SEAT Ibiza Cupra and FR

SEAT has opened the order books for its new hot hatch threesome. The Ibiza SC can be had in FR, Cupra and Bocanegra form, with the latter, concept-car inspired hatch the headline act.

All three share a fairly revolutionary 1.4-litre petrol engine, which gets both a turbocharger and supercharger and produces 148bhp in the FR while in Cupra and Bocanegra trim it’s tuned to 178bhp – an output previously the reserve of a far larger engine.

Torque is available from a lowly 1250rpm, too, while all hot Ibizas get the VW Group’s new second-gen seven-speed twin-clutch DSG gearbox. It gets the obligatory Formula 1-style steering wheel paddles, which help contribute to 0-62mph times of 7.7sec (FR) and 7.2sec (Cupra/Bocanegra). The FR tops 130mph while the top speed of the others is 140mph.

Thanks to the DSG, both versions of the engine produce smart fuel economy and carbon emission figures, with the hotter Cupra and Bocanegra topping 44mpg (combined) and knocking out 148g/km of CO2, ensuring a much lower tax group than rivals such as the Renaultsport Clio 200 and Vauxhall Corsa VXR.

All three models also get the XDS electronic differential seen on the mk6 VW Golf GTI, with prices far below that car. The 148bhp FR comes in at a fiver short of £15K, with the hotter Cupra an extra £1000. The Bocanegra costs £16,695, with the £700 premium over the Cupra getting you a more dramatic exterior – matching that of SEAT's Bocanegra concept – and some rather lovely quilted leather seats.

You can order any of the trio right now, with deliveries starting at the beginning of October.