SEAT Ibiza (Typ KJ)

In the world currently flooding with crossovers, there are some city cars that exist for the sole purpose of satisfying today's millennials with its nimble handling, fuel efficiency, small sizing, and tech-savvy features fit enough to accommodate the urban landscape. Such example is the all-new, fifth-generation SEAT Ibiza, and it's time to investigate the latest regeneration of SEAT's compact hatchback that has been in the fray with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Vitz, Kia Morning, or even the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa.

2018 Seat Ibiza

Even though Seat insists that this is the fifth-generation model, the all-new Ibiza looks pretty much the same as the previous model it replaces but despite its stale looks, what's underneath is all new and that's how it matters for the all-new Ibiza because like every car in the Volkswagen Group family, the new Ibiza utilizes on the MQB platform, resulting to a dramatic change in dimensions so it's now slightly shorter and wider than the previous model.

2018 Seat Ibiza interior

Even though the car's now slightly shorter than the previous model, the interior is surprisingly above average by compact standards but one thing you do want to watch out for on range-topping variants is the sat-nav system because the new Ibiza is just one of the many cars that declare war on buttons as well as physical media because with a touch-screen gadget with smartphone connectivity and other stuff in store, speedo boys are not safe from driving it because with this sat-nav, it's irreplaceable for the rest of its life and the trend that speedo boys fear of will keep on going in cars of today and the future.  That's the future, speedo boys, but looking back on the interior, the new Ibiza's a very accommodating hatchback indeed thanks to its class-leading interior dimensions and it's surprisingly spacious indeed because the boot space of 355 litres made it the most spacious in its class. That's about putting the interests of occupants first before everything else, am I right?

2018 Seat Ibiza

Because the new Ibiza is now sitting on the MQB A0 platform, which the next VW Polo will use, the new Ibiza feels as lively and high-spirited as any city car should be. In most variants like the range-topping Xcellence variant, it has a very retrospective experience that keeps the occupants as civilized as a salaryman on high noon, but if you forgo for the FR variant, the one with the sport-tuned suspension, one thing you might want to watch out for its stiffness because even though its dynamics are pretty good on the open roads, its city use is not what you called on the safe zone because this is like staying quiet while letting your grandma experience some Smithsonian thrillers all day, all night. Couldn't bear it but there's another thing you want to watch out on the new Ibiza and that is its upgraded Column Electric Power System with electro-mechanical assistance, which makes steering even more dramatic than it was before.

All of the Ibizas for now are powered by a 1.0L petrol engine with different configurations, with 11PS is the highest output offered. Low-powered engines get a 5-speed manual while high-powered engines, including the sporty FR, get a 6-speed manual gearbox. Of course you can expect more engine choices coming soon to the Ibiza, including ones with the 7-speed DSG on it.

2018 Seat Ibiza

Of course, the new Ibiza won't be a certified city car you can take it downtown without a wide array of safety tech and all of these tech are new to the Ibiza, setting a class apart from the competition. With driver drowsiness detection, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, Stop&Go with ACC and DSG, and the Multi Collision Brake that prevents the case of pile-up crashes on the road, the new Ibiza is well-prepared to take on today's traffic conditions, whatever lay ahead.

The price? The new Ibiza starts at 11,760 Euros plus on-road costs and that makes it one of the healthiest-priced compact hatchbacks on the market today. What impresses the most about the new Ibiza is the sizing, the interior, the tech, and the ride but what not to like about it is when you go for FR, the sporty handling is worth a struggle to accommodate on city roads and the fact that it's now available exclusively as a five-door only, which is better-looking by the way. With the all-new Ibiza, we can expect great things in store for SEAT.

Available colors: Blanco, Azul Mediterráneo, Gris Pirineos, Negro Midnight, Mystic, Azul Mystery, and Rojo Desire.

Photo: SEAT

SEAT Ibiza Mk4 minor change

You might imagine that the Mk4 Seat Ibiza is slowy becoming a template for the Skoda Fabia and the Volkswagen Polo, well probably because of the PQ25 platform they've shared. Few years ago, I still think that this Mk4 Ibiza is getting a bit pretty well for the Spanish member of the Volkswagen Group. However, there are somebody really batter my point of view regarding the Ibiza.

There is another example of this; because in my blog, someone looking for the terms "SEAT Ibiza Fully". SEAT Ibiza Fully? Hello! We don't have one!! How come there are Algerians reading this? If you're an Algerian spend most of the time doing nothing but Google searching "SEAT Ibiza Fully", all I have to say to you, Algerian SEAT enthusiasts, is...YOU BIG DAFT C**K.

