New SEAT Ibiza 2006 In Depth

Press Release

DESIGN

A new style

• New wrap-around front bumper with honeycomb grille

• Higher quality eye-catching interior trim

• “Ibiza” model name beneath the SEAT logo in the centre of the rear hatch

The SEAT design team’s brief was to revamp the styling of the Ibiza in order to emphasise its dynamic sportiness, following in the footsteps of the latest-generation Altea, Toledo and León models.

This consistency has been achieved by, for example, working on the design of the front bumper, which is now similar to its siblings. Its wraparound styling with honeycomb grille also features redesigned fog lights. But the bumpers are not the same on all five versions in the range – although on the FR the shape is the same, an even sportier look is achieved by the grille with larger air intakes, as well as the partially black background to the number plate area. On the other hand, the Cupra version continues as before, preserving its established sporty appeal.

All the new Ibiza models are now equipped with double headlamps. On the FR and Cupra versions, the interior casing can be painted in either red or yellow (at a later date), in order to match the body colour. The rear light backgrounds are now dark red, except on the FR and Cupra, which maintain their metallic grey look.

The new rear bumpers also stand out, and versions equipped with a 100 hp engine or greater now feature a visible tailpipe. The area surrounding the number-plate is also new, and the rear window wiper is streamlined. Both the FR and Cupra versions feature specific rear bumpers that differentiate them from the rest of the range.

Further novelties include the “Ibiza” badge in the centre of the rear hatch beneath the large “S” that doubles as a boot handle. Its position has been changed from the lower left side to become more prominent. The same badge replaces the word “Cupra” on that version, and the sporty denomination moves to the central B pillars. The “FR” letters on that version are located on the lower right of the rear hatch.

Other significant visual differences among the range include the different wheel sizes, hubcap design, and available alloy rims, as well as the door mirrors and handles. On the Stylance and Sport versions the door mirrors come in the same body colour, while on the FR they are silver, and black “mágico” on the Cupra. The door handles are the same colour as the body on all versions except for Reference, which features black handles and door mirrors.

A more attractive, more youthful interior

At first glance the interior of the new Ibiza seems the same as the one currently on the market, but a closer look reveals significant differences in the quality of the materials used that improve the way it looks and feels.

For example, the trim elements are now softer to the touch, and are either stamped or painted according to the version. Different shades of black, grey and silver are used on the dashboard, instrument panel, central console and door panels. The Stylance, FR and Cupra versions feature a slush moulded dash, while the dash on the Reference and Sport versions are both more pleasing to the touch.

The same visual quality extends to the seat upholstery and other fabrics. Each version is now equipped with different designs, shades and surfaces than what was used until now, except the Ibiza Cupra, whose exclusive surface treatments and upholstery remain unchanged.

The new Ibiza also features new steering wheels and gear lever knobs with a more attractive and modern design. While the FR has the same as the Altea FR, wrapped in leather and with the “FR” lettering, the Cupra versions feature a leather steering wheel and gear stick with red stitching.

All the seats in the new Ibiza are comfortable and offer good side support. From the Sport version up they have a sportier design. On the FR, as on the Altea FR, the letters “FR” are stitched into the top of the seat backs; and the Cupra retains the excellent seat features of the current model.

On the whole, the interior of the new Ibiza features new quality materials that lend it more modern and more attractive styling through the use of redesigned colours and upholstery