Bought my Mk2 Ibiza Cupra 16v on impulse, after vaguley considering it as an alternative to the Peugeot 106 GTi I lusted after.

Since then, I have never looked back. The Mk2 Ibiza's in Cupra and GTi 8v and 16v guises are very underrated cars in my impartial, unbiased opinion, and I'm hooked to be honest. I can't bring myself to sell it now, and doubt I ever will. I absolutely adore the thing.

When I found the car for sale, it ticked all the right boxes. It was in immaculate condition, with some good, choice modifications already in place- And a full SEAT service history to boot.

The plan for the car from the onset was simple- I wanted a decent exhaust system and a basic ICE install. I was pragmatic in my intentions, mostly due to the sizable dent in my wallet following the purchase of the car! Initially I wanted to keep my standard 16 inch Ronal multi spokes and have them re-furbished in anthracite... But that plan was eventually scrapped.

I was skint. And, unsuprisingly, have been since! With the addition of a second part time job I was able to just about fuel her... The modifications I have done have been mostly down to chance.

For example, I had only had the car a few weeks when I caught the standard backbox section of my exhaust on a particularly mountainous speed bump. I was able to find �140 and booked myself in at Custom Pipes for a brand new stainless steel backbox and I eventually decided on the 6x4" oval tailpipe you can see on the photo below.

I have since had the centre section of the exhaust replaced with stainless steel, again at Custom Pipes in Doncaster. With the addition of a BMC induction kit, she was dyno'd at a respectable 161 bhp.

The car came lowered 40/60 on Spax springs and dampers, but the 16 inch Ronal alloys just looked a bit small, and even with the lowered suspension, I wasn't happy with the car's stance. I lusted after some Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 alloy wheels, and it wasn't long before I'd placed an order for a set at my local Halfords. Measuring at a much more manly 17 inches, wrapped in Toyo Proxes T1-R 205/40 rubber, they really improve the look of the car and the ultra sticky tyres just grip and grip. In the dry at least!

Being into my music quite a bit, a quality audio build was a must, and the standard SEAT effort far from satisified me. Initially, I fitted a simple 12 inch Fusion sub, powered by a small Fusion 2 channel amp. I also replaced the front speakers with some Infinity coaxials. This was intended as a stop gap while I saved for a proper install.

I now have a 12 inch JL Audio W3 sub, powered by a Fusion monobloc amp, the Infinity door speakers are powered by a small Sony amp, and it is all served up with masses of Dynamat. It sounds excellent, even with the rather low grade amp powering the sub.

After toying with the idea of selling the Ibiza and getting something turbocharged, I have decided to keep her. I couldn't bring myself to sell her and I doubt I ever will.

The mods will continue however. Cams, ported and polished head, and a re-map are all on the cards in the none too distant future.

In minor news, I have bought some car mats too. Genuine SEAT part, ten English pounds. Bargain!

I also fitted some Spanish/German style pressed alloy number plates.

That is all for now, I'm happy with the car as it is. It handles well, turn in is precise and she feels nice and planted when nailing it down the occasional B road. What more could I ask for?