SEAT Ibiza SportCoupe

Star of SEAT’s show stand was the SportCoupe, the stylish three-door addition to the Ibiza range. It made its global debut at the show in the shape of two models, one painted bright blue and the other in orange, both complete with a panoramic glass roofs.

The new model takes inspiration from the Bocanegra concept car, and it will go on sale in the autumn. Prices start at around £9,000 for the entry-level three-cylinder 69bhp 1.2-litre model.

An 84bhp 1.4-litre, and a 103bhp 1.6-litre will also be available, while other engines, including the diesels and a mooted 170bhp 1.4-litre super-turbo Cupra model are set to be introduced in 2009.

Other UK show debuts for SEAT included Ecomotive variants of the Leon hatch and Alhambra MPV. Both use the same fuel-saving tweaks as the Ibiza Ecomotive to return 76.3mpg and 57.6mpg respectively, plus CO2 emissions of 119g/km and 159g/km. A new Ibiza Ecomotive is due in 2009, which will better the current model’s figures of 88.3mpg and 99g/km of CO2.

SEAT also revealed the Leon Emoción. Based on the Reference model, it gets more equipment. It adds 16-inch alloys and front foglights, plus steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and is powered by either a 1.6-litre petrol or 1.9-litre diesel. The newcomer costs from £13,250 for the 1.6 petrol, rising to £14,350 for the 1.9 TDI.

And the final newcomer from the firm was a Leon Cupra sporting special Speed Blue paintwork. This is,one of a selection of bespoke new shades set to be made available later this year.

FOR OUR EXCLUSIVE BRITISH MOTOR SHOW 2008 VIDEO OF THE IBIZA CLICK HERE!

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