SEAT Ibiza
| SEAT Ibiza | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | SEAT |
| Production | 1985–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Supermini |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | None |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1985–1993 |
| Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3 and 5-door hatchback |
| Related | Fiat 127 Fiat Ritmo Nanjing Yuejin Soyat |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 Seat Ibiza Stella MkII | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1993–1999 (MK2) 1999-2002 (Facelift) |
| Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3 and 5-door hatchback 5-door estate |
| Platform | Volkswagen A0 platform |
| Related | SEAT Córdoba Volkswagen Polo Mk III |
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2002–2008 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 3 and 5-door hatchback |
| Platform | Volkswagen A0 platform |
| Related | SEAT Córdoba Škoda Fabia Volkswagen Polo Mk IV |
The SEAT Ibiza is a supermini manufactured by the Volkswagen Group and sold under the SEAT brand. The Ibiza spans four generations and is still in production. It has been available in hatchback, saloon, coupé and estate body styles.
First generation (1985-1993)
The Ibiza Mk I (codenamed 021A) was based on the Fiat 127/Ritmo/Regata, and used 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".
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.
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 Skoda. 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.
Second generation (1993-1999)
This model was based on the Polo MK III. Available in 3 and 5 door models, the Saloon model was known as the Cordoba and the Estate was known as the Cordoba Vario.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/Seat_Ibiza_mk2.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:DSCN3410.JPG
Second generation (Facelift) (1999-2002)
The Ibiza Mk II Facelift (codenamed 6K) was the second Ibiza to be produced under Volkswagen Group management and used the underpinnings of the revised Polo Mk III (actually, the underpinnings of the Volkswagen Golf III). 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 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. The main difference between the two was suspension, brakes and a power upgrade 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)
The Ibiza Mk III (codenamed 6L and marketed in the United Kingdom as the Mk IV) is the third model to be produced under Volkswagen Group management and is a much more focused car. Build on the Polo 9N platform. Strongly built around a sporty, performance image and designed by Italian Walter de'Silva, the model line up contains a selection of hot hatch variants, topping out with the FR and Cupra amongst the rest of a strong product line. The performance end of the range is helped by the lack of Polo hot hatch variants (the Polo GTI was launched in 2006).
The much improved, aggressive styling has boosted this model ahead of the family-friendly styling of the Polo in the hot hatch market. 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? calling it their best supermini for three years in a row.
The 2006 model made slight aesthetical changes to the body both on interior and exterior, but keeping it very similar to the 2002 original model. It also introduced engines with increased power (1.2 16V and 1.4 16V) and a new 1.4 litre TDI diesel version. The sport and FR TDi versions use a Pumpe-Düse Diesel engine.
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".
Future
While the Cordoba sedan is expected to be dropped for the 2009 model year, the Ibiza will be redisigned for the 2009 and its official debut will be at the Geneva Autoshow in March.
Versions
| 1984-1993 (021A) | 1993-1996 (6K) | 1996-1999 (6K facelift) | 1999-2002 (6K GP01) | 2002-2005 (6L) | 2006- (6L facelift) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Petrol engines
Diesel engines
Trim levels
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Petrol engines
Diesel engines
Trim levels
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Petrol engines
Diesel engines
Trim Levels
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Petrol engines
Diesel engines
Trim levels
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Petrol engines
Diesel engines
Trim levels
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Petrol engines
Diesel engines
Trim levels
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External links
