2009 SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra 1.4 TSI 7AT (150 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The Spanish carmaker SEAT pushed harder and offered a maxed-out hot-hatch in the European small-sized segment with the Bocanegra version of the Ibiza.

SEAT made the Ibiza on the same platform as its better-known sibling Volkswagen Polo. Unlike its German cousin, though, it had a fresh styling that made it a hit on the market. It also helped the Spanish brand sales during the world financial crisis. In addition, it also offered a hot-hatch version known as Ibiza Cupra.

To distinguish this version from the lesser Ibiza models, SEAT made a significant change to the front of the car. Thus, the center part of the front fascia featured a black trim that covered part of the apron and the entire grille and emerged towards the headlights. In addition, the side scoops that hosted the fog lamps also sported a black trim. After all, the Bocanegra (Black Mouth) had to deserve its nameplate. From its profile, the three-door Ibiza boasted a set of 17” light-alloy wheels wrapped in 215/40 tires. At the back, SEAT installed a trapezoidal center exhaust under the bumper and, to top things up, a body-colored roof spoiler.

Inside, the black upholstery with red stitching was offered exclusively for the Bocanegra. A set of sports seats adorned with the B-letter on their seatbacks gave more personality to the small vehicle. The same red B lettering was found on the lower spoke of the flat-bottom steering wheel. To complete the sporty image, SEAT installed a set of aluminum pedals.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed the 1.4-liter turbocharged, and supercharged engine carried over from Volkswagen and offered it with either 150 PS or 180 PS (148 hp or 177 hp). Both versions were paired with a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox that sent the power to the front wheels via a self-locking differential (XDS).