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 = None

The SEAT Ibiza is a supermini manufactured by the Volkswagen Group and sold under the SEAT marque. The Ibiza spans four generations and is still in production. It has been available in either three- or five-door hatchback variants; since 1993, saloon, coupé and estate versions are sold as the SEAT Córdoba.

First generation (1985-1993)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = SEAT Ibiza - first generation


production = 1984–1993
body_style = 3 and 5-door hatchback
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 the Fiat Ritmo, with a powertrain which had been developed in collaboration with Porsche. This was the first SEAT which did not share any external body panels with any Fiat model, having been designed by Giorgetto 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 and Fiat Uno, but smaller than any small family car such as the Ford Escort and Volkswagen 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 and Škoda. 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-door hatchback
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 I4 Turbodiesel
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 the Volkswagen 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 of Škoda 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 SDI Diesel engines were the same as the Polo's. The Ibiza's running gear was also used in the SEAT 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 in Argentina.

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-door hatchback
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 two hot 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-door hatchback
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 A1The fourth generation of the Ibiza ("Typ" 6J), styled by Luc Donckerwolke, was previewed at the 2008 Geneva 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