Summer of Ibiza
SEAT has just released details of its fifth-generation Ibiza supermini at its headquarters in Barcelona and the new car will be on sale in the UK this summer.
First launched in 1984, the Ibiza has become a SEAT icon. Not only is it the Spanish brand’s longest running model, it is also its top seller with over 5.4 million units sold.
Built on a completely new platform, SEAT says the new Ibiza has much improved interior space plus it is safer and tougher.
The new car is 87mm wider as well as 2mm shorter and 1mm lower than the previous model.
SEAT says the result is a more comfortable car, with the new Ibiza being both roomier on the inside and larger on the outside.
Leg room in the back seats has increased by 35mm, while head room has gone up by 24 mm in the front seats and 17mm in the rear.
The seats are 42mm wider too, making the new SEAT Ibiza one of the best in its class in this area.
The boot has also been enlarged by 63 litres, bringing its total capacity to 355 litres, making it best in the supermini class.
There will be a choice of three petrol engines. The first option is the threecylinder 1.0 TSI with 95 or 115bhp, along with a turbo-compressor, intercooler and direct injection.
A new EVO 1.5 TSI unit will also be available in late 2017 with four cylinders and 150bhp.
Two 1.6 TDI diesel engines will be offered with 80 and 95bhp.
The latest Ibiza will come in four trim levels in the British market: S, SE, FR, plus, a new Xcellence version.
Driving assistance systems built into the Ibiza include adaptive cruise control, keyless entry with ‘heartbeat’ engine start button, a new generation of front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera with higher-quality images shown on an eight-inch touchscreen.
As far as looks go the new Ibiza has a sharper looking bodyline with new grille and slim lights and the interior has a completely new dash and centre console plus an infotainment screen dominating the centre.
Prices have yet to be announced but will probably start at around £10,500. It is due for release in July.