Previewing a forthcoming production design, the car's new face also joins the new interpretation of Seat's prominent side feature lines. Starting as the shut line between headlamp and hood, the front line sweeps backwards to the lower part of the rear fender ahead of the rear wheel in a single, very dynamic sweep. Where in previous Seats this has arced rearwards, now it slashes backwards with far less curvature. The way this is controlled in plan and elevation so that the slight curve accelerates backwards evenly from every angle it is viewed, is impressive. Another curve picks up just behind the door handle - a little abruptly - and arcs around into the rear tailgate, not into the top of the light as does the front feature line.

For some reason Seat was granting limited access to the interior, which is a shame as it appears to have had a lot of effort lavished on it. Looking in from outside the car, we could see non-geometric asymmetric air vent apertures covered in a metallic mesh - also used for the forward edge of the IP - a lot of high gloss black, exquisitely detailed instrumentation and a seemingly high level of quality.

The Bocanegra previews the replacement for the small Ibiza that is based on the Volkswagen Polo platform. And it also shows us how Seat are set to deliver a little more convincingly on their "auto emoción" brand statement with a more dynamic and expressive design. 

Article key : Seat Bocanegra concept, Seat Bocanegra, 2008, 2009.