Skip advert
Advertisement

SEAT Ibiza SC Cupra review

Hot hatch is revised to take on new rivals

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.0 out of 5

Find your SEAT Ibiza
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
9/10 sellers got the price they expected
Advertisement

On paper, the refreshed Cupra stacks up well against newer rivals, with good performance stats and impressive economy. But in reality, its undemanding dynamic set-up and DSG-only drivetrain rarely excite or engage like the best new hot hatches. It’s starting to feel its age inside, too, and can’t even undercut its far fresher and more capable rivals on price.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Since we last drove SEAT’s hottest facelifted Ibiza, three exciting new hot hatches have arrived. So how does the revised Cupra stack up against the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi and Renaultsport Clio now that we’ve tried it on UK roads?

SEAT news and reviews

The styling is potent enough to turn heads, but it’s a shame you can’t have the old Bocanegra model’s striking black face. Even so, the new LED tail-lights and central-exit exhausts still add sporty appeal. Our test car had optional AP Racing brakes (£1,000) that include smart red calipers. Their stopping power seriously impresses, but the normal brakes will be sufficient for most buyers.

Inside, the Ibiza feels a long way behind its rivals. The cheap-looking plastics and dated stereo are past their best, while the lack of kit like a USB port is annoying.

Still, the drivetrain is punchy, and the Cupra is easy to drive fast. In auto mode, the twin-clutch gearshifts are smooth, while changing gears with the steering wheel-mounted paddles adds to the fun factor. Its hard-edged growl under acceleration is appealing, too.

However, the ride and steering let the Cupra down. Low-speed bumps thud through the cabin, something you won’t find with the similarly priced Clio RS. Likewise, the steering is accurate but lifeless – robbing it of the sense of fun that makes the Fiesta ST so good to drive.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”
Opinion - MG4
Opinion

“MG is easily outselling Jaguar, Land Rover and Bentley combined”

The wave of Chinese cars has arrived in the UK, and Mike Rutherford thinks it’s not about to stop any time soon
17 Mar 2024
New Skoda Epiq electric SUV revives the spirit of the Yeti
Skoda Epiq - front
News

New Skoda Epiq electric SUV revives the spirit of the Yeti

The all-electric Skoda Epiq crossover SUV is set to be fully unveiled next year and is likely to cost around £22,000
15 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: brand new, top-spec VW Tiguan SUV for way less than you think
Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line - front tracking
News

Car Deal of the Day: brand new, top-spec VW Tiguan SUV for way less than you think

The all-new third generation of Volkswagen’s smash hit mid-size SUV is our Car Deal of the Day for 14 March
14 Mar 2024