SEAT announces pricing & specification for the ALl-New 5th Generation Ibiza Supermini.

• UK order books now open for All-new SEAT Ibiza ahead of showroom arrival on 21 July, priced from only £13,130
• Fifth generation of SEAT’s best-selling supermini makes significant advances in all areas – style, quality, performance, handling, refinement and technology
• All-new Ibiza debuts new Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform
• New model set to add impetus to SEAT’s record-breaking sales performance, alongside the hugely successful New Leon and Ateca ranges
• Launched exclusively as a five-door model with a choice of five trim levels and four petrol engines, led by new high-efficiency 1.0 three-cylinder units

The countdown has started for the most important event of the year so far for SEAT, with first orders being taken this week for the All-new SEAT Ibiza. The arrival of the hotly anticipated new model this summer promises to add even more impetus to the remarkable sales success the stylish Spanish brand is enjoying nationwide.

“Ibiza is an iconic model for SEAT, a best-seller that’s been at the heart of our line-up for more than 30 years,” said Richard Harrison, Director, SEAT UK. “With that kind of heritage, you can be sure the new model will be a benchmark car, taking SEAT quality, design, engineering and technology to an even higher level.

“The New Leon range and the Ateca, our first SUV, have set the scene perfectly, generating huge customer response and helping raise UK sales to record heights already this year. The All-new Ibiza will complete a powerful trio at the heart of our brand and we cannot wait to introduce it to British buyers.”

Early reports from British media experts who were first to get behind the wheel signal just how good a car the latest Ibiza promises to be. Auto Express magazine declared it “sets the class standard” for superminis, while What Car? reports that it’s “great to look at and to drive – one of the best small cars you can buy”.

In terms of street appeal, the All-new Ibiza – now exclusively a five-door – is every inch a modern SEAT, designed and developed in Barcelona. Sporty, edgy lines combine with sculpted bodywork to give the car striking, eye-catching appeal, with a clear bloodline link to the cool styling cues established with the new Leon and Ateca, and further distinguishing SEAT as a leader in contemporary car design. Hot new exterior colours and a class-leading eight-inch infotainment screen have been added too, to keep Ibiza firmly on-trend with current tastes.

It’s what lies beneath the skin, however, that defines the All-new Ibiza’s quality as a car that is dynamically rewarding to drive and also remarkably spacious within its compact body. It has the distinction of being the first model to be built on a new modular Volkswagen Group vehicle platform, MQB A0.

The new underpinnings are the key to making the latest Ibiza a lithe performer around urban streets and an engaging proposition when out on the open road. 

They also allow for an exceptionally spacious cabin in a car that’s actually shorter than the one it replaces: with width increased by 87mm, 60mm added to the wheelbase and 35mm more rear legroom, comfortable accommodation is guaranteed. And there’s more room in the boot, too, with an extra 63 litres available.

The All-new Ibiza arrives at launch with a choice of four petrol engines, majoring on a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit, engineered to deliver a compelling mix of economy and spirited performance. In standard form it will produce a useful 75PS, while turbo versions will offer 95 and 115PS – the latter reserved for the sporty FR model with a six-speed manual or sophisticated dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Official benchmark figures indicate combined cycle fuel consumption from 60.1 mpg and 106 g/km of CO2 (1.0 TSI 95PS). To add an extra performance dimension to the range, the FR will also be available with a potent 150PS 1.5 EVO engine, while diesels will be added to the line-up later in the year.

The breadth of choice takes in five trim levels and top quality equipment specifications that keep the All-new Ibiza firmly in the frame when it comes to today’s customer preferences on technology, “always-on” connectivity, in-car entertainment, comfort and safety. At entry point, the S version keeps things simple and smart, with features including air conditioning, electric front windows, automatic headlights, Bluetooth and advanced safety features including Front Assist. 

Moving up to SE grade delivers a wealth of extra features: 15-inch alloys, front fog lights with cornering function, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and multi-coloured ambient cabin lighting are all included, together with SEAT’s Media System Colour multimedia package.

