SEAT’s new fifth generation Ibiza is now available at the brand’s dealerships priced from €14,995, writes Trish Whelan.
The Irish launch of this completely new model took place yesterday in the iconic CHQ Building in Dublin City centre.
This is Volkswagen Group’s first model to be built on the new MQB A0 modular platform highlighting SEAT’s importance with the Group. This platform allows higher manufacturing flexibility, more robust implementation and different models with different body types within the same segment; also different wheelbase configurations can be achieved within the same base platform. It will also be used for the new VW Polo.
New Ibiza comes with fresh new styling that will appeal to a wide array of buyers. While this new model reflects the carmakers’s distinctive DNA, it looks edgier and sportier, with more sculpted, accentuated and streamlined surfaces.
At the launch, Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland said “The Ibiza is a brand which most people in Ireland are familiar with, which is why we decided upon a city centre launch in Dublin to celebrate its arrival in Ireland.” He added “It will epitomise exactly what the brand stands for, high quality, excellent design and value for money and I know Irish people will fall in love with it instantly.”
Launched in 1984 for the first time, the Ibiza has become an icon of SEAT. The car has been around the longest in the history of the brand and is its top-selling model with over 5.4 million units sold globally and over 30,000 sold in Ireland. It is one of the three main models of the SEAT brand, together with Leon and Ateca.
The new model comes loaded with the latest technology features, and with more interior space and comfort and the brand claims it has the largest boot in the segment. Front Assist is standard - Adaptive Cruise Control, Wireless charger and GSM signal amplifier are all available as options. It is also 100pc connected with Full Link technology with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link.
New Ibiza is available in a choice of a 1.0 MPI petrol engine and 1.0TSI engines across 75/95/115/150hp. It will also be available in 1.6TDI 80/95hp diesel engines later this year.
Four trim levels are S, SE, Xcellence and FR. SEAT Ireland expect the S trim to be 5pc of sales, the SE will account for 65 of sales, with the final 30pc of sales for the high end line.
Prices start at €14,995 for the S range; €17,335 for the SE range; €18,745 for Xcellence and €19,465 for the FR range. Petrol sales are expected to account for 90pc of New Ibiza sales and SEAT Ireland expect to sell around 1,000 units this year, increasing to 1,500 in a full year.
To celebrate the launch and as part of its 172 sales event, SEAT is offering a special 3-2-1 offer which provides customers with a three-year service plan free of charge, 2pc PCP finance on most new models with monthly repayments from €169, and one year’s free road tax with offers available until 31 July.
Neil Dalton, Head of Marketing and Product at SEAT Ireland is pictured with the New Ibiza at yesterday's launch in the CHQ Building.
