‘Drivers’ race to try out new Seat Ibiza Cupra

Fancy a spin behind the wheel of the all-new, mould-breaking Ibiza Cupra? Well, it’s virtually possible, and proving immensely popular.

Ahead of the physical car’s launch here later this year SEAT has teamed up with Apple to create a stunning new video game for iPhone and iPod touch owners featuring the spicy new Ibiza.

And with more than a quarter of a million downloads in just three weeks, the new SEAT game has established itself as one of the most popular on the platform. In fact, after only a week it had already raced into the Top 3 list of Apple’s free applications – in all categories.

The game, available to download free in the App Store of Apple’s iTunes, uses a powerful 3D engine to deliver a truly dynamic driving experience.

In true Cupra style, the car can be customized to personal taste at the beginning of the game before the real fun begins. After pimping their virtual ride, drivers then choose between Test Drive, Time Attack and Race modes for different experiences.

Meanwhile, in June, a web application of the Cupra Race game will be released for members of Club SEAT (clubseat.com) – a fast-growing virtual community of SEAT supporters with more than 170,000 members worldwide.

And later in the summer, an exciting new update of the Ibiza Cupra game will be released with more cars, circuits and competition modes.

The ‘real’ Ibiza Cupra, due in showrooms towards the end of this summer, promises no less excitement than its virtual precursor. The Cupra is brimming with sophisticated technology. It uses a 180 PS 1.4-litre petrol engine featuring not only a turbocharger but also a supercharger. This compact yet potent powerplant is mated to a seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission, complete with F1-style steering wheel shift-paddles.

Steve Robertson, Head of Marketing at SEAT UK, said of the iPhone SEAT App’s phenomenal success: ‘The massive demand for all things Cupra is clear.

‘There’s already immense excitement around the forthcoming new Ibiza Cupra and, judging by the success of this video game, I believe we can look forward to strong support from buyers keen to experience the cutting edge of hot hatch technology.’