Seat Ibiza SportCoupe sneak preview

By Phil McNamara

Motor Industry

06 June 2008 14:56

Seat will launch its sexy Ibiza SportCoupe at the July 2008 London motor show, but CAR was granted a sneak preview yesterday.

Unlike many three-door variants, the SportCoupe is no 5-minus-2-door, jokes Luc Donckerwolke. Seat’s head of design was the driving force behind the differentiated models. ‘When I arrived at Seat, there was no plan for a three-door with unique roof, lamps and trunk.’

But using the original Lancia Delta Integrale as his spiritual inspiration (and there’s a distinct similarity in the two car’s glasshouses), Donckerwolke set about creating the SportCoupe.

The two Ibiza bodystyles diverge above the driver’s head, with the three-door’s roofline descending more steeply. The rear wings are new, kicking out over the wheels to create a broad shoulder along each side, exaggerating the track, the bespoke rear lamps and the rump’s wide stance. The steeper screen, bigger spoiler and funkier rear window graphic make for a tasty three-door.

By Phil McNamara