SEAT Cars to complete a huge building to house upwards of 119,00 boxes of parts

Pioneering company in Industry 4.0

• The new 43.7 metre tall building will be able to process 119,000 boxes of parts and components
• Work on the new facility will conclude in the last quarter of 2018

SEAT continues with its commitment to making the Martorell factory a benchmark of Industry 4.0 with the construction of a new, automated logistics centre, providing storage for parts and components and equipped with smart technology to make its operation completely automated. With a total capacity for 119,000 boxes and a maximum height of 43.7 metres, it will be the tallest logistics warehouse in Spain. 

 Construction work on this facility, which will become the pillar of SEAT’s Logistics Centre at the Martorell factory, is scheduled to conclude in the last quarter of 2018.

According to SEAT Vice-President for Production Dr. Andreas Tostmann, “the creation of this wholly automated logistics centre once again demonstrates that SEAT is a benchmark company in every area of Industry 4.0”. “With this project we are taking a qualitative leap forward in our service capacity and our vision of achieving logistics management excellence by increasing efficiency in the manufacturing process of our vehicles”, he added. 

SEAT’s new warehouse will have a total surface area of 5,700 m2 divided into two facilities. In the first one, with a height of 43.7 metres, up to 500 containers will be shifted every hour. It will have a capacity for 24,000 containers stored in seven aisles. The second, at 21 metres high, will feature five aisles for storing more than 95,000 boxes, where 1,100 will get shifted every hour. 

This new facility represents another breakthrough in the logistics processes at the Martorell factory, which in recent months have received several awards. Just recently, SEAT won the Manufacturing Excellence 2017 award in the category of Logistics and Logistics Network Management. 

The judging panel of this award, which is considered one of the major events in the industrial sector, was particularly impressed by the factory’s excellent performance in supplier management and internal logistics. Likewise, last June the Barcelona International Logistics Exhibition recognised SEAT for the efficiency and technological innovation of the SEAT Easy Smart Logistics project.

The 1992 Olympics brought us various SEAT cars, as the brand and Olympics are from Barcelona

• SEAT committed itself to Barcelona 92 with three special models, 2,000 cars for the Olympic family and training for the 30,000 volunteers
• The Ibiza was selected as the official car of the Olympic Games 
• Two versions of the Toledo were made: a Podium edition for the Spanish medallists and an electric variant, which led the torch relay and the Marathon event

On 25 July 1992 hundreds of millions of people had their eyes fixed on Barcelona. The Olympic Games had just begun and more than 12,000 athletes were competing. The city opened its arms to the huge Olympic family with 30,000 volunteers trained by SEAT. 

It was a formidable logistics challenge that involved shuttling hundreds of athletes, organisers and journalists every day in a fleet of 2,000 company cars. 

Among these, the brand’s most iconic model, the SEAT Ibiza, was selected as the official car of the Games. Below are a few notable facts about those models with the Olympic spirit.

-The Olympic Ibiza: A special series of the white Ibiza, customised with the Olympic rings and the Barcelona’92 logo, became the official car of the Games. The Olympic Ibiza features in the rich history of the SEAT Ibiza, which is currently the brand’s icon and now in its fifth generation, with more than 5.4 million units sold.

-A Toledo fit for a winner: Only 25 units of this special version of the Toledo were made, and the brand gave one to each of the 23 Spanish athletes who won a medal. It featured navy blue paint and exclusive detailing, such as a portable telephone in the armrest and wood inserts in the steering wheel.

-Leading the way in the torch relay: The organisers of the Games asked SEAT for a specific model to accompany the athletes during the torch relay and the Marathon event. The result was an electric Toledo that featured a plug in charger concealed behind the front grille and a set of batteries that weighed 500 kilos which gave it a range of 65 kilometres.

-2,000 cars for the needs of a large family: 400 volunteers were responsible for driving a fleet of 2,000 Ibiza and Toledo cars around the Olympic Village. The fleet was used to shuttle athletes, delegates and accredited journalists to and from the different sports facilities during the Games.

-Collector’s items: the SEAT historic collection contains a perfectly preserved model of the Olympic Ibiza, an electric Toledo and two units of the Toledo Podium, all assets that represent the brand’s living history.

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 Ibiza from Seat has been reborn making this version the best thats ever been made.

• Striking All New Ibiza marks major step forward in SEAT’s portfolio renewal   
• Five-door only Ibiza is considerably roomier inside thanks to body which is:
  87mm wider, 2mm shorter, 1mm lower, plus, 60mm longer wheelbase. Boot space grows by significant 63 litres to 355
• Wide range of frugal and responsive petrol and diesel engines, including new EVO 1.5 150PS unit
• All New Ibiza features latest connectivity, comfort and safety technology
• Fifth-generation SEAT Ibiza first Volkswagen Group product using innovative MQB A0 Platform
• Over 5.4 million Ibizas sold to date
• UK showroom launch for All New Ibiza in July 2017

Ahead of its Geneva motor show world debut, SEAT has unveiled the All New SEAT Ibiza in Barcelona. The fifth-generation of the Spanish brand’s high-selling supermini comes loaded with the latest technology features, outstanding dynamics, and impressive improvements in interior space and comfort.

