SEAT Ibiza

[2] From the second-generation version onwards, SEAT formed part of the German automotive industry concern Volkswagen Group.

All subsequent Ibiza generations, and the rest of the SEAT model range, incorporated Volkswagen Group platforms, parts, and technologies.

The Ibiza is now available only in five-door hatchback variants; between 1993 and 2008, saloon, coupé, and estate versions were sold as the SEAT Córdoba.

but the styling was fairly unimaginative even though it was known for having a rather quirky interior instrument layout, marked by a lack of control stalks.

It had three principal trim levels (L, GL, and GLX) with body styles of 3 and 5 doors and several versions including Base, Special, Disco, Chrono, Designer, Fashion, and SXi.

For the same reason, a 109 PS (80 kW) turbocharged version of the 1.5-litre engine was developed for the Swiss market and presented in March 1989.

The Ibiza Mark 1 received a very light restyling in early 1989 with a moderate exterior face lift, an entirely new, less radical interior, and many mechanical modifications.

Most obvious is the shift from a black plastic grille with seven bars to one with four body-coloured ones, with some models receiving new side moldings.

[9] At the time, the Ibiza was being produced at a rate of 1,100 cars per day, and the cumulative production had reached a half million.

The Ibiza was regularly the best-selling car in Spain and sold relatively well in the rest of Europe, helping SEAT increase its sales figures significantly from 1993 onwards.

The 6K Ibiza had a minor facelift in 1996, which included changing the general aesthetics of the car, by adding smoother bumpers and changing the grille and headlamps and the trim levels offered (Base, E, S, SE, SXE, Sport, GT, GTI, GTI 16V, Cupra, and Sport).

In addition to a revised front and rear end, new styling cues were added, such as the tailgate-mounted SEAT badge that doubled as a boot release switch when pushed.

The launch of the Cupra models, along with success in rallying, gave it a much stronger, sporty image, which helped align SEAT vis-à-vis the Volkswagen Group's recently acquired budget brand Škoda Auto.

Under Volkswagen's ownership, SEAT was marketed as a sporty and youthful brand whose cars were sold at competitive prices.

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, having sold 1,522,607 cars from 1993 to 2002.

SEAT Sport in the next two seasons reaffirmed its domination, winning 2.0-litre WRC championship titles in 1997 and 1998, with drivers Harri Rovanperä, Oriol Gómez, Toni Gardemeister, Jörgen Jonasson, and Gwyndaf Evans.

Built on the same PQ24 platform as the Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (Typ 9N), it was styled by the Italian designer Walter de Silva to have a sporty, performance image.

The Ibiza Mk3 pre-facelift model was available with the Award, S, SX, Stylance, Reference, Signo, Stella, Sport, FR, and Cupra R trim levels.

An Ibiza Ecomotive model, powered by an 80 PS (59 kW; 79 bhp), 1.4-litre diesel engine emitting 98 g/km of CO2, was launched late in 2008.

[36][37] In September 2010, the Ibiza's SportCoupe and 5-door variants were extended with the addition of the new 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS (77 kW; 104 bhp) engine.

[41] In July 2010, a revised Ibiza Ecomotive was announced, powered by a 75 PS (55 kW; 74 bhp) 1.2-litre TDI common rail diesel engine with CO2 emissions of 89 g/km.

[43] The preview of the Ibiza ST was shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in the form of the IBZ concept car.

The SEAT Ibiza CONNECT had a range of exterior body colours that allowed the mirrors and wheels to be customised.

It was possible to personalise the steering wheel, gear stick, air vents, radio buttons, and door handles with a range of available colours.

It was equipped with a multifunctional steering wheel, ambient lighting, and an integrated navigation system along with Full Link technology.

Mirror Link technology, through the second-generation MIB infotainment system, also replicated the smartphone screen when a compatible device was plugged in.

The safety features included were: daytime full-LED lights, parking assist with audio warnings, and a rear-view camera which provides live video from the rear of the car to make the driver aware of obstacles when reversing.

[56] Warranty Direct lists the Ibiza name among the UK's 100 most reliable cars[57] despite recent generations scoring poorly,[58] with SEAT ranked 26th of 40 manufacturers overall.

SEAT Ibiza Mk1 (pre-facelift)
SEAT Ibiza Mk1 facelift model
SEAT Ibiza Mk1 interior
SEAT Ibiza New Style (1991-1993)
SEAT Ibiza New Style , rear view
SEAT Ibiza Mk1 1.5-litre engine bearing the System Porsche inscription
SEAT Ibiza Mk1 cabriolet derivative produced by Bieber Cabrio Borken
SEAT Ibiza Bimotor, a twin-engine, all-wheel-drive rally car
Nanjing Yuejin Soyat, a rebadged SEAT Ibiza Mk1 for the Chinese market
One of the new features introduced with the 1999 facelift was the redesigned interior
1999 SEAT Ibiza Mk2, 6K2 facelift
The red backlit LCD screen integrating the controllers for the audio as well as for the electronically automated air-conditioning system
2001 SEAT Ibiza Mk2, 6K2 5-door facelift rear
2002 SEAT Ibiza Mk2, 6K2 3-door facelift rear
Erwin Weber's SEAT Ibiza Kit car
Volkswagen Polo Playa, a rebadged SEAT Ibiza Mk2 (South Africa)
SEAT Ibiza Mk3 interior
SEAT Ibiza Vaillante concept car
SEAT Ibiza SC, rear view
SEAT Ibiza Mk4 interior
SEAT Ibiza ST
SEAT Ibiza Mk4 facelift, front view
SEAT Ibiza Mk4 facelift, rear view
Interior
SEAT Ibz concept car
A white SEAT Ibiza CONNECT edition at the Frankfurt Motor Show
The 2015 SEAT Ibiza
René Münnich driving an Ibiza (Fourth generation) in the 2016 World RX of Portugal