The new SE Technology is the expected top pick for UK buyers, coming equipped with Media System Plus with eight-inch colour touchscreen, navigation with 3D map display, voice recognition, DAB digital radio and two USB ports. 

The FR focuses on sportier looks with 17-inch alloys, dark-tinted rear glass, brilliant black and chrome bodywork details and twin exhausts; likewise, the cabin is fitted with sports front seats and flat-bottom steering wheel and Full Link smartphone integration. 

in sports suspension, rear disc brakes and SEAT Drive Profile with four selectable drive modes and you have a car that adds authentic performance to its arresting looks. 

XCELLENCE, new to Ibiza, tops out the range, with distinguishing features such as 16-inch machined alloy wheels, Atom Grey door mirror housings, Alcantara upholstery, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry-and-go, front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

A wealth of options extend the possibilities even further, including a Beats audio system – reflecting Ibiza’s status as having the youngest customer age profile of any UK supermini.

The new Ibiza range starts from £13,130 on the road. Orders can be placed now with the first cars in UK showrooms on 21 July.

The fifth Generation Ibiza gets a full reveal at Geneva - It comes as sales are growing strongly.

• The new model kick starts a very special year for SEAT – sales went up by 13.6% in the first two months
• The Leon CUPRACER Evo 17 and the new 300 hp SEAT Leon CUPRA also have their chance to shine at the Motorshow
• Instead of the usual press conference, SEAT hosts media using a new Press Talk format

SEAT’s global sales continue with their double digit growth. In February, the Spanish brand made another jump, with deliveries that reached 31,800 vehicles, which represents +10.8% versus the same month of 2016. In the year-to-date, sales grew by 13.6% reaching a total of 64,000 units.

The sales increase has been very solid in most of the brand’s major markets. In January and February, Spain ranked first in terms of deliveries, with 14,400 vehicles sold (+24.5%), ahead of Germany, where sales went up by 8.9% reaching 11,900 units and the United Kingdom (5,600; +21.3%). 

SEAT is also making very positive progress in Mexico (4,600; +9.5%), the brand’s fourth largest market, and in Italy (3,300; +15.8%).

“We are very satisfied with the sales evolution in the first two months of the year. We are growing at double digit rates for the brand as a whole and in our major markets, and our market share continues to go up. 

With the Ibiza we are presenting at the Geneva Motorshow and the new models in our product offensive, we are confident that we will sustain this momentum throughout the year” said SEAT Vice-President for Marketing and Sales Wayne Griffiths.

SEAT announced these figures at the Geneva Motorshow, a very special edition for the brand. Because above all, the fifth generation of the new SEAT Ibiza, the Spanish brand’s best-selling model with more than 5.4 million units sold, is taking centre stage.“SEAT is in a phase of consolidation and growth and we are working to become one of the most dynamic organisations in our industry” says Luca de Meo, president of SEAT. “The new SEAT Ibiza will make a great leap forward for the brand and it is called to set a turning point in the segment”.

And not only that, because this is another step forward in the biggest product offensive ever carried out by SEAT.  At the beginning came the launch of the first SUV of the brand, the Ateca, followed by the updated Leon. Now it’s the new Ibiza’s turn, completing the reinforcement of the three main pillars of the brand. 

New models are still yet to come, such as the compact crossover, the Arona.

By the end of the year, all new products will allow a substantial coverage increase in the European markets. In addition, the new range includes the Xcellence version as alternative to the current FR trim. 

The Xcellence trim has been created to reach new customers looking for a more sophisticated and distinctive design combined with more convenient and smart functional equipment.  

A decisive model

The fifth generation of the SEAT Ibiza has been developed in Barcelona and is a decisive step forward in the future of SEAT.  Firstly, because it demonstrates the Volkswagen Group’s latest technology, the MQB A0 platform (Modular Quer Baukasten) which shows the importance of the SEAT brand within the Volkswagen Group, as this new platform will be featured for the first time on this segment. And secondly, because it comes full to the brim with the most advanced technology, spectacular dynamism and a notable increase in interior space.

