Sadly South Africans no longer get to enjoy Seat's products, a fact that hits home harder every time the VW-owned Spanish brand releases a new hot hatch, like the Ibiza Cupra Concept.
Said to be a close-to-production glimpse of the forthcoming Ibiza Cupra, the concept is making its European debut at the Wörthersee GTI fest in Austria. So do you want to know what you're missing out on?
Mechanically similar to the latest VW Polo GTI, the Cupra Concept is powered by a 132kW/250Nm version of VW's twincharged 1.4-litre petrol engine. Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and the Cupra also sports VW's XDS electronic diff lock and high-performance brakes.
Adding the necessary visual allure is bright Spice Yellow paintwork that contrasts with gloss-black exterior mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels, with red brake callipers visible through the spokes. This Cupra also sports a large trapezoidal lower air intake.
Seat promises that the production version of the new Ibiza Cupra Concept will hit European showrooms towards the end of the year.
"Immediate and linear acceleration, with agile handling, good traction and responsive brakes are the key ingredients for what the Cupra name represents," Seat's R&D vice president Dr. Matthias Rabe exclaimed. "The new Ibiza Cupra Concept is a perfect example of how we at SEAT are adapting the latest Volkswagen Group technology to create a unique and highly rewarding package."