Now however there is a solution. It's the facelifted version of the SEAT Ibiza Mk4. Something that those cocks from SEAT Algerie won't be mentioning the "Ibiza Fully" thing again so those Algerian idiots won't bothering me again. For the minor change, the Ibiza 5-door, the Ibiza SC 3-door, and the Ibiza ST estate, now comes with a new front view that harkened back to the facelifted SEAT Exeo sedan and tourer, as are the new rear, signalling a new styling direction for SEAT.

2013 SEAT Ibiza range

2013 SEAT Ibiza FR range

2013 SEAT Ibiza interior

That is my idea of a good looking Ibiza Mk4. Something that those Algerian idiots won't be laying a finger on, but its difficult to explain why. Firstly the minor change is all about being fascinated. It's got SEAT's new styling direction that was adopted on the SEAT Exeo and the SEAT Mii, probably because the front lamps of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 minor change gained some kind of spaceship-like daytime running headlamps. Once more, the bumpers are revised to provide a sportier look than the pre-facelifted model. The Mk4 Ibiza may be four years old since its tenure in 2008 but with this new look, it gets even more interesting and even more delicious. It kinda feels like this is a cherry at the top of the cake. If that wasn't put you in, there's a sportier Ibiza FR variants that looks...pretty much the same as the normal Ibizas except for the FR badge on the grille, and the 16-inch alloy rims wrapped in 215/45 tyres.

Happily however, the SEAT Ibiza ST now comes with the FR variant but sadly, no 2.0 TDi engine. This engine is reserved for the Ibiza FR 5-door and SC.

Anyway, here are some of the engines offered if you picked the Ibiza 5DR:

• 1.2 60CV - 125 g/km CO2
• 1.2 70CV - 125 g/km CO2
• 1.4 85CV - 139 g/km CO2
• 1.6 GLP 82CV - 139 / 123 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV - 119* g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV DSG - 124 g/km CO2
• 1.4 TSI 150CV DSG - 139* g/km CO2
• 1.2 TDI CR 75CV - 99 / 102 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TDI CR 75CV E-Ecomotive - 89 / 92 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 90CV - 109 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 105CV - 109 g/km CO2
• 2.0 TDI CR 143CV - 119 / 123 g/km CO2

Then, here are some of the engines offered for the 3DR Ibiza SC:

• 1.4 85CV - 139 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV - 119* g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV DSG - 124 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TDI CR 75CV - 99 / 102 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 90CV - 109 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 105CV - 109 / 112 g/km CO2

And here are some of the engines offered on the Ibiza ST estate:

• 1.4 85CV - 139 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV - 119* g/km CO2
• 1.2 TSI 105CV DSG - 124 g/km CO2
• 1.2 TDI CR 75CV - 99 / 102 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 90CV - 109 g/km CO2
• 1.6 TDI CR 105CV - 109 / 112 g/km CO2

Depending on those engine types, you could expect either a 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, or a double-clutch transmission.  Those equipped with engines that produces 105CV of power may also get XDS electronic differential lock for neutral handling and powerful traction, just like a mechanical differential lock. When the electronics recognise that there is too little load on the front inside wheel during cornering it applies a brief braking impulse. A good example was in the form of the anti-lock brakes.

I'd buy the one with the 1.2 TDI CR E-Ecomotive because of the average fuel consumption of just 3.4 litres/100 km or 89g/km of CO2 emissions. It comes with an idling stop system that stops the engine when the car stopped and then start again when your foot is on the pedal, to save fuel. Surprisingly, the Aerodynamic package will provide an enclosed radiator grille and a lower air intake that optimises airflow within the engine compartment. It even comes with a front spoiler, rear wing, special deflectors on the rear wheel arches and 15-inch wheels with closed covers. With these, you can expect a drag coefficient of 0.30 and once more, a shift recommendation display and slightly increased tyre pressure completes the whole Aerodynamic package.

Depending on the variant, available colors of the new SEAT Ibiza Mk4 minor change are Speed, Boal, Tribu, Blanco Nevada, Rojo Montsant, Negro Cosmos, Plata Estrella, Gris Pirineos, Verde Lima, Azul Apolo, Blanco, and Rojo Emocion.

My comment:

It takes a very sensible man or woman to be indulged into this sensible new look of the facelifted SEAT Ibiza Mk4. Even though it sports a new look that was now a SEAT Design DNA, you still have a choice of either a normal 5-door hatch for your balanced proportion, 3-door SC for your sporty pleasure, and the ST estate that has more room at the back. With this minor change, this SEAT Ibiza Mk4 is now becoming the most sensible SEAT ever made for the sensible drivers.