“The new SEAT Ibiza embraces SEAT’s design DNA and ensures a fantastic dynamic performance”, says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President of SEAT for Research and Development; “with the new modular MQB A0 platform the SEAT Ibiza rises to technologies from higher segments and in terms of comfort, it improves markedly its interior roominess and variability”.

It combines elegance and style, but never abandons its dynamic character. The new Ibiza is undoubtedly bringing about an increase in SEAT’s client base as well as improving the image of the brand, making it more aspirational thanks to its undoubtable qualities complete with a rounded, powerful design that ensures the car sits perfectly on the road.

In summary, the new SEAT Ibiza offers quality usually found in higher segments and is aimed at clients who not only know what they want and live with a young and dynamic spirit; but also at those that are looking for a more sophisticated touch that want the latest and most advanced technology at their fingertips in order to find simple solutions in their day to day lives.

The SEAT Leon CUPRA; the most powerful SEAT ever

The fastest legal street model that the Spanish brand has ever produced, the new SEAT Leon CUPRA, is displayed as well on SEAT stand. Although everyone will be talking about its 300 hp engine with 380 Nm of maximum torque, or about its acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds, it is worth noting above all else that the Leon CUPRA will come equipped with the 4Drive Total Traction system when combined with the family ST model and the double-clutch DSG. These improvements in power, torque and power delivery demonstrate an obvious step forward in terms of performance, and it also comes packed with the safety, connectivity and multimedia technology that the rest of the Leon range boasts.

Together with the 300 hp Leon CUPRA, there will be a spectacular model on show in grey matt on the exterior, carbon fibre on the interior and aesthetic details in copper both outside and in. Of course, we are talking about the new SEAT Leon CUPRACER Evo 17; the competition version destined to be fielded in the TCR International Series. Available in two versions - one with DSG and the other complete with manual sequential gearbox - the Leon CUPRACER Evo 17 comes with the same engine as the street version, but will put out 350 hp (20 more than the 2016 version) and 420 Nm of torque.

A new press talk format

On the SEAT stand, several Press Talks will be carried out throughout the day, with three topics for discussion given by different members of the board of directors at SEAT.

First up will be Luca de Meo, president of SEAT, who will deal with the current business situation and other corporate topics,  also featuring Wayne Griffiths, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, who will provide a commercial company overview. The next pair will consist of Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Research and Development and Dr. Andreas Tostmann, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Production who will hold a talk about the new Ibiza and the MQB A0 platform. On top of those, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, SEAT Design Director and Joaquin Serra, Director of Quality at SEAT: they will focus on SEAT distinctive way of designing and the importance of quality.

SEAT is the only company that designs, develops, manufactures and markets cars in Spain. A member of the Volkswagen Group, the multinational has its headquarters in Martorell (Barcelona), exporting more than 80% of its vehicles, and is present in over 75 countries.

SEAT Group employs more than 14,000 professionals at its three production centres – Barcelona, El Prat de Llobregat and Martorell, where it manufactures the highly successful Ibiza and Leon. Additionally, the company produces the Ateca and the Toledo in the Czech Republic, the Alhambra in Portugal and the Mii in Slovakia. 

The multinational has a Technical Centre, which operates as a knowledge hub that brings together 1,000 engineers who are focussed on developing innovation for Spain’s largest industrial investor in R&D. SEAT already features the latest connectivity technology in its vehicle range and is currently engaged in the company’s global digitisation process to promote the mobility of the future.

GENEVA - SEAT to launch the new Ibiza as well as a couple of sporty Leon Cupra's

• All-New SEAT Ibiza will make its world debut at Geneva Motor Show 2017
• The fifth-generation of SEAT’s historic best-seller kick starts a very special year for SEAT. Sales already up by 16.5% in January
• Sharing stage limelight is New Leon CUPRA 300, plus, its endurance racing brother, CUPRA Evo 17 with 350PS
• Instead of traditional Press conference, SEAT will be hosting media using a more  accessible Press Talk format

The Geneva Motor Show is always a great occasion for the car industry, and this year’s will be a very special one for SEAT. 