Destined for UK showrooms in July 2017, the latest Ibiza ushers in all-new styling while preserving the same youthful, functional, sporty and comfortable spirit as always. And it does so with a fresh design that reflects the latest SEAT distinctive character by continuing the brand’s DNA, but, with an edgier, sportier design, featuring more sculpted, accentuated and streamlined surfaces.

The All New SEAT Ibiza is a completely fresh model that was created with several very ambitious goals in mind: to move major steps forward in safety, design, performance and comfort. This huge advance in quality was achieved thanks to the new MQB A0 modular platform. The new SEAT Ibiza is the first Volkswagen Group model to use it, highlighting SEAT’s importance within the Group and offering countless advantages.  

Launched in 1984 for the first time, the Ibiza has become a SEAT icon. This car has been around the longest in the history of the brand and is its top-selling model, with over 5.4 million units sold. The Ibiza is one of the brand’s three pillars, together with the Leon and Ateca, upon which SEAT will continue building its future success.

More compact, roomier, more efficient

The All New SEAT Ibiza has much improved interior roominess, plus, it is even safer and more robust. It is much wider by a notable 87mm, as well as two millimetres shorter and one lower than the previous model, but more than anything, the change in its dimensions conveys a powerful image of a car that hugs the ground.

The track is 60mm longer at the front axle and 48mm at the rear axle, while the distance between the axles is 2,564 millimetres, a 95mm increase. The result is a much more comfortable car, with the All New SEAT Ibiza being both roomier on the inside and larger on the outside. For example, leg room in the back seats has increased by 35mm, while head room has gone up by 24 mm in the front seats and 17mm in the rear. The seats are 42mm wider too, making the new SEAT Ibiza one of the best in its class in this area. The boot has also been enlarged by an impressive 63 litres, bringing its total capacity to 355 litres, making it best in class. The loading height has also been lowered, proof that SEAT knows how to combine design and functionality.

All of the engines available on the All New SEAT Ibiza comply with the Euro6 emissions standards and lead the way in performance, with outstanding features, durability and low emissions. There are three aluminium block and cylinder petrol engines to choose from. The first option is the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI with 95 or 115PS, along with a turbo-compressor, intercooler and direct injection. A new EVO 1.5 TSI unit will also be available in late 2017 with four cylinders and 150PS. Efficient 1.6 TDI diesel engines will come in 80 and 95PS guises in the UK. The gearboxes available are a manual five-speed transmission for the 95PS and lower engines and a six-speed transmission for the more powerful engines. A seven-speed dual-clutch DSG-auto gearbox will also be available.

The car’s dynamic behaviour, ride quality and driving comfort are exceptional, thanks to the new MQB A0 platform and 30% greater torsional stiffness. The All New SEAT Ibiza will be solely offered with five doors, with a new design offering the sportier look of a three-door model. There have also been substantial leaps forward in terms of noise control, vibrations and ride harshness, allowing the All New SEAT Ibiza to offer the quality of much larger and luxurious cars. It’s also agile in the city, efficient on B-roads roads and offers excellent comfort on longer journeys.

Four trim levels and the most advanced technology

The All New SEAT Ibiza will be offered in four trim levels at UK launch: S, SE, FR, plus, a new XCELLENCE version.

The FR trim comes with the most dynamic and technology focused equipment. Exclusive dynamic design elements have been specifically created for it such as a rear diffuser, exclusive front bumper and exterior black pack, plus, sport suspension. The FR trim includes a stiffer suspension and offers four mode settings, Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual, to adapt to the driver’s preferences or to the conditions on the road. The XCELLENCE trim will also offer this possibility later on, with a softer setting.

The new XCELLENCE trim meanwhile has been designed to appeal to customers looking for comfort, elegance and intelligent technology.

The interior ambient LED lighting for the FR and XCELLENCE versions comes in two colours, red and white. The use of LED technology for the interior and exterior lights is not an aesthetic whim either, as the LEDs offer much higher quality lighting while saving energy, thus yielding improved fuel economy. The full LED lights on the All New Ibiza (headlights, dashboard, indicators and rear fog lights) are new in its class.

The driving assistance systems built into the All New Ibiza include elements that, while already present in Leon and Ateca, are quite unusual in this class. Among its highlights are Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Keyless Entry System with heartbeat engine start button, a new generation of front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera with a higher quality and precision reflected in a premium eight-inch touchscreen.

