Seat, Volkswagen’s Spanish subsidiary, appears to be showing up its big brother. Their revamped models, set to debut at next month’s Barcelona motor show, offer just as much if not more than their stateside counterparts. The Leon Cupra, while unchanged under the hood, boasts a new XDS electronic differential, which should help transfer ponies from either of the two available powerplants to the torque-steer prone front wheels. Meanwhile, the exterior gets a makeover as well; a sharper front fascia and revised rear diffuser are complimented on the sides by matte black mirror housings, and the car rides slightly lower than the outgoing model, giving it a sportier stance. The Ibiza FR is packed with enough gadgets to make it seem like a much more expensive car: the turbocharged and supercharged coupe generates 148hp, which it runs through a Lexus-like 7-speed paddle shifted DSG transmission. Among the host of other gadgets is the new e-diff also featured on the Leon Cupra. Both cars have race-inspired interiors, from the stitched and bolstered seats of the Leon Cupra to the perforated leather steering wheel of the Ibiza FR. I don’t think anyone would complain if either of these models made their way across the pond.
More images of the Seat Leon Cupra and the Ibiza FR after the jump.
Source: Global Motors