Because above all, the fifth-generation of the All-New SEAT Ibiza, the Spanish brand’s historic best-seller,with more than 5.4 million units sold, will be making its world debut.

“SEAT is in a phase of consolidation and growth and we are working to become one of the most dynamic organisations in our industry” says Luca de Meo, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SEAT S.A.,“The new SEAT Ibiza will make a great leap forward for the brand and it is set to be a turning point in the segment”.

SEAT is now midway through its largest ever product offensive.  At the beginning, came the launch of the brand’s first SUV, Ateca, followed recently by the New Leon. 

Now it’s the eye-catching Ibiza’s turn, completing the reinforcement of the three main SEAT brand pillars. 

New models are still yet to come, including the compact crossover, Arona.The launch of the All-New Ibiza opens a very special year for SEAT, in commercial terms as well. The company has entered its fifth consecutive year of increased sales after posting 16.5% growth in January.

By the end of the year, each of the new products will give the brand substantial coverage increases across European markets. In addition, the brand is looking to conquest new customers through a wider offering, such as XCELLENCE, an alternative to the current sport-oriented FR. This trim level has been created to reach those looking for a sophisticated and distinctive design, combined with convenient and intelligent technology.  

A decisive model

The fifth generation of the SEAT Ibiza has been developed in Barcelona and is a decisive step forward in the future of SEAT.  Firstly, because it demonstrates the Volkswagen Group’s latest technology, the MQB-A0 platform (Modular Quer Baukasten) which shows the importance of the SEAT brand within the Volkswagen Group, as this platform application is the first in the supermini segment. And secondly, because it benefits from the most advanced technology, a notable increase in interior space, plus, a rewarding driving experience. This has led to the creation of a completely new model while, retaining Ibiza’s young spirit, dynamism, functionality and comfort. To achieve this, it gets a new, fresh, sporty and striking design, reflecting the unmistakable SEAT DNA. The surfaces have been accentuated even more in a way that gives a more sculptured, exciting and aerodynamic look.

“The new SEAT Ibiza embraces SEAT’s design DNA and ensures fantastic driving performance”, says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President of SEAT for Research and Development; “with the new modular MQB-A0 platform the SEAT Ibiza rises to technologies from higher segments and in terms of comfort, it improves its interior roominess and variability markedly.”

The All-New Ibiza is undoubtedly widening SEAT’s customer base, as well as improving the image of the brand, by combining elegance and style with dynamic character. It is also even more aspirational thanks to the aforementioned qualities, complete with a rounded, powerful design that ensures the car sits perfectly on the road.

One of All-New SEAT Ibiza’s key ingredients is that it establishes the Spanish brand as one that is looking to the future. Principally through practicality, intelligent technology and connectivity. The All-New Ibiza can be specified with driving assistance systems already seen in the Leon and Ateca, yet not commonplace in its class (Front Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, among others) as well as coming with a wireless charger and GSM signal amplifier.

In addition, the new SEAT Ibiza is 100% connected thanks to three options: Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link. This certainly shows SEAT’s ambition to become a leader in in-car connectivity and in the development of new mobility solutions. All of this technology can be enjoyed for the first time through the integrated eight-inch touchscreen.

The car also features Beats sound-system:  the brand that with its premium sound entertainment brings energy, emotion and excitement to music lovers, changing the way that they listen to music. It uses a digital signal processor (DSP), six premium speakers, one high-end subwoofer and 300W amplifier.

In summary, the All-New SEAT Ibiza offers quality usually found in higher segments and is aimed at customers who not only know what they want and live with a young and dynamic spirit; but, also at those seeking a more sophisticated touch, with the latest and most advanced technology at their fingertips, for finding simple solutions in their daily lives.

