SEAT Ibiza Cupster concept shown

Celebrating 30 years of the Ibiza model, SEAT’s open top Ibiza Cupster concept sports a wrap-around strip window, lower and wider stance, roll-hoops supported by large double-bubbles and a lip spoiler that sits over the boot. A custom orange paintjob is contrasted by the dark grey of the bubbles, whilst large 18-inch alloys add further aggression to the exterior.

The interior also features some new additions, the low windscreen being matched by bucket seats that sit 80mm lower to the ground than standard. The steering wheel is wrapped in pure aniline leather whilst the interior is bathed in Alcantara, and there’s a significant reduction in clutter across the dash, inspired by the simplicity of the Ibiza Trophy race car.

The car isn’t all show and no go, however, because the concept is based on the Ibiza Cupra, meaning a 178bhp 1.4 TSI engine sends power to the front wheels via the ultra-fast DSG gearbox. Running gear will all be Cupra too, so lots of grip will be on offer from the car’s firm ride.

After recently stealing the front-wheel drive lap record at the Nurburgring with its Leon Cupra 280, the addition of a sporty concept certainly suggests we could see a much racier future at SEAT as the Volkswagen Group tries to define each of its brands more individually.