SEAT Ibiza

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SEAT Ibiza
Manufacturer	SEAT
Parent company	Volkswagen Group
Production	1985–present
Successor	None
Class	Supermini
Layout	FF layout

First generation
Production	1985–1993
Body style	3 and 5-door hatchback
Related	Fiat 127 Fiat Ritmo Nanjing Yuejin Soyat
Similar	Citroën AX Fiat Uno Ford Fiesta Opel Corsa Peugeot 205 Renault Clio

Third generation
Production	1993–2002
Body style	3 and 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Platform	Volkswagen A0 platform
Related	SEAT Córdoba Volkswagen Polo Mk III
Similar	Citroën Saxo Fiat Punto Ford Fiesta Opel Corsa Peugeot 206 Renault Clio

Fourth generation
Production	2002–present
Body style	3 and 5-door hatchback
Platform	Volkswagen A0 platform
Related	SEAT Córdoba Škoda Fabia Volkswagen Polo Mk IV
Similar	Citroën C3 Fiat Punto Ford Fiesta Opel Corsa Peugeot 207 Renault Clio

The SEAT Ibiza is a supermini manufactured by the Volkswagen Group and sold under the SEAT brand. The Ibiza spanns four generations and is still in production. It has been available in hatchback, saloon, coupé and estate body styles.

Contents 1 First generation (1985-1993) 2 Second generation (1993-1999) 3 Third generation (1999-2002) 4 Fourth generation (2002-present) 5 Versions 6 External links

[edit] First generation (1985-1993)

The Ibiza Mk I (codenamed 021A) was based on the Fiat 127/Ritmo/Regata, and used a powertrain which had been developed in collaboration with Porsche. This was the first SEAT which did not share any external body panels with any Fiat model, having been designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. This version, while it established the now classic Ibiza shape, was advertised as having "Italian styling and German engines".

In terms of size, it was larger than most superminis like the Ford Fiesta and Fiat Uno, but smaller than any small family car such as the Ford Escort and Volkswagen Golf. Styling was fairly imaginative and interior space was good, but the Ibiza was let down by suspect build quality, heavy steering and doubtful reliability.

In 1999 the design was bought by Chinese automaker Nanjing and was redeveloped into the Nanjing Yuejin Soyat.

[edit] Second generation (1993-1999)

This model was based on the Polo MK4. Available in 3 and 5 door models, the Saloon model was known as the Cordoba and the Estate was known as the Cordoba Vario.

[edit] Third generation (1999-2002)

The Ibiza Mk III (codenamed 6K) was the second Ibiza to be produced under Volkswagen Group management and used the underpinnings of the Polo Mk III (actually, the underpinnings of the Volkswagen Golf III). It suffered a little from brand identity issues on release. Originally seen as a cheap VW, the launch of the Cupra models and rallying success gave it a much stronger sporty image, which aligned with Volkswagen Group's acquisition of Škoda Auto as a budget brand.

The Ibiza's 1.0, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol and 1.9-litre Diesel engines were the same as the Polo's. The Ibiza's running gear was also used in the SEAT Córdoba saloon, estate and coupé.

Under Volkswagen's ownership, Seat was marketed as a sporty and youthful brand whose cars were sold at competitive prices. The original Ibiza's problems with bad build quality and unreliability were rectified, as the Ibiza proved itself to be one of the best built and most reliable small cars in Europe.

The Ibiza was also produced in South Africa as the Volkswagen Polo Playa and also in Argentina.

In the autumn of 1999 the Ibiza received a facelift (codenamed 6K GP01) which saw its exterior styling updated and the interior completely restyled. Even though it was approaching its seven year of production, the Ibiza's looks were kept fresh by this impressive makeover. It also introduced a powerful hot hatch dubbed Cupra and equipped with a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine, followed by the 1.8-litre turbocharged Cupra R which was available in very limited numbers only. The main difference between the two was suspension, brakes and a power upgrade on the Cupra R model.

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.