The Leon CUPRA 300; the most powerful SEAT road car ever

The fastest street legal car that the Spanish brand has ever produced, the new SEAT Leon CUPRA 300, will be displayed in Geneva too. Although everyone will be talking about its 300PS engine with 380 Nm of maximum torque, the headline news is the Leon CUPRA coming equipped with 4Drive on the ST (Sports Tourer). Combined with the double-clutch DSG-auto gearbox, it dispatches 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

The latest and most powerful member of the CUPRA family provides intensity and performance. It also comes packed with the safety and connectivity that the rest of the Leon range boasts. Crucially, the brand flagship also offers variety, with a bodystyle to suit every need, from the three-door SC (Sports Coupé), to five-door and ST (Sports Tourer). A CUPRA always has to combine a great balance of passion and daily use, and as such, a solid combination of sporty design, cutting-edge technology, comfort and outstanding dynamic behaviour has been achieved like never before.

Joining its roadcar brother will be the spectacular SEAT Leon CUPRA Evo 17. Resplendent in grey matt paint, with carbon fibre interior elements and aesthetic details in copper inside and out, it is the competition version destined to be fielded in the TCR International Series. Available in two versions - one with DSG-auto and the other a manual sequential gearbox - the Leon CUPRA Evo 17comes with the same engine as the street version, but, with an uprated engine putting out 350PS (20 more than the 2016 version) and 420Nm of torque.

Looking ahead to the new season, improvements have been made, including to the brakes (and its control system), having developed an ABS and ESC to improve feel and handling. The SEAT Leon CUPRA Evo 17 is front-wheel drive with self-locking VAQ electro-hydraulic differential, 378mm diameter front disc brakes with six-piston calipers and 272mm discs at the rear. In order to adapt to the driver or racetrack needs, brake balance and anti-roll bar can be adjusted, as well as camber and toe of the front suspension (McPherson) and the height and camber of the rear suspension (multi-arm).

A new press talk format

On the SEAT stand, several Press Talks will be carried out throughout the day, with three topics for discussion given by different members of the board of directors at SEAT. First up will be Luca de Meo, Chairman of the SEAT Executive Committee, who will deal with the current business situation and other corporate topics,  also featuring Wayne Griffiths, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, who will provide a commercial company overview. The next pair will consist of Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Research and Development and Dr. Andreas Tostmann, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Production who will hold a talk about the All-New Ibiza and the MQB-A0 platform. On top of those, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, SEAT’s Design Director and Joaquin Serra, Director of Quality, will focus on the brand’s distinctive way of designing cars and the importance of quality.

The press talks will be given in English, German or Spanish, with a simultaneous translation system available in different languages. Each speaker will use a 27-inch tablet in order to present in the most flexible and approachable way to media guests. 

The fifth generation of the ever popular SEAT Ibiza is about to be released - we look back !

• About to enter its fifth generation, the SEAT Ibiza has sold more than 5.4 million units
• 80% of its production is exported to over 75 countries 
• It has been on the market for 33 years and was the car that internationalised the brand

In 1984, Michael Jackson took the music world by storm with Thriller. On the big screen, Ghostbusters and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom smashed all box-office records. 

It was also the year when Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was born, and the year the first SEAT Ibiza was launched on the market. 

Since then, this model has been driving on streets and roads all over the world continuously for 33 years. Keep reading to find out some interesting facts and figures about this legendary model.

-Four generations and more than 5.4 million units sold

In three decades, the SEAT Ibiza has accumulated four generations. It is the top-selling Spanish passenger car – to date, more than 5.4 million units have been sold. If they were arranged in a straight line, they would exceed the distance between Barcelona and New Zealand.

- Created in Barcelona

Every generation of the Ibiza was designed, developed and produced in Barcelona. Italy’s Giorgetto Giugiaro was the Design Director responsible for the first generation. The engine was developed with the collaboration of Porsche, thereby creating the System Porsche designation, and car module manufacturer Karmann helped build the bodywork. 

- Fuel consumption lowered to less than half

After 33 years, the SEAT Ibiza consumes less than half as much as the first generation – from 7.8 litres/100 km in 1984 down to 3.6 litres on today’s 90 hp Ibiza 1.4 TDI.  

- 8 out of 10 Ibizas are exported

Every day 700 new SEAT Ibizas roll out of the Martorell factory. Of these, 80% are exported to over 75 countries. In fact, the Ibiza was behind the internationalisation of the brand as it was the first model to be regularly exported from Martorell. 

