An unavoidable model in the history of the Spanish builder, the SEAT Ibiza it had already gained fame, not only for its design, by Giugiaro, but also for the famous “Porsche System”, which meant engine and gearbox developed in conjunction with the German brand.
It is currently SEAT's best-selling model, with more than 5.6 million units sold over five generations. As a curiosity, it was the second model of the brand to receive the name from a Spanish city — the first was the Ronda, derived from the Fiat Ritmo.
would be the second generation, 6K (1993-2002), still designed by Giugiaro, who would take the victory in the car of the year trophy in Portugal (the second for the brand), having also been the first to be developed and produced already with the Spanish brand fully integrated in the Volkswagen group , sharing its base with the Polo.
It was a considerable leap forward on several levels compared to its predecessor, which allowed it to gain numerous fans not only in Portugal, but throughout Europe, becoming one of the main calling cards of the brand in the European market.
Since 2016, Razão Automóvel has been part of the Car of the Year jury panel in Portugal
Evolution
The SEAT Ibiza was presented with three- and five-door bodies and directly derived from it there was the Cordoba, which was effectively an Ibiza in three-volume bodywork (four doors), van (Vario), and without forgetting the most curious of them all, the Cordoba SX, which having only two doors, we could call it a coupé.
In 1999 it received an expressive restyling (6K2), gaining a new front and rear, and a new interior.
Here the restyled Ibiza in the rare Cupra R version
As might be expected, there were several engines, petrol and diesel, but it would eventually stand out for its top versions, with a sportier focus, such as the GTI, and Ibiza also had to debut the Cupra denomination — for Cup Racing — in 1997, equipped with a two liter gasoline engine with 150 hp.
Some versions became quite popular among younger people, namely the famous 1.9 TDI, as they managed to merge two apparently irreconcilable parameters: good performance with low consumption.
The 1994 Car of the Year victory in Portugal would not be the last for the SEAT Ibiza. In 2018, now in its fifth generation, the Ibiza would again be crowned with the Crystal Wheel trophy.
The first Spanish world champion
Ibiza would also make history in the competition, making its presence felt in rallies in several categories. The biggest triumph would be winning the world rally championship in the 2.0 l category, where the SEAT Ibiza Kit Car would win the championship in its debut year in 1996. But it wouldn't stop there, as it would win the same title again in 1997 and 1998, being the most successful car ever in this category. And without forgetting that it was the first Spanish car to be a world champion.
If you don't remember him already, it's worth watching the video.
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