SEAT has turned up the heat on its performance supermini rivals with a revamped version of its fiery Ibiza Cupra.

The car, first shown as a concept during the spring, boasts the same new face as its recently updated Ibiza stablemates and also has a broad grille, more aggressive bumpers and LED daytime running lights.

Due to arrive in January priced at £18,825, the Cupra features the same 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine as its predecessor, developing 180PS for a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds and 142mph top speed, yet can return an average 47.9 mpg.

The Cupra's chassis has been tuned for maximum agility, the ride height lowered compared to the standard car and an optional AP Performance braking system is being made available.

And for extra driver involvement, the seven-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission can be operated via paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

New to the Cupra is the SEAT Portable System which first appeared in the Mii city car and is removable for mobile use. It comprises sat-nav, Bluetooth audio streaming, a Micro SD card slot for music storage, hands-free phone system with voice control and an on-board computer.

Standard kit includes the likes of climate control, rain-sensing auto wipers, bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels along with gloss black mirrors, Cupra front and rear bumpers, matte black rear diffuser and front sports seats.

The Cupra name was hatched in 1996 as a special flagship Ibiza built to commemorate SEAT's World Rally Championship victory in the 2.0-litre category and has featured in the brand's model line-up ever since.