SEAT announced the launch of a new version of the Ibiza FR in the UK, powered by the 1.4 TSI ACT engine. ACT stands for Active Cylinder Technology, and it means the engine can deactivate a couple of its cylinders when you are not using all of its 140 PS power output.

This way, the SEAT Ibiza FR 1.4 ACT can manage to be fairly quick with a 0 to 60 mph time of under 8 seconds, and yet return 60 mpg. SEAT reckons 12.2 mpg of that is due to the cylinder-on-demand system. CO2 rating for this powertrain is 109 g/km.

SEAT’s Active Cylinder Technology shuts off the second and third cylinders at low engine speeds and when low torque outputs are required. The transition between two- and four cylinders is imperceptible to the driver, as it only takes 40 milliseconds.

The 1.4 TSI ACT is available in standard FR trim in all three body styles: SC, five-door and ST, and only comes with a manual gearbox. Being an FR means these models comes with red seatbelts, red brake callipers, titanium-coloured 17-inch alloy wheels, matching coloured door mirrors, climate control and dark tinted rear windows.

Prices for the SEAT Ibiza FR start from £15,320 for the SC, £15,870 for the five-door, and £16,570 for the ST version. Deliveries start from June.