Seat Ibiza

All-new from the wheels up, SEAT’s new Ibiza five-door supermini is bigger, and certainly looks better with its sharper styling.

The work of ex-Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke, the new car offers a variety of class-leading options such as the availability of a new seven-speed DSG automatic/sequential manual gearbox, Hill Hold Assist, front fog lights with side illumination function for cornering and combined AUX-IN/USB connectivity for various music devices.

It’s longer than the current model and more spacious, with improved rear seat legroom and a significantly larger and more practical boot space.

Sitting on a new version of the Ibiza chassis, with wider front and rear tracks (30 mm and 33 mm respectively) the new car promises to drive as well as it looks; SEAT promises that it delivers both a composed ride and class-leading, sporty handling.

Initially three petrol engine options will be available: a 1.2-litre three cylinder with 70 PS; a 1.4-litre 85 PS four cylinder, or a sporty 1.6-litre four cylinder delivering 102 PS. All three engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, and SEAT says all have undergone engineering modifications to ensure emissions fall comfortably below 160 g/km. But there will be no diesels to start with; you’ll have to wait for the range of direct-injection TDI Ibiza five-doors.

Welcoming the unveiling of the new car, Head of SEAT UK Peter Wyhinny said: “The debut of the spectacular new Ibiza is the clearest sign yet that SEAT is serious about putting enviable quality and state-of-the-art technology alongside sporting ‘auto emoción’ as the cornerstones of the Brand. With the debut of this distinctive and clearly design-led five-door we are embarking on a major development of the SEAT range, with plenty more to come in the months ahead!”