2009 Seat Ibiza FR

More Spanish flair that we will never see in Australia. This time, the new Ibiza FR. In Seat-speak the FR range sits below the Cupra name. This Ibiza FR, then, sits in the mild section of the spice rack.

I’m not sure that the twin side crease lines work as well as the flowing curves of the Leon, but there is no denying that this car makes a bold statement. Overall, it is a great looking hatch. Even if Seat interiors do lack some of the polish from their Volkswagen and Audi cousins. Just see the crudely mounted aftermarket-style sat nav screen in the images below for an example.

The Ibiza FR is powered by a 110kW 1.4 TSI, and is based on the new Volkswagen Polo, which Australian readers will see down under early next year.

More goodness after the jump.

SEAT RELEASES FIRST DETAILS OF NEW LEON CUPRA AND IBIZA FR

SEAT is releasing first details of the forthcoming new Leon Cupra and Ibiza FR, two hot hatches that further strengthen the ‘sporty’ gene which lies at the very core of the dynamic Spanish brand.

Both cars are set to make their world debuts at the Barcelona Motor Show (9 to 17 May), with UK sales commencing around July for the Leon Cupra and September for the Ibiza FR. Prices will be announced closer to their respective on-sale dates.

Cupra is the hottest badge in the SEAT hierarchy and therefore the 240 PS TSI Leon version will, as before, sit above the Leon FR models that have already been unveiled (which have a choice of 2.0 TDI CR 170 PS or 2.0 TSI 211 PS engines). Meanwhile, the Ibiza Cupra, which has already been previewed at the Paris Motor Show last year, will now be joined by this barely less swift FR TSI version.

New Ibiza FR – high-tech pocket rocket with razor sharp looks

The FR version of the new generation Ibiza introduces several technical highlights compared with the previous model, which combine to provide a more intense driving experience. First and foremost, the compact hot hatch is equipped with a state-of-the-art 150 PS twincharger 1.4 TSI engine. This means that this relatively small capacity powerplant is able to deliver big-engine performance through the fitment of both a supercharger and a turbocharger – a first in the supermini class.

Thanks to its latest generation technology, this engine provides greater flexibility, punchy performance and lower fuel consumption figures and emissions levels, while fully complying with EU5 emissions legislation.

The high-tech theme doesn’t stop there. The Ibiza FR’s powerful engine is mated to a latest generation seven-speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles fitted as standard. As on the Cupra version, the gearbox has been developed with more driver-focussed software than on the 1.6 version of the Ibiza.

Furthermore, the addition of the XDS system provides greater driver confidence and safety. As with the Leon Cupra, this electronic system works together with ESP, improving the car’s performance when traction is lost by braking the wheel that loses grip.

The Ibiza FR benefits from its own styling enhancements quite separate to either the Ibiza Cupra or other models in the Ibiza range. Highlights include new bumpers that lend a purposeful appearance, featuring front honeycomb slats and a chrome surround for the central grille in combination with the Arrow Design concept. Other tell-tale exterior elements are silver-coloured door mirror cases, exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and twin tailpipes.

The interior also conveys the car’s racing nature with a specific instrument display carrying the ‘FR’ (which stands for Formula Racing) logo, a new steering wheel with built-in DSG shift paddles and the seat design, whose upholstery also heavily contributes to its sporty looks.

As far as standard equipment goes, SEAT’s new car is further equipped with ESP, TCS + EBA, ABS, Hill Hold Control, low tyre-pressure warning, driver and passenger airbags, head-chest airbag, trip computer, cruise control, climate control, sports suspension and cornering foglights, among other features.