Seat Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra 1.4 TSI 180 CV, test drive (part III)

We have reached the final part of the test drive of the Seat Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra, in the first part we saw how its 1.4 TSI 180 CV engine performs, an engine paired with the seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, a highly recommended addition for the Bocanegra.

In the second part of the test we looked at its exterior and interior design and the car’s practicality, identical to that of an Ibiza, since despite its compact dimensions it offers good interior space. And in this third part of the test we will focus on the standard equipment of the Ibiza Bocanegra, the prices and our overall assessment of the model.

Equipment

Within the equipment, we begin as always with the safety equipment, which in the case of the Bocanegra is quite comprehensive, with multiple airbags, stability control (also standard across the whole Ibiza range), as well as ABS and emergency brake assist.

In the Euro NCAP crash test results the Ibiza earned the famous five stars, and among city/compact cars it is a fairly safe car, and it is always an important detail that stability control comes as standard across the entire range.

Within the equipment of our version we can highlight the CD-MP3 radio with USB input, a radio you have to get used to, but which works well, and its six speakers sound really good for standard units, especially when compared with those of other similar models on the market.

Both the regular Ibiza and the Bocanegra have no major gaps, above all because the standard safety equipment is complete, and comfort equipment is not bad either. But in the case of the Bocanegra there are inexplicable omissions such as the absence of a light sensor, even though it does have a rain sensor. Furthermore, the cruise control controls are grouped with the indicator stalk, and this could have been solved in a simpler way.

Prices

A Seat Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra is available from 24,332 euros, while an Seat Ibiza in the Bocanegra trim with the 143 CV TDI diesel engine in FR trim is available from 20,741 euros. If you like the Ibiza, it is available from 12,120 euros with fairly complete safety equipment including standard ESP.

Our unit also had some extras, such as bi-xenon headlights, rain sensor and rear parking sensor, and a glass panoramic roof, which brought the price up to 26,068 euros.

Overall assessment

The Seat Ibiza Cupra Bocanegra is a way of getting a sporty compact with a different look from the rest of the range. Since the Bocanegra trim on the Ibiza Cupra does not reach 1,000 euros more, as the Cupra costs 23,600 euros and the Cupra Bocanegra 24,332 euros.

In other words, for a small extra cost over versions that are already sporty, you get a different and eye-catching look. On the other hand, those looking for economy can always opt for the 140 CV FR TDI, a model that is quite efficient in terms of consumption.

Meanwhile, if we focus on our Cupra Bocanegra unit, despite its 180 CV engine it is an affordable model for everyday use, consumption is not excessive for the engine’s power and response is good both in town and on the open road, so it is not a car limited to sporty driving, but can take us to the office without problems and break the monotony a little.

For the price, there is also the Mini Cooper S with 184 CV nearby, but you would lose equipment compared with the Seat, which is quite complete in that respect. In short, it is a curious and different model, a good option for those who want sportiness without moving to larger and more expensive vehicles, and with the Cupra Bocanegra we will enjoy driving without too many complications.

As for the 1.4 TSI 180 CV engine, it offers good performance, but more than one person commented during the test that such a small displacement for an engine of that power could cause problems. It is true that the engine stands out for its small displacement, but for now it is too early to judge, since it is a relatively new engine.

Test drive video

Photos | Diego G. Moreira (Thanks to Borja for his collaboration on the test)