SEAT

We’ve bagged the two hottest SEATs in town – and here are the exclusive pictures to prove it. Our spy photographers headed out in the dead of night to catch the 2009 Ibiza hatch, and sporty Bolero saloon on test in Spain, returning with these images.

With its sculpted flanks and pronounced waistline, the new Ibiza will significantly evolve the firm’s family style. Multi-lens rear lamps and larger headlights, inspired by the recent Tribu concept, give the five-door model a more upmarket look.

Based on the same platform as the forthcoming Volkswagen Polo replacement, the SEAT will not be much bigger than the car it replaces.
However, its compact exterior dimen­sions tell only one side of the story.

The newcomer also promises a more spacious cabin, courtesy of a longer wheelbase, and an up-to-date interior design. The engine line-up is to have at least four petrol powerplants, including a new evolution of the 1.4-litre VW-built turbo and super- charged unit. The 180bhp four-cylinder motor is the likely choice to power a high-performance Cupra version.

What’s more, the Spanish manufacturer plans to build a family of more fuel-efficient cars. It has already devised an Ecomotive range of frugal diesel models featuring 1.4 and 1.9-litre engines, cleaner aero­dynamics and special gearboxes. Less is known about the Bolero saloon, though, which is more heavily disguised to hide its top-secret look.

Sketches of the new model seen by Auto Express suggest that this variant will also take its inspiration from the firm’s Tribu SUV. Set to make its debut as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, the four-door, front-wheel-drive Bolero will share its platform with the forthcoming VW Golf MkVI, but be similar in size to the Skoda Octavia.

The SEAT’s engine range is likely to kick off with the VW Group’s new 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol powerplant which debuted in the Octavia. The new saloon promises to balance refinement with responsive handling when it goes on sale in 2009.