Seat’s new diesel hot-hatch has hit a setback in the UK after CO2 emissions for right-hand drive version were recorded at higher than those for left-hand drive models.

The Ibiza FR 2.0 TDI has CO2 emissions of 119g/km in most other European markets where it’s on sale, but right-hand drive versions have CO2 emissions of 123g/km.

While there would be a small difference in overall running costs for fleets, it means drivers will miss out on a significant BIK savings for cars up to 120g/km.

It results in a standard rate income tax payer choosing the Ibiza TDI FR facing an annual BIK tax bill of £604 – almost £170 higher than if the car’s CO2 emissions had been 119g/km.

The Ibiza TDI FR is currently unusual in that high-performance diesel cars in its sector are rare.

The Mini Cooper D and Peugeot 207 1.6 HDi Sport and Citroen DS3 1.6 HDi Sport all share the same 110bhp engine, so can’t match the Ibiza’s 143bhp engine for performance.

However, the latest version of the Vauxhall Corsa is available with a 130bhp 1.7 CDTi Ecoflex diesel which comes close to the Ibiza’s speed and offers CO2 emissions of 118g/km.