New 2017 SEAT Ibiza: prices, specs and official video
Smart new SEAT Ibiza Mk5 supermini is based on the MQB platform and arrives is on sale now, with first deliveries in July
The fiercely competitive supermini market has yet another new arrival in 2017 in the shape of the all-new SEAT Ibiza. With new versions of the Nissan Micra, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo all on the way this year, the latest version of the Spanish supermini - revealed in full at this year's Geneva Motor Show - gets a fresh design and douse of technology. The new Ibiza is on sale now, and gets a starting price of £13,130.
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The Ibiza has been built from the ground up to move the game on with its safety, design, performance and comfort, according to SEAT. It uses the VW Group MQB platform – more specifically the new A0 version, which is set to underpin the smallest models in the group.
New SEAT Ibiza: Design and interior
While the fundamentals of this Ibiza are new, the design isn’t a huge change from the previous car, with similar light shapes and SEAT’s trademark sharp lines along the bodywork. However, there’s more of a mini-Leon look to it, linking the supermini more closely to SEAT’s family hatch.
The interior has had a more extensive overhaul, with a completely new dash and centre console. There’s a large infotainment screen in the centre, with buttons and controls for the most important functions. The new model is 87mm wider than the previous car, while the wheelbase is 95mm longer, too, creating extra room inside. The wider body also means larger seats have been fitted for improved comfort.
Its larger size means there’s a bigger boot as well; the 355-litre space with the rear seats in place is 63 litres larger than before, and among the best in the supermini class.
New SEAT Ibiza: engines and performance
The new platform means the Ibiza is lighter and more rigid, which should improve handling, performance and fuel economy. There are three engines to choose from in the UK range. Kicking things off is the 1.0-litre TSI with either 94bhp or 113bhp and a five-speed manual gearbox. A 1.6-litre TDI diesel will also be available, offering 79bhp or 94bhp.
Later on in 2017, a new 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol will join the range; this is a four-cylinder engine delivering 148bhp. A six-speed manual box will be used with this unit, although there’s the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as well.
Four models will make up the UK line-up when the Ibiza goes on sale later in 2017: the S, SE, FR and Xcellence.
New SEAT Ibiza: price and on sale date
Prices for the Ibiza kick off at £13,130. At that price, buyers will be getting the car in basic ‘S’ trim level fitted with the 1.0-litre MPI petrol producing 74bhp. The new 1.0-litre TSI engine with 94bhp will be available on the Ibiza SE from £14,595, producing a claimed 60.1mpg and 106g/km CO2.
FR trim cars benefit from a sporty look and adaptive suspension with four driving modes (Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual). The cheapest one uses the 1.0-litre TSI engine with 94bhp and is priced from £16,025, while the same engine can be had with 113bhp from £16,630. A 1.5-litre TSI car with 148bhp will go on sale too, but no prices have been revealed yet.
The Xcellence version will be focused more on luxury, so it features a softer suspension set-up and LED ambient lights inside. Prices start from £16,715.
Other equipment on the new Ibiza includes a wireless smartphone charger along with a beats audio system. SEAT has fitted the newcomer with a host of new safety gear as well. Adaptive cruise control, parking sensors at both the front and rear plus a rear view camera are all included. On sale now, the new Ibiza will be on UK roads this July.
What do you think of the new SEAT Ibiza supermini? Let us know below…