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Seat Shows Important New Ibiza

Spanish automaker and Volkswagen subsidiary Seat has just debuted the

New styling makes Seat's subcompact Ibiza look even more aggressive. (Photo: Seat)

latest generation of its biggest seller, the Ibiza. This marks multiple firsts for the brand, including the use of the new VW small-car platform, and the first production Seat designed by Luc Donkerwolke, the man who gave Lamborghini its current look. New Seats have a sharper, more aggressive appearance than current models, while retaining the tall-profile shape as seen in the larger Leon and Toledo models.

The new Ibiza rides on Seat's version of the subcompact VW platform, which they've dubbed "Agile Chassis". It also underpins the Skoda Fabia and the upcoming VW Polo, helping these cars and the new Ibiza to deliver more passenger volume and cargo space thanks to being significantly longer and wider than the vehicle architecture it replaces.

Drawing from Volkswagen's renowned powertrain expertise, the Ibiza's engine range will benefit from gasoline direct injection and turbochargers to provide power without big fuel hungry displacements. The smallest motor that will be offered is a 1.2-liter inline-three, which makes 69 horsepower. Keep in mind

Unique dash styling and new HVAC and headunit differentiate Ibiza from other VAG products. (Photo: Seat)

that this vehicle is the size of a Toyota Yaris, not a smaller city car which engines of this size are normally associated with. The other gasoline engines feature four cylinders and include a 1.4-liter with 85 horsepower and a 1.6-liter with 102 horsepower. Before reaching the front wheels, power routes through either a five-speed manual or a brand new seven-speed DSG sequential manual transmission. Diesels will follow, naturally, although they will be announced at a later date.

Expect to see a lot from Seat in the coming months and years as the brand focuses on refreshing its product lineup with new vehicle types and models, including a sport utility vehicle, a compact sports car and a new sedan. Don't expect, however, to see Seat in North America, as VW AG has no plans to bring the brand here.

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