The London Motor Show is the first car showcase where SEAT is publicly displaying the new Ibiza SportCoupe, the vehicle that completes the Spanish brand’s range of this successful model after the launch last May of the five-door version, and whose new exterior design and compact coupe styling greatly increase its sporty appeal.

The Ibiza unit chosen by SEAT is characterised by the addition of customisation elements on the Sport version that heighten the new model’s already good looks, and reflects the strategy introduced at the international trade press presentation of gradually increasing the possibilities of customising the Ibiza SC.

At first sight, the suggestive exterior in Lumina Orange is immediately visible; a color that perfectly matches the car’s sporty looks. The Ibiza SportCoupe’s exclusive color palette is completed with Galia Blue Limette Green and Furia Grey. The car also features a spectacular black roof, which draws even more attention.

On the inside, the car’s looks are even more personalised with the addition of body color detailing on elements such as the steering wheel, gearknob, door panels, ventilation nozzles, the area of the softpad, and the area surrounding the air vent located between the steering wheel and the door. Furthermore, the Ibiza SC features attractive, efficient seats upholstered in a combination of leather and black Alcántara with double orange stitching.

SEAT is hoping to be able to offer its customers the chance of customising their new Ibiza in a way similar to the one displayed at the London Motor Show.

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With the arrival of the new SEAT Ibiza SportCoupe, the diesel engine range of the Spanish brand’s most emblematic car now features 80 hp 1.4 TDI and 90 hp 1.9 TDI versions.

The range now features three petrol and three diesel engines, all mated to 5-speed manual gearboxes except the 105 hp 1.6, which is also equipped with the efficient 7-speed DSG gearbox for the first time in this segment. All six engines fully comply with strict EU4 emissions regulations.

Seven-speed DSG

The Ibiza SportCoupe the first vehicle in its segment equipped with the seven-speed DSG gearbox, which is both highly effective and comfortable in mid-range engines such as the 105 hp 1.6.

The new Ibiza can boast an attractively complete list of standard elements. With the introduction of ESP (Electronic Stability Control) and Hill Hold Control on the 5-door version, the Ibiza attained an enviable position within its segment. The current addition of the 7-speed DSG gearbox to the range makes the new car a veritable benchmark.

With shorter first and second gears and a smaller gear ratio, this new, twin-clutch automatic transmission provides the Ibiza with greater acceleration. Additionally, this system allows remarkably low fuel consumption, since the seventh gear is ideal for long motoring trips.

A shorter first gear has a positive effect on accelerating from standstill, and the shorter gear ratios are also more comfortable at any speed.

Designed to withstand a maximum torque of up to 250 Nm, the seven-speed DSG gearbox features two clutch packs. The outer clutch pack drives gears 1, 3, 5 and 7, while the inner clutch pack drives gears 2, 4 and 6 and reverse.

The DSG gearbox is small and lightweight at 73 kg. It is also very fast, with two gears engaged at the same time as the two independent pairs of shafts have their own clutch. When one clutch is engaged and a gear is selected, the next gear is pre-selected but the second clutch remains disengaged, depending on the vehicle speed and the amount of power being requested by the driver.

Both clutch discs on the new seven-speed DSG gearbox adopt a pair of dry, organic bonded friction linings that do not require cooling, reducing the amount of oil from 7 to just 1.7 liters. This also eliminates the need for a filter, a radiator and their corresponding hydraulic circuits, simplifying the internal system.

The four-cylinder 1.6 liter petrol engine with 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection equipped with the new DSG gearbox delivers 105 hp (77 kW) and 153 Nm of engine torque at 3,800 rpm. Despite its higher performance, fuel consumption is still contained at 6.7 liters, and CO2 emissions fall beneath 160 g at 159 g/km.

The entry-level 1.2 liter petrol engine has a three-cylinder block, a cylinder head with four valves per cylinder and multi-point fuel injection. It develops 70 hp (51 kW) and its maximum engine torque is 112 Nm at 3,000 rpm, giving it exceptional fuel economy and performance levels. Average fuel consumption is 5.9 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions are listed at 139 g/km.

The intermediate 1.4 liter petrol engine has four cylinders, a cylinder head with 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection. It delivers 85 hp (63 kW) and its maximum engine torque is 132 Nm at 3,800 rpm. As with the smallest engine, this one strikes a perfect balance between performance, consumption and emissions. Average fuel consumption is 6.2 liters per 100 km and CO2 emissions are listed at 149 g/km.

