Although the last facelift for the Ibiza was not long ago (autumn 2015) Seat show the completely new generation at the Geneva Salon in early March. Just a few months later, the model based on the MQB-A0 platform used in the VW Group is scheduled to come onto the market.
In addition to a heavily modified exterior design that bears great similarities to its big brother Leon, the upcoming Ibiza offers significantly different proportions thanks to the transverse modular substructure. While the body remains almost unchanged in length and height, the wheelbase grows by almost ten centimeters. The width of the car also increased by nine centimeters. Accordingly, the Spaniard, which will be available as a five-door model in future, will be significantly crisper and stockier than before.
Above all, however, the increase in size has a positive effect on the interior, which offers guests and their luggage more room to develop in all directions. Among other things, the front seats are four centimeters wider, while the luggage compartment grows by 63 to 355 liters. This is more than some compact offers.
In terms of equipment, the Ibiza wants to come up with options in the future that were previously reserved for vehicles in higher segments. These include full-LED headlights, a new infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, distance control, and the Front Assist environmental monitoring system with city emergency braking function. The range of equipment packages is also being expanded. In addition to the familiar levels of Reference, Style and the sporty FR variant, the comfort version Xcellence will also be available for the Ibiza in the future.
When it came to the market in June, Seat initially only offered three-cylinder engines with a displacement of 1,0 liter. In addition to the basic petrol 1.0 MPI with either 48 kW / 65 PS or 55 kW / 75 PS, the turbocharged 1.0 TSI with 70 KW / 95 PS and 85 KW / 115 PS or a 66 kW / 90 PS strong natural gas version is also available. At the end of 2017, a 1.5 TSI with 110 kW / 150 PS will round off the range of petrol engines. Alternatively, the 1,6-liter four-cylinder diesel is available for the Ibiza in the power levels 59 kW / 80 PS, 70 kW / 95 PS and 81kW / 110 PS. Depending on the output, the engines are combined with five or six-speed manual transmissions. Optionally, there will also be a seven-speed DSG for some units.
Seat does not currently provide information on driving values and consumption. Neither about the future price. The five-door basic version currently costs around 12.700 euros. (Mario Hommen / SP-X)
