The SEAT Ibiza is the brand’s best-selling vehicle and has paved the way for SEAT’s enormous success as it works towards growing its position as a global company, delivering vehicles to markets across the world. The new SEAT Ibiza combines a refreshed exterior design that enhances its look by incorporating features such as 100% LED headlamps technology as standard and a range of new alloy wheels designs. Smaller, more subtle additions such as the model’s name finished in handwritten lettering and a two-tone chrome finished SEAT logo add to the delicate improvements. A vehicle that isn’t connected to the digital world can’t truly be a complete part of our lives, and the new SEAT Ibiza gives full control to the user whether they are in the cabin or out of the vehicle completely.
Since its introduction in 1984 the SEAT Ibiza has sold nearly six million units across all generations, and the latest generation is set to continue the huge success of the urban car. Inside a revolution has happened. A completely new soft dashboard that houses a larger, floating central infotainment system signifies the shift to a digital approach, putting the SEAT Ibiza more in-sync with the world around it. Control is more tangible thanks to the new ergonomically designed multifunction Nappa steering wheel, while the quality of the fit and finish is now even more apparent, highlighted most obviously by the integration of the newly designed air vents, illuminated using the latest lighting technology.
But the new SEAT Ibiza doesn’t lose any of its fun to drive. The powertrain line-up delivers enough dynamism to make sure that the experience is just as involving whether you’re taking on the city streets or heading out on the open road. The Wireless Full Link system takes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into the cabin, and with it access to a plethora of functionality and information. But that’s just the beginning. Out-car connectivity is enhanced thanks to SEAT CONNECT, while interaction is simplified and streamlined with the introduction of the new 8.25″ and 9.2″ infotainment systems (20% bigger on average compared to the previous generation of infotainment) and voice control that benefits from natural language to make the whole process intuitive and instinctive.
Petrol and compressed natural gas (CNG) take centre stage in the revised SEAT Ibiza powertrain line-up, delivering efficiency and dynamics. Five petrol units with outputs ranging from 80PS (59kW) to 150PS (110kW) are joined by a 90PS (66kW) CNG unit, linked to either manual or DSG dual-clutch transmissions. The three-cylinder 1.0 litre MPI petrol engine is matched to a five-speed manual transmission. The unit’s multi-point injection system helps the engine deliver excellent response at low- to mid-revs, while the 80PS (59kW) power output and 93Nm of torque mean that it offers enough to handle the demands of modern-day driving. It’s capable of reaching a top speed of 170km/h and emits just 117-134g/km based on the WLTP test cycle.
Direct-injection technology is used extensively in the rest of the engine line-up, with three 1.0 EcoTSI units available and a larger 1.5 EcoTSI. The 95PS (70kW) unit, linked to a five-speed manual transmission provides 175Nm of torque with tailpipe emissions and fuel efficiency of 116-133g/km and 5.1-5.9litres/100km respectively. The final three-cylinder unit delivers 110PS (81kW)/200Nm and is linked to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The increase in output and the choice of gearbox make the engine incredibly diverse, able to cope in any situation, whether spinning around town or out on the open road. And the adaptability reaches into the unit’s efficiency no matter what the transmission with CO2 emissions as low as 113-132 (DSG: 121 – 141)g/km and fuel efficiency at 5.0-5.8 (DSG: 5.3 – 6.4) litres/100km, impressive as the most powerful three-cylinder unit allows the SEAT Ibiza to reach 100km/h in only 10.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 195km/h.
The largest option in the range is the four-cylinder 1.5 EcoTSI, linked to a 7-speed DSG gearbox, and featuring ACT (Active Cylinder Technology). With an output of 150PS (110kW)/250Nm it produces incredible performance balanced with the efficiency that the world now demands. The top speed of 216km/h and acceleration to 100km/h in only 8.1 seconds is balanced against CO2 emissions of 130-145g/km and fuel efficiency figures of 5.7-6.4 litres/100km. The ACT technology improves engine efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The technology shuts down two of the four cylinders at low to medium rpm and reconnects these cylinders at higher revolutions to retrieve the engine’s full potential. This system works at up to 130 km/h regardless of which gear is engaged.
The new SEAT Ibiza is the safest in the model’s history. New advanced driver assistance systems such as Lane Assist, Side Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition work together to provide security no matter what the driving scenario. And Travel Assist technology delivers semi-automatic driving no matter what the speed to offer reassurance on both long and short journeys. Under the bonnet the new SEAT Ibiza delivers performance, efficiency and driveability through its range of petrol and compressed natural gas powertrain options. Six different powertrains are available – five petrol and one CNG – ranging in output from 80PS (59kW) to 150PS (110kW) linked to either a manual or DSG dual-clutch transmission.
