SEAT Gets Sexy

Ibiza Cupra R

Hot hatch - The SEAT Ibiza Cupra R

Spanish VW company SEAT are not content to wait for the new Polo platform to spice up their mid range Ibiza model. While it will wait until 2002 to use the Polo IV platform, meanwhile SEAT plans a limited edition hot sport version, the Ibiza Cupra R.

This will get the 180 bhp 1.8 litre petrol engine from the Audi TT, this will mean it is beaten only by the Renaultsport Clio as the fastest production supermini. However, SEAT claim it will be a better car than the Renault, with better handling and braking. Only 200 cars are planned, at about £17,000 each, although SEAT hint that the production figure may double if sales take off.

The New Arosa

The New Arosa - the Lupo's Uncle

SEAT's new Arosa presents a clean, impressive, and sporty design ; after the model received criticism for its lacklustre looks. The front is characterised by the double front headlamps, and a grill more in keeping with the rest of the company's range. The rear can be opened in the same way as SEAT's, tilting the Seat logo.

Inside it gets a new, more ergonomic dashboard, with options including leather upholstery, ABS, electronically adjustable mirrors and more. The engine choice ranges from the 50 hp 1.0 litre to the 100 hp sporty 1.4 16V, and Diesel options of the economic 60 hp 1.7 SDi and the impressive 75hp 1.4 TDi with unit pump injectors.

The Salsa Allrad

SEAT Concept - the Salsa

While SEAT's Salsa concept car is still some time away from production (see May Wheelspin), they have already unveiled an off road version. The off road Salsa is wider and higher, suited to the more demanding nature of this type of vehicle. The exterior is golden, with more prominent bumpers and mudguards.

The Seat Salsa Allrad concept car, can ; like the original Salsa concept ; alter the driving character for different conditions . The Salsa Allrad goes one step further, also modifying the dynamic conditions and exterior aspect of the vehicle in each of the driving modes.

The interior has also been modified. A large, clear bubble, which projects information relating to the climate system, telephone, navigation and audio equipment, also distributes air from the climate control system without the use of vents. The telephone connection makes it possible to receive and transmit information over the Internet, as well as the use of MP3, WAP and UMTS technology. The interior is also waterproofed, in keeping with its intended outdoor use.

Under its sealed bonnet the Allrad sports a 2.8 24v VR6 engine able to deliver up to 250 hp connected to a five speed, automatic Tiptronic gearbox. The Salsa is not set to enter showrooms until 2005, the Allrad concept will probably follow a year afterwards.

SEAT Salsa - rear view

SEAT to sell cars in Mexico

Volkswagen AG unit SEAT said that it is to sell cars in Mexico from March 2001. The company will have its own distribution network of 25 exclusive dealerships, with Volkswagen de Mexico being SEAT's official importer.

just-auto.com - December 6, 2000

Sent in by Pete Frost

all Volkswagen Group communications and photos reproduced with permission of Volkswagen UK