[edit] Fourth generation (2002-present)

The Ibiza Mk IV (codenamed 6L and marketed in the United Kingdom as the Mk IV) is the third model to be produced under Volkswagen Group management and is a much more focused car. Build on the Polo 9N platform. Strongly built around a sporty, performance image and designed by Italian Walter de'Silva, the model line up contains a selection of hot hatch variants, topping out with the FR and Cupra amongst the rest of a strong product line. The performance end of the range is helped by the lack of Polo hot hatch variants (the Polo GTI was launched in 2006).

The much improved, aggressive styling has boosted this model ahead of the family-friendly styling of the Polo in the hot hatch market. It is also the largest Ibiza to date, with room for five adults, and a spacious, if rather short, boot. The standard trim level on this model is noticeably higher than previous models.

This is regarded by some magazines to be the best supermini, with What Car? calling it their best supermini for three years in a row.

The 2006 model made slight aesthetical changes to the body both on interior and exterior, but keeping it very similar to the 2002 original model. It also introduced engines with increased power (1.2 16V and 1.4 16V) and a new 1.4 litre TDI diesel version.

SEAT launched a new advertising campaign to follow the new model with the slogan "The rituals are different, the spirit is the same". It depicts four individuals each on a different colored SEAT Ibiza, performing different activities inside their car before actually starting it. The campaign sends a message that all people are different, but inside we all have a "sporty spirit".

[edit] Versions

1984-1993 (021A)	1993-1996 (6K)	1996-1999 (6K facelift)	1999-2002 (6K GP01)	2002-2005 (6L)	2006- (6L facelift)
Petrol engines 0.9 [34kW] 1.2 [52kW] 1.5 [62kW] 1.5 [74kW] 1.7 [72kW] Diesel engines 1.7 D [41kW] Trim levels Base Special Disco Designer Fashion L GL GLX SXi	Petrol engines 1.3 [40kW] 1.4 [44kW] 1.6 [55kW] 1.8 GTi 16V [95kW] Diesel engines 1.9 D [47kW] Trim levels i CL CLX GLX Pasion S GTi	Petrol engines 1.0 [37kW] 1.4 [44kW] 1.6 [55kW] 1.6 [74kW] 2.0 16v GTi [110kW] Diesel engines 1.9 SDI [47kW] 1.9 Gt TDi [81kW] Trim Levels Base E S SE SXE Sport GTi Cupra GTi	Petrol engines 1.0 [37kW] 1.4 [44kW] 1.4 16v [74kW] 1.6 [55kW] 1.6 [74kW] 1.8 T sport, Cupra [110kW] 1.8 T Cupra R [132kW] Diesel engines 1.9D [47kW] 1.9 TDi [66KW] 1.9 TDi [81kW] Trim levels Entry S SE SX Award Stella Signo Sport Cupra Cupra R	Petrol engines 1.2 12v [47kW] 1.4 16v [55kW] 1.4 16v [74kW] 1.8T FR [110kW] 1.8T Cupra [132kW] Diesel engines 1.9 SDI [50kW] 1.9 TDi [74kW] 1.9 TDi Sport [96kW] 1.9 TDi Cupra [118kW] Trim levels Award SX Stylance Reference Signo Stella Sport FR Cupra	Petrol engines 1.2 16v [51kW] 1.4 16v [63kW] 1.4 16v [74kW] 1.8T FR [110kW] 1.8T Cupra [132kW] Diesel engines 1.4 TDi [51kW] 1.4 TDi [59kW] 1.9 SDI [50kW] 1.9 TDi [74kW] 1.9 TDi Sport [96kW] 1.9 TDi Cupra [118kW] Trim levels Reference Stylance Sport FR Cupra

[edit] External links

• The 1st Greek Seat Ibiza Club
• Ibiza Mania Club
• Seat Ibiza (2002-) information site
• SeatCupra.net
• Seat Forum
• German Ibiza Forum
• Australian SEAT Ibiza Forum

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