Diesel range – clean and economical

The entry-level diesel engine on the new SEAT Ibiza SportCoupe is the three-cylinder 1.4 TDI with DPF particulate filter and direct fuel injection pump-injector system. Delivering 80 hp, it delivers 195 Nm of engine torque at 1,800-2,200 rpm and offers magnificent fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures – an average of 4.3 litres/100 km and 114 g/km respectively.

The other new arrival is the 90 hp 1.9 TDI, also equipped with DPF. This engine completes the range midway between the 80 hp 1.4 TDI and the 105 hp 1.9 TDI. With a maximum torque of 210 Nm at 1,800-2,500 rpm, this engine provides a fuel consumption figure of only 4.5 l/100 km and emission levels of 119 g/km.

The range is complete with the 1.9 liter four cylinder TDI equipped with a direct fuel pump-injection system enhanced with an Intercooler turbo. It develops 105 hp (77 kW) and delivers a maximum torque of 240 Nm at 1,900 rpm. It features a DPF particulate filter and consumes 4.5 liters on average for every 100 km and maintains CO2 emissions at 119 g/km.

The work carried out on the manual and automatic gearboxes contribute to optimizing fuel consumption and emissions. The new gear ratios programmed and the optimization of the engine’s electronic management have led to lower engine speeds without reducing the car’s dynamic qualities.

ELECTRONICS Intelligent solutions

Hill hold control and tire pressure warning as standard
Bi-xenon headlamps with AFS technology and foglamps with Cornering function
Radio with steering column controls and Bluetooth technology

The fourth generation SEAT Ibiza features a fully new, complete standard equipment level with several outstanding solutions aimed at satisfying customer needs.

Thanks to the addition of standard ESP, the Ibiza offers the Hill Hold Control rollback assistant, where the car remains stationary on a slope for two seconds when the brake pedal is released before accelerating, becoming a hand solution for maneuvering and in city driving.

Sweeping bi-xenon headlights

The new Ibiza SportCoupe also features Bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive Frontlighting System) technology for the first time in this segment, improving the car’s lighting system with two functions – sweeping headlights and daylight driving light.

The first greatly increases visibility around corners, since the headlight beam sweeps in the turn direction according to steering wheel angle and speed, while the second function, located outside the headlights, works as a signal to reduce pedestrian injuries by making the car much more visible.

The new Ibiza is also equipped with the static cornering light function on the foglamps, which greatly improves visibility on corners when the sidelights come on at speeds lower than 40 km/h. The system is automatically activated with the corresponding indicator signal or when the steering wheel exceeds a certain angle.

It also includes the Coming Home function already seen on other models, which turns on the dipped beams for 30 seconds after removing the key from the ignition.

Rear parking assistant

The new generation Ibiza also features a rear parking assistant which sends a beep to warn of obstacles at the rear through four ultrasound sensors located on the rear bumper.

The driver hears an intermittent beep when the car is put in reverse, and sensors begin measuring from 0.6 meters at the side and 1.6 meters at the rear of the car. When the distance shortens to about 30 cm, the beeping is continuous.

Portable navigator pre-installation

A portable navigator can be connected to the Ibiza SC thanks to the pre-installation located in the center console above the vents, which eliminates the need for cables and suction cups to keep it in place on the windscreen.

The handy location of the semi-integrated navigator gives easy access to both the driver and passenger. Currently there is an adapter available for the Tom Tom One V3, while in future customers can choose among similar navigators.

There is also the possibility of installing a combined USB/Aux-in connection on the dashboard, which is compatible with an iPod, audio MP3 or similar and data storage devices.

The iPod can be controlled from the radio controls located on the steering column, which include volume adjustment, channel finder, audio CD-MP3 and external device control, and direct access to the Menu (Mode), which processes all the information contained in the external devices, created files, telephone, radio, CD, MP3, etc.

For greater comfort, the steering column controls feature a small wheel in the center that activates any option intuitively. There is also a slot on the console for an iPod and a 12 volt socket.

Radio integrated Bluetooth connection

Another highlight of the fourth generation Ibiza is the new “black panel” radio, which gets its name from its appearance. Both attractive and highly functional, the new radio features a sophisticated Bluetooth telephone system, which directly influences driver and passenger comfort and safety.

The sound system includes two bass speakers on the front doors, two tweeters next to the windscreen and two full range speakers on the rear panels.

Depending on the make and model of mobile telephone, the available functions include Signal strength/Call option; Voice dialing, Accept/Reject calls and Microphone On/Off (mute).

Finally, the instrument panel features a new multi-function screen with a wide range of information to the driver, such as fuel level, clock, trip computer, outside temperature, distance remaining until the next service appointment, etc.

