Seat Ibiza

Tags: Seat Ibiza Seat Ibiza new models Hatchback

The most successful and best-known SEAT model, the Ibiza, has undergone a profound transformation, both in terms of its exterior styling and its interior design.

DESIGN: A new style

The SEAT design team’s brief was to revamp the styling of the Ibiza in order to emphasise its dynamic sportiness, following in the footsteps of the latest-generation Altea, Toledo and León models.

The entire Ibiza range boasts a comprehensive equipment package, even at the entry-level Reference. More importantly, of the five versions, three offer added sports equipment – Sport, FR and Cupra. Each version features different upholstery and surface treatments.
The aesthetic transformation of the model is the same for the first three trim levels, except for wheel sizes and minor differences in equipment, while the FR and Cupra feature specific modifications to accentuate their sportier character.

This consistency has been achieved by, for example, working on the design of the front bumper, which is now similar to its siblings. Its wraparound styling with honeycomb grille also features redesigned fog lights. But the bumpers are not the same on all five versions in the range – although on the FR the shape is the same, an even sportier look is achieved by the grille with larger air intakes, as well as the partially black background to the number plate area. On the other hand, the Cupra version continues as before, preserving its established sporty appeal.

All the new Ibiza models are now equipped with double headlamps. On the FR and Cupra versions, the interior casing can be painted in either red or yellow (at a later date), in order to match the body colour. The rear light backgrounds are now dark red, except on the FR and Cupra, which maintain their metallic grey look.

The new rear bumpers also stand out, and versions equipped with a 100 hp engine or greater now feature a visible tailpipe. The area surrounding the number-plate is also new, and the rear window wiper is streamlined. Both the FR and Cupra versions feature specific rear bumpers that differentiate them from the rest of the range.

Further novelties include the “Ibiza” badge in the centre of the rear hatch beneath the large “S” that doubles as a boot handle. Its position has been changed from the lower left side to become more prominent. The same badge replaces the word “Cupra” on that version, and the sporty denomination moves to the central B pillars. The “FR” letters on that version are located on the lower right of the rear hatch.

Other significant visual differences among the range include the different wheel sizes, hubcap design, and available alloy rims, as well as the door mirrors and handles. On the Stylance and Sport versions the door mirrors come in the same body colour, while on the FR they are silver, and black “mágico” on the Cupra. The door handles are the same colour as the body on all versions except for Reference, which features black handles and door mirrors.

A more attractive, more youthful interior

At first glance the interior of the new Ibiza seems the same as the one currently on the market, but a closer look reveals significant differences in the quality of the materials used that improve the way it looks and feels.

For example, the trim elements are now softer to the touch, and are either stamped or painted according to the version. Different shades of black, grey and silver are used on the dashboard, instrument panel, central console and door panels. The Stylance, FR and Cupra versions feature a slush moulded dash, while the dash on the Reference and Sport versions are both more pleasing to the touch.

The same visual quality extends to the seat upholstery and other fabrics. Each version is now equipped with different designs, shades and surfaces than what was used until now, except the Ibiza Cupra, whose exclusive surface treatments and upholstery remain unchanged.
The new Ibiza also features new steering wheels and gear lever knobs with a more attractive and modern design. While the FR has the same as the Altea FR, wrapped in leather and with the “FR” lettering, the Cupra versions feature a leather steering wheel and gear stick with red stitching.

All the seats in the new Ibiza are comfortable and offer good side support. From the Sport version up they have a sportier design. On the FR, as on the Altea FR, the letters “FR” are stitched into the top of the seat backs; and the Cupra retains the excellent seat features of the current model.

On the whole, the interior of the new Ibiza features new quality materials that lend it more modern and more attractive styling through the use of redesigned colours and upholstery

Ibiza FR, sportier and more exclusive
The new SEAT Ibiza FR has been given a sportier appearance, both on the outside and on the inside. Thus, the body features a front bumper specific to this model, with a honeycomb grille incorporating enlarged air intakes, while the number plate area is highlighted in black. The design of the rear bumper is also exclusive, and while the name “Ibiza” is now situated on the centre of the hatch as for the other trim levels, the letters “FR” are positioned on the right-hand side. Other particularly distinctive features are the 17” wheels with a specific design, and double chrome tailpipes.

Adopting elements of style from the Altea FR, the inside of the Ibiza FR boasts a sportier appearance thanks to the seats – which offer excellent lateral support – and the steering wheel, gear stick and upholstery, which are all exclusive to this model. Finally, the stamped metal letters “FR” appear on the lower part of the leather steering wheel, on the gearknob along with the gearshift pattern – also with a metallic finish – and in the centre of the upper part of the front seat backs.

