The fifth-generation of the Seat Ibiza makes its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. It is the Spanish brand’s historic best-seller, with more than 5.4 million units sold.
“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 SA. “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 product offensive. At the beginning came the launch of the brand’s first SUV, Ateca, followed recently by the new Leon. Now it is the turn of the eye-catching Ibiza, completing the reinforcement of the three main Seat brand pillars.
New models are still to come, including the compact crossover, Arona. The launch of the new Ibiza opens a special year for Seat, in commercial terms as well. The company has entered its fifth consecutive year of increased sales after posting 16.5 per cent 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 win over new customers through a wider offering, such as ‘Xcellence’, an alternative to the current sport-oriented FR. Seat says this trim level has been created to reach those looking for a sophisticated and distinctive design, combined with convenient and intelligent technology.
The fifth generation of the Ibiza has been developed in Barcelona and the company says it is a decisive step forward in Seat's future - 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, it says, 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 new model while, retaining Ibiza’s young spirit, dynamism, functionality and comfort.
To achieve this, Seat says it gets a new, fresh, sporty and striking design, reflecting the unmistakable DNA of the brand. The surfaces have been accentuated even more in a way that gives a more sculptured, exciting and aerodynamic look.