If you're Algerian, don't expect this facelifted Ibiza approaching to you yet because SEAT Algerie has no plans to introduce the facelifted Ibiza. This facelifted Ibiza will be available for the first time in the Chinese market because as you know, SEAT is officially arrived in China to boost sales because China plays a major role in the automotive industry. Hmmmm, China....Why would they want to sell the Ibiza on China? That is a question, I'm afraid, I can't answer for now but anyway the SEAT Ibiza is made in the state-of-the-art SEAT plant in Martorell near Barcelona, Spain. Later this year, a facelifted Ibiza Cupra will be introduced but this takes time...

Scoop: SEAT S.A.

Welcome Back: 2009 Seat Ibiza Cupra

Are you the Ibiza Bocanegra?

This is one of my favorite cars returned on Forza Motorsport 4. It's a 2009 SEAT Ibiza Cupra and even though it comes from Spain, it's still comes from Volkswagen, which is German. The Ibiza Cupra has a striking exterior design, sporty on-board atmosphere, twin charger 180 hp 1.4 TSI engine, excellent traction capacity, and top-notch equipment that what makes it so special for a car made by the Spanish arm of the Volkswagen Group.

Stories told that SEAT made an Ibiza Bocanegra model and here in Forza 4, the front face of the Seat Ibiza Cupra may just be perfect enough to shade it black to replicate the Ibiza Bocanegra, which is a bit too easy for a geek. If you show it to your friends, they might be saying "Ooh! A Bocanegra!" and this trick can fool even the stringent of the aristocrats. Wow indeed and the SEAT Ibiza Cupra is just one of the hot hatches offered on Forza 4. I never knew that there are joys of driving a hot hatch because they're more fun to drive as supercars and you could get someone in the boot and somewhat reasonable to maintain than supercars. They really are that nimble on the racetracks.

Previewing the Seat Ibiza Cupra Minor Change

2012 Seat Ibiza Cupra Concept

Now, back at the AUTO CHINA 2012 in Beijing and Volkswagen's Spanish division, SEAT, began selling in China because their offensive on this growth market is a further stepping stone in the development of the brand and just as important as our investment in the highly attractive, new products that we will introduce in the near future according to SEAT chairman, James Muir.

Their opening salvo in China also previewed what might look like a facelifted version of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 Cupra. The facelifted version of the Seat Ibiza Mk4 was unveiled in Geneva last March and this hotter version is gone up in the world. Some say that the production version of the facelifted Seat Ibiza Mk4 Cupra will go on sale in Europe in Q4 2012.

Further reading: http://www.netcarshow.com/seat/2012-ibiza_cupra_concept/

SEAT Ibiza ST

Rewind back at the 2009 IAA from Frankfurt, Germany, and when you step nearby to the Seat IBZ Concept Car, it made other enthusiasts triggered many questions that could that be the Sport Tourer variant of the Seat Ibiza. In reality, this is the Seat Ibiza ST, which is recently unveiled at the 2010 International Auto Show in Geneva, Switzerland. Based on the fourth-generation Ibiza, this new addition to the Ibiza range, consisting of the regular, FR, and Cupra, is built for spacing purposes as European families brace themselves for the long summer vacation, meaning they are ready for more fun outside.

The Ibiza ST is more of a stretched version of the Ibiza 5-door, just how Renault's Megane do for the estate variant. When it comes to pricing, the Ibiza ST's pricing is barely cheaper than the Renault Megane Estate, but as for the styling cues, we can give it to the Renault Megane Estate because it is more stylish than the Ibiza ST.

The Ibiza ST still retains the plain Ibiza interior, only this time, as a tourer, spacing is top priority for the Ibiza ST, but would that be enough for an European family to pack it all for the long summer vacation? In fact, it could have a possible chance to bring every summer vacation preparedness stuff and the kids before beginning the super-long weekend trip all over Europe.

The Ibiza ST has an array of Volkswagen-engineered engines available such as the entry level 1.2L engine, 1.4L engine, 1.2L TDI diesel engine, to the high-end 1.6L TDi CR engine. Choosing which engine type depending on performance, ecology, and style, can be a challenging task for the first-time buyer of the Ibiza ST, but only the customer can pick the right engine for the right journey. Depending on the variant, the Ibiza ST may get the following features necessary for their trip such as the Electronic Stability Program, Anti-Lock Braking System, rain sensor with anti-dazzling mirror, and tire pressure warning. You will be glad to have it on your European summer trip.

