The fifth generation of the new SEAT Ibiza will make its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show and go on sale in July 2017, writes Trish Whelan.
This, the brand’s most important model, has new styling while keeping the same sporty character with its fresh design.
This is a completely new model with a big advance in quality, achieved thanks to the new MQB A0 modular platform. The car is the Volkswagen Group’s first model to use this platform.
The new Ibiza is roomier on the inside and larger on the outside. Legroom has been increased in the back seats by 35mm while head room has gone up by 24mm in the front seats and by 17mm in the back. Seats are much wider and the boot has also been enlarged by 63 litres with a total capacity of 355 litres. Loading height is now lower.
There are four petrol engines, the 1.0 MPI with 75hp, a 3-cylinder 1.0 TSI with 95 or 115hp. A new 1.5 TSI will come late 2017 with four cylinders and 150hp.
A diesel 1.6 will come in 80, 95 and 115hp varieties. Gearboxes are a manual 5-speed transmission for the 95hp and lower engines, and a 6-speed for the more powerful engines. A dual clutch DSG 7-speed gearbox is another option.
The car is only available in a 5-door option.
Four trims are offered: S, SE, FR and XCELLENCE.
The new Ibiza features Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Keyless entry, new front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera. An 8-inch touchscreen is a first in the car. The car is 100pc connected thanks to three options: Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link.
The Ibiza has been an icon of the SEAT brand for over 30 years and is the brand’s top selling model with over 5.4 million units sold.