CHASSIS: Purpose built

The widely acclaimed general structure of the new SEAT Ibiza remains the same as on the current version, as well as its chassis and several structurally bonded components – electro-hydraulic steering, independent front and semi-rigid rear suspension set-up, ventilated front brake discs and rear discs or drums, and 15 to 17 inch rims.
There are four different chassis developments depending on trim level – Normal, Sport, FR and Cupra, and all four are inextricably linked to a particular suspension setting. Each trim level builds on the previous one, increasing sportiness and driving efficiency as they progress up the range. The best way to understand what these differences are is to define the Agile Chassis concept.
The Agile Chasis is an innovative concept designed and developed at the Martorell Technical Centre that sets the new Ibiza apart from its market rivals. Its exclusive suspension system combines softer coils and short, stiff shock absorbers, silent blocks that filter shock and vibrations, tyres with a lower slip angle and more responsive steering, which is swift and sensitive to driver demands.
With this definition it is easy to understand how the four chassis developments are achieved by modifying the suspension settings on the new Ibiza – Normal on the Reference and Stylance versions; Sport, FR and Cupra on the same-name versions. Important to be pointed out is that the essential structure of the suspension system is identical on all Ibiza versions.
The electro-hydraulic steering system resorts to a variable intensity electric pump that modulates power for slow-speed manoeuvres or fast turning, and reduces its effectiveness as speed increases. An electronic sensor located on the pump itself processes the information obtained from the turning speed of the steering wheel, engine running speed and the driving speed.

According to the chassis settings, the programme chooses a specific response pattern according to driving style, and transmits a characteristic steering mode. The three different setting types or patterns correspond to the Reference and Stylance versions (with the greatest assistance), the Sport and FR versions, and a specific programme for the Cupra version.

ENGINES: A wide range of 11 units

The engine range for the new Ibiza line is one of the most complete and wide-ranging on the market, with a choice of 11 engines, including the 75 hp 1.4 16V with manual or automatic gearbox.

It features power units that are well-known and of proven efficiency. The petrol range starts with the 64 hp 1.2, and also includes the 75 hp 1.4 16V, 100 hp 1.4 and the 150 and 180 hp 1.8, which are exclusive to the Ibiza FR and the Ibiza Cupra respectively. All of these engines come with five-speed manual gearboxes.

At the top of the petrol engine line is the Ibiza Cupra equipped with another 1.8 litre engine. To reach 180 hp (132 kW), its electronic management has been modified, and its intake and exhaust systems have been redesigned to improve breathing. With large air intakes, its front intercooler enhances output by taking greater advantage of the fuel by cooling incoming air and making it denser. The resized exhaust system further enhances performance by diminishing exhaust gas pressure.

The Cupra engine delivers its maximum torque (245 Nm) at 1,950 rpm. It takes 7.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, in-gear acceleration from 60 to 120 km/h takes 7.3 in fourth, and its top speed is 230 km/h. It is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox like the other petrol engines.

The outstanding diesel range – which consists of five options, all with direct-injection TDI technology – includes the Cupra’s 1.9 160 hp, the most powerful diesel in the Ibiza’s segment. The other four comprise two economical 1.4 litre and two further high-performing 1.9 litre engines. The 1.4 with 70 and 80hp are the entry-level engines. The mid-range is the 1.9 litre developing 100 hp, while the top end of the range features the 1.9 with 130 hp (for the Ibiza FR) and the Cupra’s 160 hp 1.9. These last two power units come with six-speed manual gearboxes, and the other three engines with five-speed manual gearboxes. All five engines fulfil the Euro IV emissions standard.

SAFETY: Up to six airbags

The wide range of safety elements available on the new SEAT Ibiza shows that passenger safety is first and foremost at SEAT – twin front airbags, side airbags, ABS anti-locking brake system, TCS traction control, ESP electronic stability programme, EBA emergency braking aid system, collapsible steering column and frangible brake pedal in the event of a collision, among others. Furthermore, the highly rigid body frame is a fundamental key to passenger safety.

The entire Ibiza range features driver and front passenger airbags as standard. The passenger airbag can be deactivated, with a useful warning light appearing on the central console. All models are equipped as standard with large-volume front side airbags to protect the chest and mid-section, except the Reference, on which it is an option. When the passenger airbag is disconnected, the passenger side airbag function is also switched off. Front and outside rear curtain airbags are also optional, so the entire Ibiza range features a total of six airbag protection options.

Seat Ibiza 2006 Dimentions