On the inside, one of Ibiza’s most outstanding features is a wireless charger with GSM amplifier. In terms of connectivity, the All New Ibiza is also always on due to its seamless link up to Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link. SEAT is committed to becoming a front runner in connected cars and developing new mobility solutions where the connected car enhances user experience, making it easier and more flexible. In an environment of disruptive changes, SEAT is eager to deal with the challenges posed by urban infrastructures, traffic systems and vehicles in cities, offering these technologies in most of its vehicles.

The New SEAT Ibiza presents a partnership with Beats audio sound system, a brand bringing energy, emotion and excitement that has changed the way people listen to music. It uses a digital signal processor (DSP), seven premium speakers and an eight-channel with 300W amplifier.  

MQB A0 Platform

The latest technology from the Volkswagen Group, the MQB platform (Modular Quer Baukasten), allows higher manufacturing flexibility and robust implementation, as it supports different models. It also permits different body types within the same segment and different wheelbase configurations to be achieved from the same base platform. SEAT’s investments and R&D expenditure in recent years were partially allocated to adapt Line One at its Martorell factory to the new MQB A0 platform, allowing it to be the first Volkswagen Group brand to use this technology.

The number of parts using Hot-Forming technology has been increased, and that contributes to reduced weight and increased rigidity, therefore improving performance and fuel economy. All New Ibiza will be built using 900 robots and more than 4000 welding points to guarantee its robustness. Spot welding combined with laser technology bring components together with a great result: a lightweight body with extreme structural stiffness.

Design: the next step in SEAT’s DNA

After more than three decades on sale and its importance as SEAT’s key pillar, the fifth generation of the Ibiza has been a significant challenge in terms of design. It had to be fresh and young, and yet, mature and balanced too.  And this is how the new SEAT Ibiza stands out straight away; its perfect proportions, strong character and agile look. Its characteristic SEAT brushstrokes have not just been maintained, but taken to the next level, pushing the evolution of SEAT’s design DNA. It just takes a glance to interpret what the designer sketched when creating it and see that this is the best design SEAT has ever come up with in the supermini segment.

At the front of the car, the triangular full LED headlights and daylight graphics make the new SEAT instantly recognisable. The badge is not only displayed proudly on the grille, but is also enhanced by two characterful lines on the bonnet. The x-shaped design gives great dynamism and visual stability.

The front and rear overhangs are very short, with the four wheels pushed out into the four corners All New Ibiza to make it stable, dynamic and sporty.  The longer wheelbase and window outline accentuate the size of the new Ibiza, while the double blisters down the length of the car are typically SEAT, giving the car a more expressive, three-dimensional look. The bodywork has been carefully sculpted, combining sharp lines and smooth surfaces. Its new wheels, up to 18 inches in size and with two tones to choose from, give an elegant touch.

The rear of the car is also typical of the Ibiza. Its rear lights wrap around the car, interacting with the blisters at the rear, properly proportioned within a unique design and offering fantastic aerodynamic performance. The boot’s strong lines and bumpers make the car appear wide and give the car an almost monolithic look, while the rear reflectors appear to bring the car closer to the ground. The FR trim comes with details that bring out its sporty character, such as the exhaust tips either side of the rear bumper. The XCELLENCE versions receive chrome details that emphasise their sophistication and refinement.

In terms of the interior, the same design steps have been adopted as those in the SEAT Leon and Ateca, but this time with a new vision for its design language. More tension, more technical and precise lines and lighter proportions have all been added in order to achieve a more elegant look and a greater level of perceived quality, while new materials have managed to safeguard its youthful and dynamic character. Structurally, a special emphasis has been put on its horizontal proportions in the assembly of its different functional areas, including the elevated console to improve ergonomic performance and safety. The aim was to achieve perfect proportions and a greater sense of space and comfort.

All of the controls and instruments are focused around the driver in the highest position possible to avoid the driver having to take his or her eyes off the road. Just as with the New Leon and Ateca, the start button is in the same place, to the left of the gearbox. Looking at the high level of quality in each and every detail of the All New SEAT Ibiza, one cannot help but think of models in higher categories, from the innumerable personalisation possibilities to the choice interior LED lighting colour, without forgetting of course the onboard technology, such as the eight-inch touchscreen and Full Link connectivity system. The interior is protected by an Air Care filter that isolates the occupants from any type of allergens, creating a completely contaminant-free space.

Its exciting design, dynamic behaviour and driving quality, the feeling of stability and reliability on the road, vastly improved interior quality, incredibly safe and easy-to-use technology, roomier interior, all combine to make the All New SEAT Ibiza a really attractive option and of course, at the best price.