SEAT updated its Ibiza, adding a refreshed exterior look, a revolution to the interior, as well as new levels of connectivity and driver assistant systems.
The SEAT Ibiza has been a key pillar of the brand’s success since it was first introduced back in 1984, and after 37 years, five generations and nearly 6 million sales, it’s SEAT’s most successful vehicle to ever roll off the production line. The facelifted fifth generation is aiming to maintain that winning mentality as a key model in its segment in Europe.
“The SEAT Ibiza is an icon in the automotive industry and one of the key pillars of the brand,” said Wayne Griffiths, President of SEAT and CUPRA. “The refreshed fifth-generation’s new exterior modifications and interior revolution, together with new levels of connectivity and safety mean it’s ready to continue the success story.”
The world’s become increasingly digitalised and the SEAT Ibiza is ready to be part of the journey, bringing greater intuitiveness, functionality and quality to the interior space, achieved through an improved design language and increased levels of connected technology and new, more elegant materials.
Add to this the use of lighting technology to improve the cabin’s ambience and the inclusion of the latest infotainment display systems, to bring a strong updated language and feel to the car’s personality.
Under the bonnet, the new SEAT Ibiza will offer six different powertrains between 80PS and 150PS, in petrol and compressed natural gas, linked to either manual or DSG dual-clutch transmissions.
Finally, the SEAT Ibiza adds a range of new driver assistance systems that make driving the urban car more relaxing no matter what the scenario.
Designed, developed and produced in Barcelona, at SEAT’s headquarters in Martorell, the new SEAT Ibiza will enter production in the third quarter of 2021.
Exterior design
The SEAT Ibiza is well known for its iconic and youthful design, defined by its perfect proportions. As the refreshed model enters the fray, it’s defined by subtle additions to the vehicle’s exterior design, that enhance the already characterful look of the model, across all trim levels (Reference, Style, Xcellence and FR).
Lighting technology is a central part of any vehicle’s external aesthetic, and the SEAT Ibiza now integrates 100% LED technology as standard – Eco-LEDs and the option of an upgrade with Full LEDs – offering better visibility with lower energy consumption.
The SEAT Ibiza’s side profile maintains its short overhangs with wheels pushed out to the four corners of the vehicle, providing incredible stability and highlighting its dynamics and sportiness. The visual cues are highlighted even further with the introduction of three new alloy wheel designs – two 17″ and one 18″ option.
One further aspect of the facelifted SEAT Ibiza’s differentiation is the inclusion of model’s name in embossed handwritten lettering. A delicate change that helps bring the urban vehicle in line with the SEAT’s design themes.
Finally, the new SEAT logo is finished in two-tone chrome – matt on the front part and glossy on the borders – both in the front and rear, adding a stylish finishing touch to the car.
Those refined changes are highlighted by the range of colours now available; customers can choose from nine exterior colours, including two new paints: Sapphire Blue and Asphalt Blue.
Interior design
The SEAT Ibiza’s interior represents a design revolution. New materials, technology and illumination systems improves its dynamic character with a greater level of perceived quality.
The new floating central infotainment system display is an obvious highlight in this new interior approach. The screen has grown on average by more than 20% compared to its predecessor – the standard screen is now 8.25″, while the optional screen is 9.2″. In addition, its higher position in the cabin – at the driver’s line of sight – improves its ergonomics, making it safer and more practical. Add to this the clear 10.25″ Digital Cockpit and the interior of the new Ibiza is fully digital.
Improvements have been made to the fit, finish and quality throughout; one highlight is the completely new soft dashboard, which linked to the new and ergonomic multifunction steering wheel in Nappa (available in Style as an option, and in Xcellence and FR trims as standard) delivers an increased level of refinement. New upholstery also gives the interior space a greater level of value.
The use of lighting technology adds to the SEAT Ibiza’s interior personality. The driver and passenger side redesigned air vents benefit from surrounding LED lights – for FR and Xcellence-, with a different colour available depending on the trim level chosen – Daring Red for FR trim, Burgundy for Xcellence trim and Honey for Style and Reference trims -. It means the cabin space is more in-sync with the customer.
The boot’s total capacity remains at 355 litres, making it one of the best in class, and accessing the space is easier as the loading height is relatively low, proof, if it were needed, that SEAT knows how to combine design and functionality.
Connectivity
Life is becoming increasingly digital-first and the refreshed SEAT Ibiza is ready to be part of it, now fully connected with in-car connectivity (online-based functions and services; Full Link including wireless access to both Android Auto and CarPlay) and out-car connectivity with SEAT CONNECT.
With the integration of the wireless Full Link system, customers can access their digital lives no matter what device they use, be it Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It simplifies the process of bringing in contact lists, music and mapping systems, as they are all available, accessed in a controlled, intuitive, safe manner that doesn’t distract drivers from the road, using either the infotainment system or the integrated steering wheel controls.
