In SEAT's vocabulary, 'Cupra' is the equivalent of the Audi RS models while 'FR' is comparable to the German firm's 'S' badged cars. Now that we have got that out of the way, let's see what the VW Group's Spanish brand has in store for us. Set to make its world debut alongside the 2009 Leon CUPRA 240HP facelift at next month's Barcelona International Auto Show, the all-new Ibiza FR sits right under the Ibiza CUPRA model that was introduced at last year's Paris Motor Show.It shares the same twin charged 1.4-liter TSI engine with the CUPRA, but detuned to develop an output of 150 instead of 180HP. The engine is hooked up to a six-speed manual gearbox or optionally, a seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission with steering wheel shift paddles that features a sportier software than the one fitted on the 1.6 model of the Ibiza range. SEAT has not disclosed any performance figures but expect to see a 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of around 8,0 seconds.
Compared to the standard Ibiza SC (three door model), the Ibiza FR is distinguished by a new front bumper featuring honeycomb slats and a chrome surround on the central grille plus a diffuser-style rear apron. Other unique exterior elements on the FR are the silver colored door mirrors (yep, just like Audi's S models), the 17 inch rims and the twin tailpipes.
As for the sport hatch's interior, it comes with a modified instrument panel that carries the FR logo, a new steering wheel and sport seats with special upholstery.
