SEAT Ibiza

Sleek lines and an all-new style – SEAT’s new Ibiza supermini has just been revealed.Shown in five-door form at a special event at the firm’s factory near Barcelona in Spain, the Ford Fiesta rival follows on from the Bocanegra concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Larger than its predecessor, SEAT is describing the fresh faced Ibiza as the most important new model in the firm’s recent history.Penned by ex-Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke, the hatchback measures 4.05 metres – the old model was 3.97 metres long. As a result it comes with a 292 litre boot, which is the biggest in the class. Some of the hi-tech kit on offer includes a seven-speed DSG sequential manual gearbox and Hill Hold Assist.

Drivers can expect a driving experience to match the best in the class. Company bosses are keen to build on the brand’s sporty image and so have paid particular attention to chassis development. Engineers efforts have been helped by the fact Ibiza is the first model to use parent company VW’s all-new small car platform that will also be used on the next generation Polo.Hot hatch fans will have to arrive for the arrival of the three-door version. Called the Sport Coupe it is almost identical in look to the rakish Bocanegra concept and will be the basis for scorching FR and Cupra models.All versions will benefit from the new cabin, which gets a high quality makeover with soft-touch plastics and excellent fit and finish. A team of engineers was drafted in from sister company Audi and they used the A3 premium hatch as a benchmark for build.It is also packed with technology, featuring an MP3/iPod connection and a universal aftermarket sat-nav dashboard mounting that does away with the usual mess of wires and windscreen suckers.Buyers will initially have the choice of 1.2-litre three-cylinder or 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. Initially just one diesel engine will be fitted, the familiar 105bhp 1.9-litre unit.Source