SEAT is ramping up the power with the world debut of its new Ibiza Cupra hot hatch at the Auto China Show in Beijing.

The latest Ibiza range has just hit the streets and its Spanish maker is moving swiftly to show off what is a close-to-production concept of the powerful Cupra variant, due to arrive towards the end of the year.

The model comes with a 1.4-litre TSI four-cylinder petrol engine, featuring direct injection and both a turbocharger and a supercharger.

It produces a maximum power output of 180PS, transmitted to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG transmission with shift paddles, and has an XDS electronic differential lock, high-performance brakes and a removable SEAT Portable System combining navigation and entertainment as an option.

A new face with broad grille and bold air intakes highlight the Cupra's sharp design while LED daytime running lights trace the line of the bi-xenon headlamps and cornering lights are integrated into the fog lamps.

In profile the three-door Ibiza body shape has muscular rear shoulders, 17-inch wheels and gloss black exterior mirrors in the Cupra tradition, offering a contrast to the Crono Yellow paint finish of the Cupra concept.

SEAT president James Muir said: "With its new, powerfully accentuated design, innovative technologies, upgraded interior and further improved quality, the new Ibiza Cupra Concept clearly shows how our brand is continuing to develop."

The first generation of the Ibiza Cupra took to the streets in 1996, since when the lineage has developed to become an icon of the SEAT brand.