Seat’s new Ibiza could get its low-CO2 version earlier than expected, with UK boss Peter Wyhinny revealing to BusinessCar that the firm is pushing for its Spanish headquarters to bring forward the launch date.

The Ecomotive version of the previous generation Ibiza is carrying on alongside regular versions of the new car until its replacement is ready, but that will now be earlier than expected.

What was going to be at least spring 2009, will now become “very early next year”, according to a spokesman.

The new Ecomotive Ibiza will maintain the previous model’s 99g/km CO2 output.