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Following the launch of the SEAT Ibiza five-door in April, the Spanish automaker has debuted the new Ibiza SportCoupé. When compared to the five-door, the new three-door appears nearly identical from the front. However, a glance at the profile reveals striking differences in the C-pillar. Where the rear side window on the five-door sweeps upward towards the integrated spoiler, the window sill on the new coupe follows the contour defined by the crease in the fender. The rear of the vehicle, with the large hatch, seems nearly unchanged.

Targeted towards a sportier clientele than its sibling, the SportCoupé sits 17mm (.67") lower than the five-door. When equipped with the 1.6-liter (105 PS) powerplant, the Ibiza will be offered with a seven-speed DSG double-clutch gearbox (courtesy of Volkswagen, SEAT's parent company). SEAT promises even high-performance Ibiza FR and Ibiza Cupra versions will debut over the coming months. We know Americans are supposed to hate hatchbacks, but more minds would change if vehicles like the SEAT SportCoupé were available here.

SVELTE NEW SEAT IBIZA SPORTCOUPÉ BREAKS COVER

Hot on the heels of the smart SEAT Ibiza five-door's international debut, the dynamic Spanish car maker is today revealing its stunning new Ibiza SportCoupé.

With two fewer doors and an even more svelte shape than its stylish five-door supermini sibling, the sassy SportCoupé is tailored very clearly towards drivers keen to mix fun and functionality with a head-turning shape.

The SportCoupé's bespoke silhouette – at 1,428 mm it is 17 mm lower than the five-door with a markedly different and more aggressive design treatment throughout – clearly signals the sporting intentions of the latest addition to the new Ibiza family.

And that dedication to driving excitement is underlined by the newcomer's technical highlights which include the option of cutting edge seven-speed DSG double clutch gearbox technology – a world first for the supermini segment.

The ultra slick-shifting automatic/sequential manual 'box will be available on 105 PS 1.6-litre versions of the new car, while crisp handling and a composed ride are assured courtesy of the Ibiza SC's all-new supermini platform – the first application of this particular engineering base in the Volkswagen Group.

There's also a different interpretation of designer Luc Donckerwolke's 'Arrow Design', with lowered headlights and repositioned radiator grille serving to reinforce the muscular new motor's obvious kerb appeal.

Precise engine and trim combos have yet to be confirmed, although it's already clear that more potent FR and Cupra versions of the new Ibiza will certainly sport SC styling when they make their debuts over the coming months.

SEAT Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said of the important addition to the new Ibiza family: 'Traditionally, a significant part of our business has been built on the success of three-door Ibiza, so the unveiling of this stunning new SportCoupé is a key moment for us.

'I know our existing Ibiza owners, as well as sports-orientated supermini buyers generally, will be thrilled at what they see. Personally, I can't wait to see the new Ibiza SC on the road here in the UK!'