VIDEO: SEAT Ibiza Cupra In Action, More Pics

As the launch of the new SEAT Ibiza Cupra gets nearer we are starting to see and learn more about this junior hot hatch.

Under the skin the hardware remains largely the same. The supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine produces 180hp at 6,200rpm and 25Nm of torque between 2,000 and 4,500rpm. Power goes to the front wheels through the familiar seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission with an electronic XDS differential to keep everything neat and tidy.

2013 SEAT Ibiza Cupra

Performance figures are quoted at 6.9 seconds to 62mph with a top speed of 142mph while fuel economy remains the same at 47.9mpg with 139g/km of CO2 emissions.

On the outside the Ibiza Cupra gets subtly remodelled bumpers and LED tail lights, while the bi-xenon headlights incorporate LED running lights. Seventeen inch wheels are standard. As with the facelift on the standard Ibiza, this is very much a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

Evolution, not revolution, is the name of the game.

Where the Ibiza Cupra is different is on the inside. Here we see more changes, with a better dash layout and improved materials. The three-spoke Cupra wheel houses a pair of paddles that allow you to take over some of the gear-changing duties.

The biggest difference is the removable touchscreen that sits on top of the dashboard. It might not be the most elegant solution to adding sat-nav and multimedia functions to the Ibiza but it is a clever device (I tried it on the Mii Vibora Negra and liked it) that provides lots of information and can also be taken with you to guide you to your destination on foot.

Removable touch-screen adds sat-nav, media and trip computer displays

The SEAT Ibiza Cupra is due to arrive this spring. Prices are yet to be confirmed but expect it to sit at around the £18,000 mark.

The 2013 SEAT Ibiza is also available in white