SEAT Ibiza SC Trophy

This is the SEAT Ibiza SC Trophy, a racing version of the three-door Ibiza that’s designed to compete in a one-make race series in Spain and Italy.

The Ibiza SC Trophy is intended as an entry-level racer for those just starting out on their motorsport careers. As such, it’s closely based on the current range-topping Ibiza SC Cupra.

Both are powered by the familiar 1.4-litre turbo and supercharged engine. However, the racer gets more power – 197bhp instead of 178bhp – and torque climbs from 250Nm to 270Nm.

Both cars also use the same seven-speed DSG twin-clutch gearbox, but the racer does benefit from a proper mechanical limited slip differential.

The SC Trophy also benefits from tweaks to the suspension - although these are minimal - to ensure that the race winner is the one with the best skills on the track, rather than the one who can afford the best kit.

To compliment the tweak mechanicals, the SC Trophy also gets a full roll cage, a single racing bucket seat and race harness, a roof spoiler and a full motorsport fire extinguisher.

The SC Trophy costs from €31,500 plus VAT (£26,500) and is on sale now from SEAT Sport in Barcelona. The standard Ibiza SC Cupra costs £18,575.

The Ibiza racer will be shown at the Volkswagen Worthersee event in Austria, which runs from 8-12 May. The car will line up next to the new SEAT Leon Cup Racer, and new concepts from Skoda and VW.