With more than 500,000 units sold, the Seat Ibiza is probably the best selling model from the Spanish brand part of the Volkswagen Group. And with the current version launched almost four years ago, we are now getting a mid-life facelift. The Spanish carmaker will apply it to all the models in the Ibiza range, including the three-door hatchback, the five-door and the ST wagon.
“The Ibiza is an important foundation of our brand. With the new generation, we are taking a clear step forward – the fresh and young design language speaks to SEAT’s unique and distinctive character. It underscores the precision and quality of our products. This makes the new Ibiza a crucial element in SEAT’s forward strategy. Its success will grow even further, not least in our new market of China,” said James Muir, Seat’s president.
Like most facelift programs out there, the new Seat Ibiza is not considerably different compared to the current model, but we do notice several new styling elements such as a lower air intake, the traditional Seat honeycomb grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers (the difference is especially noticeable on the performance FR version), new headlamps, larger fog lamps with integrated cornering light and LED rear lights.
Under the bonnet, the new Seat Ibiza facelift will come with a broad range of powertrains, both diesel and gasoline, for every taste out there. The gasoline engines list includes the highly efficient 1.2-liter unit that delivers 60 hp (44 kW), the 1.2 TSI Ecomotive (105 hp and 175 Nm of torque) and the turbocharged 1.4 TSI unit that delivers 150 hp (110 kW) and “propels” the car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 7.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 212 km/h (132 mph). As for the diesel range, we have the most fuel efficient engine in the Ibiza range, the 1.2 TDI E-Ecomotive that delivers 75 hp (55 kW) and gets only 3.4 liters per 100 km (83 mpg) and 89 grams of CO2 per km and the 143 hp (105 kW) 2.0 TDI that offers a really great performance level considering the car’s small size.
“The new Ibiza is a clear showcase for SEAT’s technical expertise. Emotional design, a thrilling drive and an exceptionally high quality standard deliver an extremely distinctive product character – and now with improved functionality. The Ibiza is the sportiest and most versatile offering in its competitive field,” said Matthias Rabe, Seat’s executive VP for Research and Development.