Seat Ibiza - a compact car of Spanish origin

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Seat Ibiza - a compact car of Spanish origin
Seat Ibiza - a compact car of Spanish origin
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Seat Ibiza - the debut car of the Spanish company Seat - was introduced to the general public in 1984. The car was created in cooperation with the Italian automobile concern Fiat, the design was developed by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro. The Seat Ibiza model was the first independent project implemented on the Iberian Peninsula, before that the Spaniards produced only licensed copies of the Fiat brand. Long-term cooperation with the Italian automobile company has led to the fact that the design of Seat Ibiza has a lot of units from Fiat Ritmo and Fiat Uno models.

seat ibiza
seat ibiza

First Generation

Engineers from the German company Porsche took part in the development of the running gear of the car, as well as the engine. As a result of the combined efforts, the first generation Seat Ibiza turned out to be a technically advanced, inexpensive to operate, economical car. A compact hatchback, in a three- and five-door version, was in high demand both in Spain itself and in other European countries. The car even made it to the semi-finals of the 1984 Car of the Year competition, which was won by the Fiat Uno. However, the very factparticipation of a completely new model, which has not yet passed the multi-stage stages of public recognition, speaks of initial charisma, good technical characteristics and high potential consumer demand. In fact, this is exactly what happened - the sales of the car were record-breaking, and the feedback from the owners left nothing to be desired.

Alliance with Volkswagen

In 1987, a commercial agreement was concluded to acquire the rights to the Seat Ibiza brand between the Spanish manufacturer and the German concern Volkswagen. The result of the transaction was a deep restyling of the car, a complete reconstruction of the chassis and power plant, including the transmission. The body was worked out, the interior also underwent a radical update. In the spring of 1993, the second generation Seat Ibiza was presented at an exhibition in Barcelona.

seat ibiza specifications
seat ibiza specifications

The car was based on the B-Volkswagen category platform. The Ibiza continued to be available in hatchback, three- and five-door body styles, with new sedan and station wagon versions being included in the lineup under the name Cordoba (saloon) and Seat Ibiza ST (wagon). Exterior and this time the designer was Giorgetto Giugiaro. The station wagon is stylish and comfortable. Among the shortcomings of the Cordoba sedan, the cramped interior space of the car can be noted. It was spacious only in the front row of seats, the passengers sitting in the back experienced inconvenience - the low ceiling interfered, and the backs of the front seats rested on their knees.

Powerplant

The Seat Ibiza II model was equipped with engines having a wide rangechoice: the line of power plants included ten gasoline and six diesel engines of different sizes and capacities. The most modest gasoline engine developed a power of 45 liters. With. with a volume of 1.0 liters. And the power unit with maximum performance - 16-valve gas distribution, with a volume of 2.0 liters - showed a power of 150 liters. With. Diesel engines with a volume of 1.7 to 1.9 liters developed power from 60 to 110 hp. With. Two diesels were turbocharged. All engines, both gasoline and diesel, were combined with a manual 5-speed gearbox.

seat ibiza st
seat ibiza st

1999 Seat Ibiza brought another restyling, which touched only the front end. The radiator grill has changed, which has taken on an aggressive shape, the headlights have changed configuration, a spoiler has appeared.

Third generation

The third-generation Seat Ibiza, introduced in 2002, was the work of sports car designer W alter de Silva. As a result, the compact car received dynamic body contours and was developed in two versions: Seat Ibiza FR and Cupra. Automotive magazines unanimously declared the model the best in its class. The rear sector of the cabin has been reformed, it has become much more spacious due to part of the luggage compartment. Passengers in the back seat were no longer crowded, but were located with sufficient comfort.

In 2002, the number of engines offered was reduced to five petrol and four diesel. Motors became more unified, their power varied from 68 to 150 hp. s.

seat ibiza photo
seat ibiza photo

Fourthgeneration

The fourth generation of the Seat Ibiza model, the characteristics of which have been improved, was introduced in April 2008. The Ibiza IV, with an updated aggressive front end, conveyed the expression of the Seat Bocanegra concept car, albeit in a more restrained version. The front bumper, along with the grille, noticeably dropped down, which gave the car a certain swiftness. The Seat Ibiza, whose photos are presented on the page, has turned into a full-fledged sports car. Styling is enhanced by exclusive exterior mirrors that drop below the window sill.

The protrusions of the outer arches of the front and rear wheels also speak of the sporty character of the new model. Among other things, the dimensions of the car have noticeably increased: the length was 4053 mm, the width - 1693 mm, the height - 1445 mm. Wheelbase - 2469 mm.

The radical update of the Ibiza IV also affected the interior, although the interior of the car is ascetic in style, the severity of the situation is offset by the combined colors of the upholstery and the latest generation audio system, which is included in the basic package.

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