Seat updates city car Ibiza
Seat has updated its small city car, the Ibiza, refreshing the exterior and undertaking a revolution to the interior, which includes new connected technology and driver assistance systems.
The Seat Ibiza has been a key pillar of the brand’s success since it was first introduced in 1984 and, after 37 years, five generations and nearly six million sales, it’s Seat’s most successful vehicle to ever roll off the production line.
The updated, fifth-generation model is aiming to maintain that winning performance as a key model in its segment in Europe.
Wayne Griffiths, President of Seat and Cupra said: “The refreshed fifth-generation’s new exterior modifications and interior revolution, together with new levels of connectivity and safety mean it’s ready to continue the success story.”
Lighting technology is a central part of any vehicle’s face and the Seat Ibiza now integrates full LED technology as standard. Eco LEDs are standard on SE and SE Technology models, while FR models upwards get full LED technology, offering better visibility with lower energy consumption.
There’s also the Ibiza name in embossed handwritten lettering on the boot, and the Seat logo is finished in two-tone chrome – matte on the front fascia and gloss finish on the borders.
The Ibiza is now available in a range of nine colours, including two new finishes: Sapphire Blue and Asphalt Blue.
Inside, the new floating central infotainment system display is the heartbeat of the digital core. The screen has increased in size by more than 20 per cent compared to its predecessor – the standard screen is now 8.25 inches (SE trim only) – with the larger 9.2 inch screen on SE Technology models and above. In addition, its higher position in the cabin – at the driver’s eye line – improves its ergonomics and ensures it’s safer to operate.
The boot space’s total capacity remains at 355 litres, making it one of the best in class, and accessing the space is easy with a low loading height.
The Ibiza is also now fully connected with in-car connectivity for online-based functions and services as well as ‘Full Link’ including wireless access to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto wired.
There’s also out-of-car connectivity with the Seat Connect app.
Natural voice recognition makes using the tech safe and simple, much like consumer electronics home assistants. Voice recognition allows the user to interact with the infotainment system using natural commands, making corrections and referencing previous commands.
The updated Ibiza now combines some of the most advanced driver assistance systems available in this segment.
Travel Assist offers semi-autonomous driving so that the vehicle can change its cruise speed with the flow of traffic. Additionally, Lane Assist ensures the vehicle is always centred in the lane, while Traffic Sign Recognition means the vehicle always knows the speed limit of the road the vehicle is travelling on and visually alerts the driver.
The new vehicle also benefits from Side Assist and High Beam Assist has been added to the Ibiza.
The system uses a front-facing camera to detect vehicles in front, travelling in either direction and will automatically switch the lights between high and low-beam as necessary.
Under the bonnet, the new Seat Ibiza will offer a trio of three-cylinder petrol powertrains; in 80hp, 95hp and 110hp forms.