SEAT Ibiza

Wraps are off the new SEAT Ibiza

Check out our exclusive pictures of the brand new Ibiza.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Text: James Disdale / Photos: Dave Smith

02nd April 2008

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 one of the biggest in the class.

Although it has increased in size, the newcomer weighs on average 25kg less than its predecessor. This boosts efficiency and reduces emissions, with all models in the range producing less than 160g/km of CO2.

Despite the diet, the SEAT still gets plenty of the hi-tech kit. Included in the line-up is a seven-speed DSG sequential manual gearbox, Hill Hold Assist, Bi-Xenon directional headlamps and tyre pressure monitoring.

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 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 wait 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 a 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.

The interior comes 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.

Expect prices to be slightly higher than the outgoing model when the first examples hit UK showrooms in July.