- SEAT Ibiza
Infobox Automobile
name = SEAT Ibiza
manufacturer =SEAT
parent_company =Volkswagen Group
production = 1984–present
class = Supermini
layout =FF layout
platform = Volkswagen Group A0
predecessor =SEAT Fura
successor = NoneThe SEAT Ibiza is a supermini manufactured by the
Volkswagen Group and sold under theSEAT marque . The Ibiza spans four generations and is still in production. It has been available in either three- or five-doorhatchback variants; since 1993, saloon,coupé and estate versions are sold as theSEAT Córdoba .First generation (1985-1993)
Infobox Automobile generation
name = SEAT Ibiza - first generation
production = 1984–1993
body_style = 3 and 5-doorhatchback
platform = Volkswagen Group A02
engine = 0.9L I4
1.2L I4
1.5L I4
1.7L I4
1.7L I4 Diesel
related =SEAT Ronda SEAT Málaga Fiat Ritmo Nanjing Yuejin Soyat
designer =Giorgetto Giugiaro The Ibiza Mk1 (codenamed "021A") was based on the
SEAT Ronda , in turn derived from theFiat Ritmo , with apowertrain which had been developed in collaboration withPorsche . This was the first SEAT which did not share any external body panels with any Fiat model, having been designed byGiorgetto Giugiaro . This version, while it established the now classic Ibiza shape, was advertised as having "Italian styling and German engines".It was known for having a rather quirky interior instrument layout, marked by a lack of control stalks. The indicators were operated by a rocker-switch and the headlights by a sliding switch.
In terms of size, it was larger than most superminis like the
Ford Fiesta andFiat Uno , but smaller than anysmall family car such as theFord Escort andVolkswagen Golf . Styling was fairly imaginative and interior space was good, but the Ibiza was let down by suspect build quality, heavy steering and doubtful reliability.SEAT also produced a saloon model based on the same platform, the
SEAT Málaga .In the UK, sales couldn't hope to compete with Ford, Vauxhall and Rover (or even imported brands like Volkswagen and Fiat), but the car sold well among buyers who were more interested in budget buys from the likes of
Hyundai andŠkoda . The Ibiza's moderate sales success gave the marque a decent platform to build on as it looked to increase sales throughout the 1990s.In 1999 the design was bought by Chinese automaker Nanjing and was redeveloped into the
Nanjing Yuejin Soyat .econd generation (1993-1999)
Infobox Automobile generation
name = SEAT Ibiza - second generation
production = 1993–1999 (MK2)
1999-2002 (Facelift)
body_style = 3 and 5-doorhatchback
5-door estate
engine = 1.0L I4
1.3L I4
1.4L I4 + 16V
1.6L I4
1.8L I4 + 16V
1.8L I4 Turbocharged
2.0L I4 + 16V
1.9L I4 Diesel
1.9L I4 SDI
1.9L I4Turbodiesel
1.9L I4 TDI
platform = Volkswagen Group A03
related =SEAT Córdoba SEAT Inca Volkswagen Polo Mk3 Volkswagen Caddy
designer =Giorgetto Giugiaro This model (internal type number "6K") was based on VW's A03 platform also used by the "Typ" 6N Polo (Mk3). Available in three and five-door models, the saloon variant was known as the Córdoba and the estate was known as the Córdoba Vario.
econd generation (facelift) (1999-2002)
The Ibiza Mk2 facelift ("typ" number "6K2" or "6K GP01"; sometimes referred to in the UK as the "Mk3") was the second Ibiza to be produced under
Volkswagen Group management and used the underpinnings of the revised Polo Mk3 (actually, the underpinnings of theVolkswagen Golf Mk3 ). It suffered a little from brand identity issues on release. Originally seen as a cheap VW, the launch of the Cupra models and rallying success gave it a much stronger sporty image, which aligned with Volkswagen Group's acquisition ofŠkoda Auto as a budget brand.The Ibiza's 1.0, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol and 1.9-litre
TDI and SDIDiesel engine s were the same as the Polo's. The Ibiza's running gear was also used in theSEAT Córdoba saloon, estate and coupé.Under Volkswagen's ownership, Seat was marketed as a sporty and youthful brand whose cars were sold at competitive prices. The original Ibiza's problems with bad build quality and unreliability were rectified, as the Ibiza proved itself to be one of the best built and most reliable small cars in Europe.