-Headline figures of the Ibiza

More than 700 robots are involved in its production. Each vehicle contains 3,000 parts, and it travels nearly 12 km to complete its production process. In addition, since 1984 more than 70 million kilos of paint have been used, which is equivalent to painting the Eiffel Tower more than 1,000 times. 

- Women’s role

The Ibiza was the first SEAT car to integrate women on the production line. Today, women account for 1 out of every 5 workers on this line (21%), the highest rate in Spanish industry. In addition, the global market has seen more and more women buyers in the last ten years, accounting for 51% of the share compared to 42% in 2004.

-Passion for competition 

The Ibiza was the official car of the Barcelona ’92 Olympic Games. It also achieved notable successes in competition racing, such as the three FIA World Rally Championship titles in the 2 litre category in 1996, 97 and 98.

The new Micra has begun customer production at the Flins Production Facility, France.

• First cars roll off the line at Flins plant, France
• Micra production returns to Europe after break of seven years
• Fifth-generation Micra is an exceptional car characterised by expressive design, uplifting interior and confident drive

Production of the all-new Nissan Micra has begun, with the first cars rolling off the line in the last few days. Final checks have ensured they are finished to the highest quality. Deliveries to Nissan retailers and customers will commence from mid-February in key European markets, and from March in the remainder.

The start of production marks the beginning of a new chapter in a success story which stretches back more than three decades. First launched in Europe in 1983, Micra is one of the world’s most recognisable model names with global sales of more than seven million cars. 

This all-new version – the fifth generation – sees it return to the heart of the European B-hatchback segment.

The new Nissan Micra is manufactured at Flins, France, at a plant operated by Nissan’s Alliance partner Renault. The new Micra is the first Nissan passenger car to be built in a Renault plant in Europe, and returns Micra production to Europe – close to its key customer base – after a break of seven years. It is being built on a modified version of Nissan’s V-platform.

Flins, to the west of Paris, is a factory with vast experience in producing hatchbacks for the European market. First opened in 1952, the 237-hectare site is the longest-established car-producing plant in the Renault Group. It is currently home to the Renault Clio and Renault Zoe models.

This ‘cross-production’ of vehicles is a major driver of manufacturing synergies for the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and brings several key benefits to the business and to the customer.

Most importantly, it maximises the advantages of the Alliance Production Way, a manufacturing and shop-floor management system common to Renault and Nissan. As well as allowing plants to make better use of their production capability, this system takes benchmarks and best practice from both brands to ensure the highest quality production standards are met and maintained.

Paul Willcox, Chairman, Nissan Europe, commented: “The start of production for the all-new Micra is a moment to be celebrated, embodying the spirit of co-operation which exists throughout the Renault-Nissan Alliance.”

He added: “We have taken the European compact car segment to a new level by focusing on what customers really want today and expect tomorrow. The all-new Nissan Micra is an exceptional car, characterised by its expressive design, uplifting interior and confident drive.”

The new Nissan Micra is quite simply a revolution. It is a radical progression from the model it is replacing, and from the trio of highly successful superminis which date back to the Micra’s debut in Europe 34 years ago.

The new Micra is longer, wider and lower than ever before. It has been conceived, designed and engineered with European customers’ requirements at the top of the agenda.

Key to its appeal is the car’s athletic and expressive exterior design, which moves the Micra name plate in a daring new direction. The contemporary look and premium feel continues inside, with a high-quality cabin that boasts two-tone soft-touch materials as standard across the range.

The new Nissan Micra is also a technology leader, with a number of features which are not only new to the Micra but new to the segment. These include Intelligent Lane Intervention, a safety system which gently corrects the Micra back on to the right path should it be required.

Also unique is the BOSE Personal audio system, which features speakers built into the driver’s head rest for an exceptional 360° sound experience. The new Micra is available with a wide range of personalisation options, modifying the exterior and interior with premium components in a variety of stylish and contemporary colours.

It is also a fantastic car to drive, with a dynamic performance that is the perfect balance between agility, excitement and the secure feeling that comes with confident and predictable handling. Three engines are available – two petrols and a diesel.