SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra

SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra - coming to the UK by the end of this year.

SEAT likes to consider itself the purveyor of sporty VW cars with a twist. And this car – the SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra – will do plenty to justify that tag.

First shown as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, it is back to be unveiled as a proper production model at the Barcelona Motor Show in full, road-ready trim.

Based on the SEAT Ibiza Cupra, this promises to be a hot hatch with lots to offer. Immediately identifiable by its dramatic black nose treatment (Bocanegra means Black Mouth – not sure I’ll find a way to use that little snippet the next time I’m in Javea, but I’ll try!) which, much to our surprise, carries over almost unchanged from the concept. To add to the ‘Black’ theme, the Bocanegra also gets dark double headlights, black door mirrors and a dark tinted roof. You also get a set of 17-inch ‘Sira’ alloys.

Round the back the Bocanegra gets a mesh grill and a roof spoiler, and the mandatory ‘Bocanegra’ badges. The interior gets a titivate as well, with unique sports seats with red stitching and a Bocanegra ‘B’ on the headrests, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, black gloss trim and a few more ‘B’ badges.

Whilst there are actually two versions of the Bocanegra available – a 148bhp or a 178bhp version – the UK is just getting the hotter model. This delivers a 0-60 time that should just shade the 7 second mark. A limited slip diff helps with ‘spirited’ driving, and the Bocanegra also comes equipped with a terrific 7-speed DSG ‘box.

UK cars wil be here by the end of this year, and prices are expected to come in at around £16,750.