RANGE More to choose from

Two new engines and new seven speed DSG gearbox
Standard ESP + four airbags
Three trim levels – Reference, Stylance and Sport

The Ibiza SportCoupe range boasts a complete equipment level even from the entry model Reference, which features standard ESP, head-thorax airbags, hill hold control, tire pressure warning, MP3, Aux-in connection, steering column controls, front power windows, remote controlled central locking and fasten seatbelts warning, among others.

Reference

EXTERIOR

-Manual door mirrors and black door handles
-15 inch steel rims, 185/60 tires and hubcaps
-Single parabolic headlights
-ABS
-ESP and TCS + EBA
-Anti-theft radio aerial
-Spare wheel

ELECTRICS

-Hill Hold Control
-Tire pressure warning light
-MP3 audio equipment with Aux-in and 6 speakers
-Steering column controls
-Front power windows
-Remote controlled central locking
-Electric rear hatch locking
-Outside temperature display

INTERIOR

-Height and reach adjustable steering column
-Driver + passenger airbag
-Head-chest airbags
-Fasten seatbelt warning
-Isofix anchoring points on rear side seats + Top Tether readiness
-Central console with 2+1 cupholders and power socket
-Height adjustable driver and passenger seats
-Passenger seat with “Easy entry” system
-3 height adjustable rear headrests
-Choice of two interior decor schemes
-Boot light
-Stylance

Reference equipment, plus:

-Climate control
-Body color electric heated door mirrors
-Body color door handles
-Double parabolic headlights
-Foglights with static turning (cornering) function
-Coming Home
-Cruise control
-15 inch aluminum rims, 185/60 tires
-Trip computer
-Split folding rear seat
-Leather steering wheel and gearknob
-Storage pouches on front seat backrests
-Rear power windows
-Dome light and reading light
-Sport

Reference equipment, plus:

-Air conditioning
-Body color electric heated door mirrors
-Body color door handles
-Double parabolic headlights
-Foglights with static turning (cornering) function
-Cruise control
-16 inch aluminum rims and 215/45 tires
-Trip computer
-Split folding rear seat
-Leather steering wheel and gearknob
-Sport seats
-Storage pouches on front seat backrests
-Rear power windows
-Long list of optional equipment

Depending on the trim level, the complete standard equipment package on the SEAT Ibiza SportCoupe can be complemented with a long list of optional elements.

To enhance interior and exterior comfort, the new Ibiza features several interesting options. The storage package (available on all three trim levels) provides drawers beneath the front seats, a boot cargo net and side nets and storage pouches on the backs of the front seats (on the Reference version).

There is also a technical package (on Stylance and Sport), which includes parking sensor, rain sensing wipers, Coming home and anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, and the Winter package, with heated wiper nozzles and headlight wipers.

The Stylance and Sport design packages feature light tones on the dashboard, front armrest and the storage package option, while the Sport design package further comes with dark glass.

The alloy wheel range available on the Ibiza SC Reference trim includes the 15 inch Caloria, 16 inch Sonda and 17 inch Saga; the 16 inch Sonda and 17 inch Saga on the Stylance trim and the 17 inch Saga on the Sport version.

The list of optional equipment includes the following elements:

Rear parking sensor – optional on Reference
Cruise control -optional on Reference
Foglamps with static cornering light function – optional on Reference
Electric heated door mirrors -optional on Reference
Air conditioning – optional on Reference, standard on Sport
Climatiser -standard on Stylance, optional on Sport
Bi-xenon headlights + AFS + headlight wipers – optional on Stylance and Sport
Front and rear airbags + side airbags
Switchable passenger airbag
Navigator pre-installation
Sports suspension
Electric heated folding park position door mirrors
Dark glass
Front armrest
Electric panoramic sunroof
Heated front seats
Volumetric alarm
iPod compatible USB slot
Bluetooth connection
Metallic paint, emoción red, custom colour paint

2008 Seat Ibiza Sport Coupe Revealed
2008 SEAT Ibiza Pricing Announced
2008 JE Design Seat Ibiza

SEAT’s new saloon car will be called “EXEO”. Its market launch that is scheduled for 2009 marks a new highlight in the history of the Spanish brand, which is expanding its model range towards new segments. The SEAT EXEO is an elegant, dynamic saloon with high quality and outstanding technology that faithfully reflects SEAT’s personality – design, sportiness and liveliness.

-In addition to the saloon, there will be a family version

-To be wholly manufactured at the Martorell plant

The name EXEO is advanced, forceful and technological, which signals excellence and is highly suggestive of driving pleasure. Faithful to SEAT’s Mediterranean roots, the new name stems from the Latin word “Exire”, meaning ‘to go beyond’, ‘to go further’. The name differs from all the other range denominations, and indicates the beginning of a new period for the company, that takes the brand into an all new segment. The successful names of the models of the current range will be maintained.

