Ahead of its Geneva motor show world debut, SEAT has revealed its all-new Ibiza in Barcelona.
Destined for UK showrooms in July 2017, the latest Ibiza ushers in all-new styling along with the latest technology features, improved dynamics, and more interior space and comfort, says SEAT, and is the first Volkswagen Group model to use the new MQB A0 modular platform which is 30% stiffer.
The design of the new Ibiza bears a strong resemblance to its larger Leon sibling. At the front of the car, there are triangular full LED headlights and daylight graphics while in profile, the shorter front and rear overhangs are emphasised by new wheels of up to 18 inches in diameter.
Although marginally shorter than before (-2mm), the new car is 87mm wider and the wheelbase is up by 95mm, which results in a roomier cabin, while the boot has been enlarged by 63 litres to a class-leading 355 litres, says SEAT.
All of the Ibiza’s engines comply with the Euro6 emissions standards. There are three petrol units to choose from: a three-cylinder 1.0 TSI with 95 or 115PS, along with a turbo-compressor, intercooler and direct injection and a new EVO 1.5 TSI with four cylinders and 150PS, which will be available in late 2017. The diesel choice is from a pair of 1.6 TDI engines which will come in 80 and 95PS guises in the UK.
The gearboxes available are a manual five-speed transmission for engines up to 95PS and a six-speed transmission for the more powerful models with the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG-automatic.
The Ibiza will be offered only as a five-door, with a choice of four trim levels at UK launch: S, SE, FR, plus, a new XCELLENCE version.
The driving assistance systems built into the new Ibiza include Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Keyless Entry System with heartbeat engine start button, a new generation of front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera with a higher quality and precision reflected in a premium eight-inch touchscreen.
On the inside, there’s a wireless charger with GSM amplifier and, in terms of connectivity, Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link. A partnership with Beats audio has delivered a new sound system, using a digital signal processor (DSP), seven premium speakers and an eight-channel with 300W amplifier.
The all-new Ibiza is set to arrive in UK showrooms in July 2017. Prices have yet to be announced.