Seat Ibiza SC Cupra 1.4 TSI DSG 3dr Car Review - March 2012

On the whole the driving experience with the SC Cupra is quite good, with the responsive accelerator delivering speed and power at low and mid-range speeds. The steering is generally quite good, but does suffer a loss of grip when cornering in the wet, and doesn’t give as much feedback as some of its rivals. The DSG automatic gearbox is certainly a highlight, with the paddle changes being directly behind the steering wheel and changing up seamlessly. The driving position is very good with plenty of adjustment options available, but the rear visibility is limited by the small rear window.

The 1.4 litre engine can deliver some remarkable performance figures, with acceleration from 0-62mph taking place in only 7.2 seconds. The top speed of 140mph is also very good and will satisfy many petrolheads, but the refinement in the cabin when driving at speed is really impressive and beats rivals that are generally much noisier when driving at speed.

The SC Cupra is a much sportier looking car than the standard Ibiza, and the bold body kit will certainly appeal to those who are looking for an alternative to the more popular hot hatchbacks. The large air intakes at the front give the car an aggressive appearance, and the lines on the bodywork are more defined. Inside the SC Cupra has an interior which is equally striking, with seats that have the Cupra logo embroidered, and a well designed dashboard that is easy to read.

The SC Cupra does come with a good range of technology included as standard, with Bluetooth connectivity a useful addition, along with the large 17-inch alloy wheels that really help to complete the look. Cruise control and climate control both help to ensure that the car is comfortable and easier to use on a long journey.

As with any small hatchback, the Seat Ibiza is particularly good around town with its small body being easy to park, but it can also boast five seats, although headroom and legroom in the back could be better. The boot is also of a reasonable size. Seat hasn’t always had the best reliability reviews, but since they became a part of the Volkswagen group this has improved significantly, which will be very reassuring for potential buyers.

The SC Cupra is also a very safe car, having been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test. This is largely because the car has a good range of airbags that will look after the driver and passengers should there be an accident. There is also a range of driving aids that ensures that the power from the engine is delivered safely and reliably to the wheels.

With a list price of £17,905, it is fair to say that the SC Cupra isn’t the cheapest in the Ibiza range, and this may be off-putting for some potential buyers. However, when compared to other hot hatches this car is actually quite competitive, so it really does depend on the individual buyer.

Running costs for the SC Cupra aren’t as competitive as some of the diesel engines in the range, with the 1.4 litre engine only able to achieve an average 44.1mpg. This is the trade-off that comes with the good engine performance figures. The insurance group is also very high, meaning that premiums won’t be cheap, particularly for younger drivers. This version of the Seat Ibiza is supplied with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, which is fairly typical for cars in this class.