighting the front honeycomb grilles. A chrome frame surrounds the one in the centre, and this combines with the characteristic Arrow Design on the Ibiza that features lower headlights – with their white background casing, and a lower radiator grille.

Other specific tell-tale FR elements include the silver coloured door mirrors, 215/40 tyres on specific 17-inch rims, and the twin lateral exhaust pipes..

The interior also conveys the car’s racing nature with high gloass black dashboard inserts on certain elements such as the radio casing, instrument panel binnacle hood and the base of the automatic DSG gearknob. Other features supporting that sporty look are a specific instrument display carrying the FR logo, newly-designed steering wheel featuring built-in DSG shift paddles and the seat design, whose contours and stitched upholstery differ from the rest of the range.

Twin charged 1.4 TSI engine

The new SEAT Ibiza FR is equipped with one of the most modern engines on the market in the shape of the efficient 150 hp twin charged 1.4 TSI engine. Thanks to its latest generation technology, this engine provides greater flexibility, brilliant performance and lower fuel consumption figures and emissions levels, and fully complies with EU-5 legislation.

The Ibiza FR’s engine, which replaces the 150 hp 1.8 20VT of the previous version, is mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles. As on the CUPRA version, the gearbox has been developed with sportier software than on the 1.6 (which also boasts the option of DSG). Moreover, the shift paddles on the Ibiza FR definitely contribute to its sporty feel.

Likewise, the new DSG gearbox on the Ibiza FR is innovative in itself. It is the first seven-speed gearbox with a transversal assembly position, as well as the first with a double dry clutch. This combination, including an optimised pinion housing with less oil and an energy supply adapted according to need through the electro-hydraulic regulating unit, deliver better consumption figures than even a manual gearbox.

The performance figures of the new Ibiza FR register a top speed of 212 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 7.7 seconds. Its twin charged 1.4 TSI engine delivers a maximum torque of 220 Nm between 1,250 rpm and 4,500 rpm, and its average fuel consumption is 6.3 litres for every 100 km. These figures make the Ibiza FR one of the most efficient cars in its class.

The FR’s 1.4 TSI engine also delivers outstanding CO2 emissions of just 146 g/km thanks to its reduced cylinder capacity, keeping in line with SEAT’s commitment to lowering the emissions levels of all its engines.

Now with XDS

The addition of the XDS system to the equipment on the Ibiza FR provides much greater driving comfort and safety. This electronic system works together with ESP and functions as a self-blocking mechanism. It improves the car’s performance when traction is lost by applying braking power to the wheel that loses grip.

This system provides a similar feeling on the steering wheel as driving a car with a limited slip differential self-blocking mechanism, considerably improving the capacity of transferring power to the ground beneath the front axle. Especially around curves, this prevents the inside wheel from slipping and reduces understeer, providing the Ibiza FR with unbeatable handling.

This exciting feature works in concert with the brand’s characteristic Agile Chassis concept to provide efficient driving in any conditions.

Generous equipment

The SEAT Ibiza FR features a complete line-up of standard equipment that is hard to find on other models in its segment.

One significant aspect on the Spanish brand’s new car is its electronic equipment, including standard XDS, ABS, ESP stability control, TCS traction control + EBA emergency braking assistant, and Hill Hold Assist.

Safety elements on the Ibiza FR include standard driver and passenger airbags, head-chest airbag, front fasten seatbelt warning, trip computer, cruise control, low tyre pressure warning, CD radio with MP3 + 6 speakers + Aux-in connection, climate control, sporty FR seats and sports suspension, as well as double headlights and cornering foglights for enhanced visibility.

As with the rest of the range, the new Ibiza FR will be manufactured at the SEAT factory in Martorell near Barcelona.

Note: The figures related to performance, consumption and emissions levels are pending homologation.