| New derivative | 2008 SEAT Ibiza SportCoupé |
The new SEAT Ibiza three-door will be called the SportCoupé and the Spanish company has confirmed it will form the base for all of its supermini-sized hot hatch models. With a 17mm lower roofline, the SportCoupé has a more aggressive look that's helped by headlights that sit lower than on the
five-door model, along with a repositioned grille.
SEAT says the SportCoupé is "tailored towards drivers keen to mix fun and functionality with a head-turning shape." The car will come in FR and Cupra models later on, but SEAT has yet to confirm prices and specifications for the UK.
However, SEAT has announced that the SportCoupé will come with the option of a seven-speed DSG sequential manual gearbox with the 1.6-litre petrol engine. This is the first time this engine and gearbox combination will be used in a VW Group car and a world first for the supermini segment.
The Ibiza five-door goes on sale in July and the three-door will follow on shortly afterwards.
Alisdair Suttie - 4 Jun 2008