The Ibiza was also produced in
South Africa as the Volkswagen Polo Playa and also inArgentina .It also introduced a powerful
hot hatch dubbed Cupra and equipped with a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine, followed by the 1.8-litre turbocharged Cupra R which was available in very limited numbers only (75 in the UK). The main difference between the two was suspension, Brembo 4 pot brakes and a power upgrade from 156bhp to 180bhp on the Cupra R model.By the time production of the second generation Ibiza/Córdoba ceased during 2002, the range had established itself as one of the most popular superminis in Europe of the past decade.
Third generation (2002-2008)
Infobox Automobile generation
name = SEAT Ibiza - third generation
production = 2002–2008
body_style = 3 and 5-doorhatchback
engine = 1.2L I3
1.4L I4
1.6L I4
1.8L I4 Turbocharged
2.0L I4
1.4L I3 TDI
1.9L I4 SDI
1.9L I4 TDI
platform = Volkswagen Group A04 (PQ24)
related =SEAT Córdoba Škoda Fabia Volkswagen Polo Mk IV Volkswagen Fox The Ibiza Mk3 (codenamed "Typ" 6L, and sometimes referred to in the United Kingdom as the Mk4) is the third model to be produced under Volkswagen Group management and is a much more focused car.what Built on the same PQ24 platform as the "Typ" 9N Polo, it is intended to have a sporty, performance image, and was styled by the Italian designer
Walter de'Silva . The model line up includes twohot hatch variants, the Ibiza FR and Cupra. These compensate for the lack of Polo hot hatch variants (the Polo GTI wasn't launched until 2006).The more aggressive styling has boosted this model ahead of the family-friendly styling of the Polo. It is also the largest Ibiza to date, with room for five adults, and a spacious, if rather short, boot. The standard trim level on this model is noticeably higher than previous models.
This is regarded by some magazines to be the best supermini, with "
What Car? " magazine calling it their best supermini for three years in a row.The 2006 model made slight aesthetic changes to both the interior and exterior, but keeping it very similar to the 2002 original model. It also introduced engines with increased power (1.2 12V and 1.4 16V) and a new 1.4 litre TDI diesel version. The sport and FR TDI versions use a 1.9 litre
Pumpe-Düse Diesel engine with respectively 130 and 160 bhp.SEAT launched a new advertising campaign to follow the new model with the slogan "The rituals are different, the spirit is the same". It depicts four individuals each on a different colored SEAT Ibiza, performing different activities inside their car before actually starting it. The campaign sends a message that all people are different, but inside we all have a "sporty spirit".
Fourth generation (2008-)
Infobox Automobile generation
name = SEAT Ibiza - fourth generation
production = 2008-
body_style = 3 and 5-doorhatchback
platform = Volkswagen Group A0 (PQ25)
engine = 1.2L I3
1.4L I4
1.6L I4
1.4 I4 TSi
1.4L I3 TDI
1.9L I4 TDI
styled by =Luc Donckerwolke (Ex-Lamborghini Stylist)
related =Škoda Fabia Volkswagen Polo Mk V Audi A1 The fourth generation of the Ibiza ("Typ" 6J), styled byLuc Donckerwolke , was previewed at the 2008Geneva Motor Show in the form of the Bocanegra concept car. [http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Seat-Concepts/231588/] The new model is now on sale in 5 door format.cite book |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors=Jörn Thomas u. Achim Hartmann (Bilder) |title= Auto Motor und Sport Heft 11 Seite 52|year= 2008 |publisher= |location= Stuttgart |id=German availability of the four( five) door hatch began 14 June 2008, with two (three with the hatch) door versions appearing in late summer] . Three door variants are to be marketed as the Ibiza "SportCoupé". Ibiza Eco-motive, FR and Cupra models are also expected.A recent SEAT press release has stated that the upcoming cupra model will be powered by a 180 bhp twin turbo 1.4 TSI petrol engine and have a 7-speed DSG gearbox. [http://media.seat.com/en/view_object.html?obj=1200,2307,c,22534]
pecifications
External links
* [http://www.ibiza.gr/ Hellenic Ibiza Mania Club]
* [http://www.seat-ibiza-mk4.co.uk/ Seat Ibiza (2002-) information site]
* [http://www.buyyourcar.co.uk/Car-Reviews/Seat/Seat-Ibiza.aspx BuyYourCar Seat Ibiza review ]
* [http://www.seatcupra.net/ Seatcupra.net]
* [http://www.seat-sport.co.za Seat-Sport South Africa]ources and further reading
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