The infotainment system delivers an even richer experience with online content available at the touch of a button – or verbal request – whether it’s traffic information, parking, petrol stations or internet radio and media online.
Natural voice recognition makes using the technology safe and simple; saying “Hola Hola” wakes up the system, much like the home assistants from the consumer electronics world that everyone is so used to. Voice recognition allows the user to interact with the infotainment system using natural commands, making corrections and referencing previous commands. So, whether you need to find navigation information or search for music, it is quicker and easier.
And with two Type-C USB ports in the front of the cabin, connecting, and recharging devices is simplicity itself.
The new SEAT Ibiza also integrates SEAT CONNECT with a built-in eSIM, meaning that the eCall service is available, which directly contacts emergency services in case an incident occurs, adding yet another level of safety to the vehicle. It’s not only the possibility to make an emergency call (manual or automatic) but also that important data from the vehicle will be sent to the emergency services such as car position, engine type, vehicle exterior colour or number of passengers, making it easier for them to assist.
In addition, the built-in eSIM also offers the possibility of reaching SEAT services through the “private call” button; this assistant allows the driver to contact SEAT services in their own language, no matter where they are driving. SEAT CONNECT will be offered free of charge for one year, no matter which version or trim the customer chooses.
In addition, it includes the SEAT CONNECT App, which opens a whole new world of possibilities by giving access to remote services. The App can be downloaded to your smart device, providing remote control over a host of features that will help maximize the driving experience beyond the car.
Users can remotely access their vehicle’s data: driving data, parking position, vehicle’s status, including doors and lights, set up speed alerts so you can be warned if someone using your vehicles is driving too quickly, area and anti-theft alerts, open and close the doors with the remote lock and unlock service, or can remotely activate the horn and turn signals to find the car more easily.
Safety and convenience
The new SEAT Ibiza integrates a range of new driver assistance systems, making it safer than ever.
Building on the breadth of systems already in place such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist, and Tiredness Recognition the rejuvenated vehicle now combines some of the most advanced driver assistance systems.
Travel Assist delivers semi-automatic driving across the whole speed range, making sure the vehicle maintains speed as the flow of traffic changes. Add to that Lane Assist, to keep the vehicle centred in the lane and Traffic Sign Recognition, so the vehicle always knows what the speed limit is for any given road and the SEAT Ibiza becomes an even more secure vehicle on the road.
But it doesn’t end there. The facelifted vehicle also benefits from Side Assist taking the pressure off when changing lanes. Front and rear facing radars monitor the vehicle’s blind spots up to 70 meters letting the driver know if there is a vehicle in the vicinity should they want to change lanes for example.
Finally, High Beam Assist has been added to the SEAT Ibiza’s list of advanced technologies. When daylight starts to fail, the system detects vehicles in front of the Ibiza, shifting the light between high and low beam as necessary.
Powertrains
Petrol and compressed natural gas (CNG) take centre stage in the revised SEAT Ibiza powertrain line-up, delivering efficiency and dynamics.
Under the bonnet, the new SEAT Ibiza will offer six different powertrains: five petrol units with outputs ranging from 80PS (59kW) to 150PS (110kW), joined by a 90PS (66kW) CNG unit, linked to either manual or DSG dual-clutch transmissions.
The entry three-cylinder 1.0 litre MPI petrol engine is matched to a five-speed manual transmission. The unit’s multi-point injection system helps the engine deliver excellent response at low- to mid-revs, while the 80PS (59kW) power output and 93Nm of torque mean that it offers enough to handle the demands of modern-day driving.
Direct-injection technology is used extensively in the rest of the engine line-up, with three 1.0 EcoTSI options available and a larger 1.5 EcoTSI.
The 1.0 TSI 95PS (70kW) unit, linked to a five-speed manual transmission provides 175Nm of torque. The final three-cylinder unit delivers 110PS (81kW)/200Nm and is linked to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.
The largest option in the range is the four-cylinder 1.5 EcoTSI. With an output of 150PS (110kW)/250Nm, it produces strong performance balanced with efficiency.
In addition to the petrol engine offer, the new SEAT Ibiza also includes a CNG version. The 1.0 TGI 90PS (66kW) unit, linked to a six-speed manual transmission provides 160Nm of torque
A CNG vehicle reduces CO2 emissions by about 25% compared to a petrol driven equivalent. As well as ecological and tax benefits, TGI technology offers exceptionally low costs per kilometre, up to 50% cheaper than a petrol equivalent model and 30% cheaper than a diesel.
SEAT is also supporting the development and availability of renewable bio-methane, which neutralises CO2 emissions generated through vehicle use. High quality bio-methane is obtained from organic waste residues and can either be added to conventional natural gas or used to substitute it completely. Bio-methane combines environmentally friendly mobility with the circular economy and reduces the CO2 impact of this engine type during its lifecycle.
