The Seat Ibiza has been on the market for over 30 years and has made quite a change during this time. Started as an edgy and cheap small car, already the second generation showed much more mature. The third generation seemed a bit staid, so the successor cleaned up a lot. Last but not least, the last model ensured that a total of 600.000 Seat Ibiza could be sold in Germany. The new small car is now a bit more serious, but reaches for the stars and stretches towards the compact class. Here are the details.
Close to the compact class: the new Seat Ibiza
The fifth generation of the Seat Ibiza is given a special honor: It is the first to be able to build on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). This increased the wheelbase by 95 mm compared to its predecessor, improving straight-line stability at higher speeds. In addition, the growth was of course good for the interior: there is 3,5 cm more legroom available for the rear passengers. In addition, there is up to 2,4 cm more headroom and 4,2 cm wider seats - so you can really break into it at Christmas without having to worry about not fitting into the armchair. The torsional stiffness has also been increased by 30 percent. It ensures that the small car is even more agile around the corner.
We have to get used to the fact that the new Seat Ibiza is only available as 5-door - but we already know that from other candidates, such as the Renault Clio, Those interested will be compensated with a trunk volume of 355 liters - which is an absolute compact class level. How fitting that the Ibiza opens up with its new design to just that. The X-shaped lines and the emphasis on the full LED headlights make the newcomer like a small one Seat Leon Act.
What is missing is a real entry-level engine
In the interior you can now look forward to better materials and clearer lines, which are complemented by an 8-inch infotainment, which can be found in a similar form from the Ateca and Leon facelift knows. Also new is the engine range. At the market launch, three three-cylinder engines with one liter displacement and turbocharger are ready. The gasoline engines provide 95 or 115 PS, while the natural gas variant provides 90 PS. An 1.5 liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 150 PS should follow at the end of the year. With the diesels one has the choice between three 1.6 liter auto-igniters. Their performance is 80, 95 or 110 PS. The only question is whether the engine range is still extended down, because you are looking for a real entry-level engine so far in vain.