A few days before the international presentation of the new Seat Ibiza to the press, we took a tour of the current generation of the model to arrive in Barcelona more sensitive to the changes made to the model.
It's been 7 years since the first example of the 4th generation Ibiza left the factory in Martorell, Spain. Returned all these years and after slight aesthetic touches, the Seat Ibiza continues to captivate visually. Something notable, especially in the B segment, where the design of the models seems to suffer from premature aging.Given this, it is not surprising that Seat has decided to extend the life of this generation until the arrival of the long-awaited 5th generation. Strolling along the Cascais waterfront in the Ibiza ST 1.2 TSI DSG 7 version, I felt, on the one hand, the visual 'freshness' of the model (see the image gallery on the last page) and on the other hand, I felt the wrinkles of age in some details.
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For example, the center console shows the weight of the years compared to more recent models, as it does not integrate an infotainment system. The suspension, despite guaranteeing a remarkable dynamic behavior, punishes the comfort too much – even more in a version that, despite bearing the initials FR, still has family obligations.
The 1.2 TSI engine despite running very well and consuming moderately, is… ok, there is nothing wrong with the engine. Even more when combined with the magnificent DSG 7 dual-clutch box.
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And it is precisely on these three points that I focused that SEAT promises to have reviewed the new Ibiza: technological content, ride comfort and engine efficiency. For example, this 1.2 TSI 105hp engine leaves the scene and enters a new 1.0 TSI three-cylinder engine with a power that can go up to 110hp. Objective: more moderate consumption and emissions. We'll see…
If for you, these factors are not decisive, be aware that the current version will be on sale until the end of summer, when the new Seat Ibiza enters the scene. Next week we will be in Barcelona testing all the new features of this model. One thing is certain, despite being beautiful, the city of Barcelona will hardly offer us images as beautiful as these:
Photography: Diogo Teixeira / Ledger Automobile