SEAT has updated the Ibiza, refreshing its interior, exterior and introducing new technology and driver assistance systems.
As SEAT’s most popular vehicle to date the updated fifth-generation model aims to maintain its strong performance in a key segment in Europe. Production will begin in the third quarter of the year.
Exterior design
The SEAT Ibiza has LED technology as standard. Eco LEDs are standard on SE and SE Technology models, while FR models upwards get full LED technology, offering better visibility with lower energy consumption.
Three new alloy wheel designs have been introduced – two 17-inch (FR, Xcellence and Xcellence Lux trims) and one 18-inch option (FR Sport). There is a 15-inch alloy and 16-inch machined alloy wheel also available (SE and SE Technology, respectively).
The model name is now embossed handwritten lettering and the SEAT logo is finished in two-tone chrome.
Two new colours are available: Sapphire blue and Asphalt Blue.
Interior design
New materials and technology systems improve the interior.
The new floating central infotainment system is key to this. The display is 20 per cent bigger than before and the standard screen measures 8.25-inch (SE trim only). SE Technology and above models feature a larger 9.2-inch screen.
A high-resolution 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit is available on FR Sport and Xcellence Lux models.
Safety
The updated SEAT Ibiza offers a range of new driver assistance systems including Travel Assist that offers semi-autonomous driving so that the vehicle can change its cruise speed with the flow of traffic. Additionally, Lane Assist ensures the vehicle is always centred in the lane, while Traffic Sign Recognition means the vehicle always knows the speed limit and visually alerts the driver.
The new vehicle also benefits from Side Assist, which adds an extra layer of protection when changing lanes on a motorway. Front and rear-facing radars monitor the vehicle’s blind spots and will alert the driver if another vehicle is detected.
Finally, High Beam Assist uses a front-facing camera to detect vehicles in front, travelling in either direction and will automatically switch the lights between high and low-beam as necessary.
Powertrains
Under the bonnet, the new SEAT Ibiza will offer a trio of three-cylinder petrol powertrains.
The entry-level 1.0-litre multi-point injection system petrol engine is matched to a five-speed manual transmission and produces 80PS and 93Nm of torque.
Direct-injection technology is used for the rest of the engine line-up, with two 1.0-litre EcoTSI options available.
The 1.0 EcoTSI 95PS unit, linked to a five-speed manual transmission, provides 175Nm of torque. The final unit delivers 110PS and 200Nm of torque and is linked to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