The SEAT EXEO is a B-segment model which does not replace the SEAT Toledo.

Never mind the Sexy Green Car Show, SEAT is helping the UK’s largest lingerie & adult goods chain Ann Summers source cars and drive up sales by supplying stylish, sexy motors to its growing band of female Party Planners.

The hot-blooded Spanish machines are proving just the job for Ann Summers’ staff as they travel the country arranging fun-packed, adult-themed evenings for females only.

The Ann Summers fleet includes around 20 SEAT Ibiza and Leon models, alongside a range of vehicles from a variety of manufacturers. But, according to the firm’s Transport Manager Mick O’Neill, the sexy Latin lovelies are proving particularly popular.

He said: ‘The Party Planners love the SEAT Ibiza, it’s really doing the job for us and we’re very happy with the cars.’

Ann Summers’ staff begin by piloting luxuriously-equipped 1.4-litre Stylance Ibizas, while top-performing Party Planners get the chance to upgrade their cars to potent SEAT Leon 2.0-litre TDI Stylance models.

The deal has been brokered by Coventry-based Listers Group. The firm’s group fleet manager Richard Hollingworth said: ‘The opportunity to deal with Ann Summers has been ideal for us. SEAT’s range of cars is proving really popular with the Party Planners and we hope they will continue to select the brand in the future.’

SEAT UK Head of Business Sales Andy Webb said: ‘Ann Summers might raise a few eyebrows for some unenlightened people, but its Party Planners are part of a professional sales team which needs stylish, reliable, exciting transport just like anyone else and we are delighted to be included on the fleet list.

‘The popularity of the Ibiza, in particular, among Ann Summers’ Party Planners is a great sign ahead of the arrival of the all-new Ibiza five-door next month.’

2008 JE Design Seat Ibiza
2008 SEAT Ibiza Pricing Announced
2008 Seat Ibiza Sport Coupe Revealed

JE DESIGN ready-to-go with a tuning suite for the premiere of the new Seat Ibiza

Body-styling kit and lowered suspension
Complete set of 17 or 18 inch “Multispoke” wheels
Wing doors, coilover suspensions, diesel power boost and additional body-styling parts in preparation

JE DESIGN proves once again that it belongs to the fastest in its discipline. This tuning specialist from Leingarten, Germany, already has its own tuning suite lined up for the new Seat Ibiza, whose official premiere is on the 14th June 2008.

Drivers seeking a more customised, sportier appearance will not be able to resist ordering the matching body-styling kit from JE DESIGN. JE DESIGN delivers the components in OEM quality. In other words, the material used is high-grade ABS and all components fit precisely as they are CNC milled. The kit a racing front spoiler, whilst the side sills lend the car a powerful profile, not to mention a rear apron attachment that is perfectly matched from a visual aspect to the other components.

Designed for combining with the original shock absorbers, the agility-enhancing suspension-lowering springs lower the new Ibiza by 35 mm. The appearance of the car also benefits from this, allowing the compact Seat to prowl significantly closer and more menacingly over the tarmac.

A change of wheels is fundamental to any vehicle tuning exercise. In its Ibiza suite, JE DESIGN is offering the sporty and elegant “Multispoke” wheel design in the form of a complete wheel set. As an option, JE DESIGN is also offering the set in 7×17 inch ET 35 and 7.5×18 inch ET 35 with 215/40 R17 or 215/35 R18 tyres. In addition, customers get to choose between the finishes “Shadow silver” and “Black matt / Rim flange, silver”.

If any proud owners wish to go on enhancing the appearance and even the performance of their compact Spanish car, JE DESIGN will shortly be able to assist once more. A power boost for the 1.9 TDI to 130 bhp, coilover suspensions, wing doors and other body-styling components are all currently in preparation.

2008 SEAT Ibiza Pricing Announced
2008 Seat Ibiza Sport Coupe Revealed
2008 SEAT Ibiza In Detail

SEAT is today revealing full price and specification details for the forthcoming all-new Ibiza 5dr, with outstanding value for money being front and center in the Spanish firm’s thinking.

Having already secured a warm welcome from key commentators in the motoring media, the new Iberian offering is pressing home its advantage with a powerful cocktail of premium specifications and distinctly eye-catching prices.

Ahead of its official on-sale date of Wednesday 16th July, SEAT has confirmed its new family-sized supermini will cost from just £8,995 RRP – a saving of more than £300 over the outgoing range’s entry-level 1.2 Ibiza Reference Sport 5dr.

