Seat's All-New Ibiza Uncovered

This is Seat's all-new Ibiza, the company's best-looking model thanks to its aggressive “Arrow Design” styling which is set to feature on more new Seats down the line. The pictures feature a five-door model but a coupe (AKA a three-door version) is in the works and, because the new Ibiza shares its platform, engines and McPherson struts front/torsion beam rear suspension with the next generation VW Polo, we wouldn't rule out a crossover or convertible down the line either. The new platform also means the Ibiza is bigger than the model it replaces, while better packaging means it’s much roomier inside, especially in the rear. Seat also promises improvements in refinement, comfort, handling and safety. The dashboard typically Seat quirky but it should be well screwed together. An universal docking bay (with a power point) for navigation devices is a neat touch, though, while Bluetooth will also be offered as an option.The engine is similar to the current cars's with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engines propping up the range and a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel at the top... for now: A 1.4 TSI super- and turbo-charged engine with 170hp will power the Cupra model eventually and it will also be available with VW’s new 7-speed DSG gearbox, while high-power diesel models are also expected. The 1.4-litre petrol and diesel engines will likely be the most popular models, and because every diesel engine falls into VRT Band A, we expect the 1.4-litre diesel to be the big seller. The Ibiza will arrive in Ireland in the autumn but we won't speculate on prices ahead of the VRT changes expected in July. Standard equipment will include remote locking, electric front windows, four airbags and an MP3 CD player, while upmarket options like “Hill Hold”, adaptive front fog lamps, Xenon headlamps, parking sensors and ESP will be on the options list.