The Ibiza three-door has finally hatched – and Auto Express has the first official pictures.
Called the SportCoupe (SC), the stylish Spanish newcomer joins the five-door model that was launched at last month’s Madrid Motor Show. Featuring eye-catching looks, improved build and all-new chassis the Ibiza has the forthcoming Ford Fiesta firmly in its sights.
As you cans see, the SC is heavily influenced by the Bocanegra concept that wowed crowds at this year’s Geneva expo. Look down the flanks and you’ll see the same distinctive character lines sweeping diagonally down from the front wheel, while the rear features similar, wraparound tail lamps.
Unlike the bold-looking nose of the Bocanegra, the production car gets a toned-down front end, which it shares with the five-door car. However, the aggressive blacked-out grille treatment of the concept will find its way onto the hot Cupra version.
Initially the car gets a range of engines familiar to owners of the old model. Included in the line-up will be a 1.6-litre petrol, together with 1.4 and 1.9-litre diesel units. The smaller oil-burner will form the basis of the ultra-economical ECOMOTIVE version, which should boast CO2 emissions of only 99g/km.
To boost both performance and economy, the firm will offer the 7-speed dual clutch gearbox first seen in the VW Golf. This will be joined by a standard five-ratio manual transmission.
Performance fans will have to wait for the rapid FR and Cupra versions. No details for these hot hatches have yet been revealed, but range-topping versions could get the powerful turbocharged 1.4-litre motor previewed in the Bocanegra.
Expect full details and prices to be revealed when the car makes its public debut at next month’s British Motor Show.