At the same time, SEAT is making the Ibiza range clearer to understand courtesy of a new set of model names. Out go the existing Reference, Reference Sport and Stylance designations. In their place come the more widely-understood S, SE and Sport nomenclatures.

In line with SEAT’s aim of offering ultra-competitive levels of equipment as standard, every new Ibiza 5dr model arrives with an impressive array of comfort, style and safety features included.

Thus, even entry-level S 1.2 versions include the likes of a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel; height adjustable driver’s seat; speed-sensitive electrohydraulic power steering; electric front windows; driver, front passenger and head-thorax front side airbags; ABS braking; rolling code immobiliser; remote central locking and six-speaker FM/AM RDS radio with MP3-compatible CD player, steering column-mounted remote audio controls and AUX input.

Move up to the new Ibiza SE and the selection of styling, comfort and equipment features grows further to include goodies such as body-colored door mirrors and handles; electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors; electric rear windows; cruise control; air conditioning; trip computer; height adjustable passenger seat and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Sport versions of the Latin newcomer include, naturally enough, an array of sports-orientated additions including sports suspension; sports seats; arch-filling 16-inch alloy wheels and leather-clad steering wheel and gearknob.

What are anticipated to be the most popular options have been bundled together into handy packs, too, with the Convenience Pack (available on SE and Sport models) offering rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and ‘coming home’ headlight function for £250 RRP.

Meanwhile, the SE Design Pack includes a custom-styled dashboard, folding front center arm rest, storage pack and leather steering wheel and gear knob for a modest £210 RRP.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which also includes Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), is bundled into a pack which also adds tire pressure monitoring and SEAT’s unique new Hill-Hold Control function. The pack’s available across the range for only £280 RRP.

And there’s great news on insurance groups, with the new Ibiza five-door gaining particularly competitive ratings ranging from Group 2 for the frugal S 1.2 to Group 5 for the lively Sport 1.6.

SEAT UK Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said: ‘We’ve looked long and hard at the supermini sector before making these important decisions about our new car and I’m convinced the pricing and specification options we’re revealing today – allied to our moves to make the range easier to understand – put the new Ibiza in a particularly strong position.

‘Add the obvious style that springs from a shape created by ex-Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke, plus a relentless push for top notch quality from SEAT President Erich Schmitt, and the appeal of the new car really could not be clearer.’

2008 Seat Ibiza Sport Coupe Revealed
2008 SEAT Ibiza In Detail

Without a doubt, the arrival of the new SEAT Ibiza SportCoupe raises the bar of sportiness on its newest model, combining impressive, vanguard exterior design with exceptional dynamic qualities and a wide range of engine choices, which now includes the efficient 80 hp 1.4 and 90 hp 1.9 Diesel versions. Besides, with a seven-speed DSG gearbox making its debut in this segment, the Ibiza range features a novelty that provides it with greater response and excellent driving comfort.

The deep-rooted SEAT sports concept is maximised in the Ibiza SportCoupe thanks to its compact coupé body, with a length of 4.034 metres and mere 1.428 metre height to match its temperament, lending the car agility and comfort both in the city and on the motorway. Likewise, the new VW Group platform designed for this segment also favours the dynamic qualities of the new SEAT Ibiza SC.

Design, quality and precision quality are three of the elements that distinguish the brand’s new model highlighting the new “Arrow Design” concept characterised by a lower positioning of the headlights and radiator grille for a sportier look.

Painstaking interior and exterior detailing on the new Ibiza SC include the dashboard, the instrument panel, ventilation nozzles and central console, which houses the audio equipment and Bluetooth connection which can be accessed via controls located on the steering column.

DSG gearbox for the first time in this segment

The new SEAT Ibiza SportCoupe is equipped with the new seven-speed DSG gearbox on its 105 hp 1.6 version for the first time in this segment, placing the brand’s new car in an enviable position compared to its rivals. The new Ibiza’s inherent sportiness combines with the comfort and reliability of one of the most efficient automatic transmissions on the market.

With shorter first and second gears and a smaller gear ratio, this new, twin-clutch automatic transmission provides the Ibiza with greater acceleration. Besides, this system produces remarkable fuel consumption, since the seventh gear is ideal for long motoring trips.

Agile, seductive and extroverted, the new Ibiza SportCoupe will be manufactured exclusively at SEAT’s Martorell factory near Barcelona and will be available in three trim levels – Reference, Stylance and Sport, with an outstanding standard equipment list from the entry-level model. In the near future, the model’s ecological ECOMOTIVE, FR and Cupra versions will also make their appearance.

2008 SEAT Ibiza In Detail
2008 Seat Ibiza Revealed