The fifth generation SEAT Ibiza has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s latest Modular platform, the Ibiza becomes the first from the group to use it in the supermini segment, resulting in a ‘notable increase’ in interior space.
SEAT says this has led to the creation of a completely new model while, retaining Ibiza’s ‘young spirit, dynamism, functionality and comfort’. Helping achieve this is a new, fresh and sporty design - with surfaces that have been accentuated further for a more sculptured and aerodynamic look.
“The new SEAT Ibiza embraces SEAT’s design DNA and ensures fantastic driving performance”, says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President of SEAT for Research and Development; “with the new modular MQB-A0 platform the SEAT Ibiza rises to technologies from higher segments and in terms of comfort, it improves its interior roominess and variability markedly.”
The all-new Ibiza can be specified with driving assistance systems already seen in the Leon and Ateca (Front Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, among others) as well as coming with a wireless charger and GSM signal amplifier. In addition, the new model is described as being 100% connected thanks to three options: Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link, with the technology accessed for the first time through an integrated eight-inch touchscreen.
Available in four equipment lines, starting with the Reference followed by the Style trim, the top-of-the-range will be the FR and XCellence trims.
There are three petrol engines to choose from; a 3 cylinder 1.0 TSI with 95 or 115 PS, along with a turbo compressor, intercooler and direct injection. A new 1.5 TSI will be available in late 2017 with four cylinders and 150 PS. Efficient 1.6 TDI diesel engines will come in 80, 95 and 115 PS varieties. Finally, the new VW platform allows the latest Ibiza to offer a compressed-natural gas (CNG) powered 90-PS 1.0 TSI engine.
The gearboxes available are a manual 5-speed transmission for the 95-PS and lower engines and a 6-speed transmission for the more powerful engines. The dual-clutch DSG 7-speed gearbox is another of the options available on the new Ibiza
Only available in as a 5-door - which SEAT says is more functional - the new design offers the sportier look of a 3-door model.