Geneva Motor Show 2008

It’s the most sensational new SEAT yet! Bringing a large dose of style to the firm's show stand, the Bocanegra previews the replacement for the Ibiza supermini, which is due in dealers here in 2009.

The name Bocanegra means black mouth, and is a clear reference to the model’s innovative Perspex-trimmed front end. The trans­parent covering houses the LED headlights, and comprises a recess for the number plate as well as vents that feed cooling air to the engine.

There’s also a panoramic sunroof, dramatic high-level side indicator repeaters and distinct­ive slashes in the bodywork, all of which gives the car an instant ‘Wow!’ factor.

Although bosses are keen to stress that the Bocanegra is a prototype, they promise that the design touches on the forth­coming production car will be every bit as striking, from the grille to the elegant door mirror mountings.

Inside, there’s similarly impressive attention to detail, with the centre console and cleverly thought out clim­ate control system clear examples of this. The design of the latter is unique to this model, and the vents feature special mesh grilles to direct the air more effectively.

Under the bonnet lies a twin-turbocharged 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine. This is linked to the VW Group’s state-of-the-art seven-speed DSG sequential manual transmission, and promises to serve up a tempting combination of pot­ent performance and strong refinement.

The three-door hatch is being described as a SportCoupé, and has been styled by a team led by Luc Donckerwolke. It’s the second SEAT to be penned by the Belgian – he was behind the Tribu 4x4, which debuted at last autumn’s Frankfurt expo, and also designed the Murciélago supercar while working at Lamborghini.