Spanish manufacturer SEAT has brought a version of its latest generation SEAT IBE at the 2010 Paris Auto Show, a concept car premiered this year at a similar event in Geneva. The enhanced version displayed in Paris benefits from further developments made to the vehicle’s design, technology and interior features.

According to SEAT, the IBE is a super-compact 2+2 sports coupe with classic sports car proportions, which targets urban European areas, such as Paris, London, Berlin or Barcelona.

“The IBE shows SEAT’s vision for a car of the future that is as emotional as it is ecologically responsible and affordable,” stated SEAT Head of Design Luc Donckerwolke. “The IBE is a concentrated version of our design DNA. Both exterior and interior are characterised by their focus on key elements, by a clear and precise architecture, by modern technology and by materials that are as high-quality as they are ecological.”

Inside the show car displayed in Paris, the driver can use a wireless application to connect his smartphone, such as an iPhone, to the car and conduct an on-line check of its systems, including the battery and a trip computer display.

An album or a song can be selected from the smart phone and played through the car’s sound system by pressing the ‘drag to car’ option.  The dash screen and the steering wheel touch controls simplify operating and navigating the integrated infotainment menus.

The engine develops 102 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque, which means it could go from 0 to 31 mph (0 to 50 km/h) in 3.4 seconds, and to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 9.7 seconds. The continuous power rating is limited to 68 horsepower, with the speed reaching 100 mph (160 km/h). Battery capacity is 18 kWh.

“The IBE is a gene pool for our next generation of vehicles. Many of its elements describe our design language going forward.  And it demonstrates how well driving pleasure and ecology come together at SEAT.  Driving will be lots of fun in the electric age, too – at least it will in a SEAT,” concluded Donckerwolke.