Car Details: Seat

2018-2019 Seat Ibiza

Launched in 1984 for the first time, the Ibiza has become an icon of SEAT. This car has been around the longest in the history of the brand and is its top-selling model, with over 5.4 million units sold. The Ibiza is one of the three pillars of the company, together with the Leon and Ateca, on which SEAT relies to continue building the success of the company in the future.

The new SEAT Ibiza has a noticeable increase in its interior space; it's much more robust, as well as much safer. However, it isn't this deduction one makes upon casting an eye on its dimensions on the outside; 4,059 mm long, 1,780 mm wide and,1,444 mm high (1,429 mm for the FR version). Compared to the previous model, it is much wider by a stunning 87 mm, it is two mm shorter and one lower than the previous model, but more than anything, the change in its dimensions conveys a powerful image of a car that hugs the ground. And the key is in the new MQB A0 platform.

The track is 60 mm wider at the front axle and 48 at the rear axle, while the distance between the axles is 2,564 millimetres, a 95-mm increase. The result is a much more comfortable car, with the new SEAT Ibiza being both roomier on the inside and larger on the outside. For example, the passenger compartment width has increased 55 mm for the driver and 16 mm for the copilot, leg room in the back seats has increased by 35 mm, while the head room has gone up by 17 mm in the back. The seats are an astonishing 42 mm wider, making the new SEAT Ibiza one of the best in its class in this area. But understand this; if before, a passenger taller than 1.75 m was a little squashed in the rear seats, now in the new Ibiza the passenger will be much more comfortable. The boot has also been enlarged by 63 litres, bringing its total capacity to 355 litres, making it best in class. The loading height has also been lowered, proof that SEAT knows how to combine design and functionality.

All of the engines available in the new SEAT Ibiza comply with the Euro6 emissions regulation and lead the way in performance, with outstanding features, high mileage and low emissions. There are different aluminium block and cylinder petrol engines to choose from. The first option is the 3 cylinder 1.0 MPI with 65HP or 75HP, and the next is the 1.0 TSI with 95 or 115 PS, along with a turbocompressor, intercooler and direct injection. Also a new 1.5 TSI will be available in late 2017 with four cylinders and 150 PS. The TSI's injection pressure is 250 bar for the 115 and 95 horsepower 1 litre versions, while the 1.5 TSI goes up to 350 bar. It's also worth noting that all TSI versions come with variable inlet and outlet valve timing to improve smoothness and response to any high or low rev situation and whatever the driver may ask from it. All the engines' blocks and cylinder heads are aluminium, with double overhead belt-driven camshaft which has a maintenance period of around 30,000 km and uses implement a stop&start system to improve efficiency. The 75 horsepower 1.0 litre MPI has an average consumption of 4.9 l/100 km and 112 g/km of C02 emissions. With a maximum torque of 95 Nm available between 3,000 and 4,300 rpm, this is an engine that stand out for its excellent response at low-mid revs. Connected to a manual 5-speed gearbox, it's capable of reaching a top speed of 167 km/h in 4th, while at 120 km/h in 5th, its accurated gear ratios allow it to reach maximum torque to achieve a smooth and comfortable ride on the road or motorway. In the case of the 95 horsepower 1.0 TSI, its average consumptions stays around 4.7 l/100 km and 106 gr/km of C02 emissions. This is a power unit that stands out from the crowd for its smooth functioning and an excellent response from very low revs. A real test of this is its high maximum torque of 175 Nm available from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm. It can reach a top speed of 182 km/h and can go from 0 to 60 in just 10.9 seconds. When it comes to making an overtake, the engine responds with character, as in 5th it's able to go from 80 to 120 km/h in 10.9 seconds. Moving onto the 115 horsepower 1.0 TSI, this unit comes with a 6-speed gearbox and with an average consumption of 4.7 l/100 km and its C02 emissions are 108 gr/km. It puts out fantastic performance; its top speed is 195 km/h (in 5th), 0 to 100 km/h well under the 10-second mark, coming in at 9.3 seconds. In addition, its impressive level of maximum torque at 200 Nm, available between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm ensures outstanding acceleration at high speeds, going from 80 to 120 km/h in 10.9 seconds.