My thoughts about the Ibiza ST:
When the European summer is near, meaning European kids are getting out from school and parents packing up for the super-long weekend with the kids, the Ibiza ST is the perfect addition to the list of family movers needed to begin the long European summer excursion from town to town. Kids are going to enjoy playing "I spy" all over again while the Ibiza ST travels across the road from left, right, up, down, round and round. With the driving style seems too bland for the Ibiza ST, it is almost not so fun to drive with this grand touring sports wagon, unless if the Ibiza ST tries to make room against the Renault Megane Estate and the Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon. Glad if this is engineered for the European families preparing for the super-long vacation.

SEAT Ibiza Mk4

Honestly speaking, the fourth-generation Seat Ibiza finds its true distinctive sportiness from the outside to the inside. With other competitive hatches, including the latest Volkswagen Polo V and the upcoming Audi A1 mini compact car, seem to be roaming around the European peninsula, the Ibiza tries to stand out the crowd with its distinctive taste available from the Spanish marque of Volkswagen.

Ibiza 5DR/3DR

SEAT Ibiza

Normally, the 5-door Ibiza and the 3-door Ibiza SC does not seem to be standing out, despite the sporty character involved in the exterior. With the design courtesy of Luc Donckerwolke, the fourth-generation Ibiza attained a sporty exterior that is a tradition of Seat's design philosophy. No one knew in the eyes of a Spaniard, the reaction to the Seat Ibiza would be elegante y deportivo or sleek and sporty as what would the Spaniards want to say about it.

Under the hood, the Ibiza is armed with Volkswagen-engineered engines to choose from depending on your taste for performance, ecology, or different perspectives. Many would pick the entry-level 1.2 12v engine, some would pick the 1.4 16v engine, and a few would pick the 1.6-16v engine. Please take note that some engines I mentioned were gasoline engines offered for the Ibiza and Ibiza SC. Aside from these gasoline engines, there are diesel engines offered on these Ibiza variants, including the 1.9L TDI engine which is classified as the top-tier diesel engine for the Ibiza.

To give out the best for the Ibiza and the Ibiza SC to maneuver various directions, the Dynamic Steering Response is equipped for fine-tuned handling and enhanced safety that gives out the best of the cornering basics for this Seat. The Power Steering equipped on both of these Ibizas are speed-sensitive assisted to give out enhanced steering response on various speed conditions, no matter how slow or fast your Ibiza reaches. Electronic Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program are also equipped for enhanced safety on the road.

However, aside from all of these features, the Ibiza's interior seems to be plain, even if it is sporty enough to relax some Spaniards from the outside. If a Spaniard gets bored enough while driving the Ibiza, the sound system packed with 6-speakers, radio, CD/MP3 player, and USB connectivity are sure enough to bring enjoyment while taking a spin on the Ibiza. The board computer equipped on the Ibiza/Ibiza SC got the drivers covered with some various options, but it seems plain to use it.

Ibiza Cupra

SEAT Ibiza Cupra interior

Go ahead; Seat dared the Spaniards to try the high-velocity ferocity of the Ibiza Cupra on the streets, the highway, the Circuit de Catalunya, all the way to the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife. The Ibiza Cupra has it all: aerodynamics, race-inspired cockpit, sports-tuned suspension, 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, and 180 hp, 1.4 TSI, twin-charger engine that is destined to be the alternative to the Renault Megane Renault Sport.

Ibiza FR 5DR/3DR

SEAT Ibiza FR

If the Ibiza Cupra seems to be expensive, the Ibiza FR and the Ibiza SC FR are the cheaper alternatives for the Ibiza Cupra. With the FR delivering both of these Ibiza some moderate tuning to the exterior, FR badge, race-inspired cockpit, Electronic Stability Program, Anti-Lock Braking System, Traction Control System, and two available engines (1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI CR) offered. You will be glad to have it.

My thoughts about the Ibiza:
With an odd flavor of sportiness and luxuriousness combined for the fourth-generation Ibiza, this Spaniard would try to play fair in the competition already leaded by European hot hatches, including newer ones such as the Citroen DS3. If other Spanish car enthusiasts found out that if the regular Ibiza does not stand out to their senses, there is the Cupra variant dedicated for adrenaline-pumping Spaniards. The Cupra variant ranks out against other Ibiza variants, including the latest Ibiza FR variant. However, can it outflank against the Renault Megane Renault Sport and the Volkswagen Golf R?