Press Release
CHASSIS
Purpose built
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“Agile Chassis”, fundamental for defining dynamic qualities
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Four different chassis developments depending on trim level
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Electro-hydraulic steering with three different settings
The widely acclaimed general structure of the new SEAT Ibiza remains the same as on the current version, as well as its chassis and several structurally bonded components – electro-hydraulic steering, independent front and semi-rigid rear suspension set-up, ventilated front brake discs and rear discs or drums, and 15 to 17 inch rims.
There are four different chassis developments depending on trim level – Normal, Sport, FR and Cupra, and all four are inextricably linked to a particular suspension setting. Each trim level builds on the previous one, increasing sportiness and driving efficiency as they progress up the range. The best way to understand what these differences are is to define the Agile Chassis concept.
The Agile Chasis is an innovative concept designed and developed at the Martorell Technical Centre that sets the new Ibiza apart from its market rivals. Its exclusive suspension system combines softer coils and short, stiff shock absorbers, silent blocks that filter shock and vibrations, tyres with a lower slip angle and more responsive steering, which is swift and sensitive to driver demands.
With this definition it is easy to understand how the four chassis developments are achieved by modifying the suspension settings on the new Ibiza – Normal on the Reference and Stylance versions; Sport, FR and Cupra on the same-name versions. Important to be pointed out is that the essential structure of the suspension system is identical on all Ibiza versions.
The front suspension features independent McPherson struts anchored directly onto a three-piece subframe – a sturdy central sheet metal console and two aluminium consoles – that only bears the steering mechanism gear and suspension wishbones. The anti-roll bar (18 mm diameter on the Reference, Stylance and Sport versions; 19 mm on FR and 20 mm on Cupra) is anchored directly onto the shock absorber. By only working during torsion and without any interference from additional reactions caused by variations in downward thrust, it is more efficient at its job, and permits a smaller diameter.
The twist beam rear axle with directional-effect consist of a U-shaped shaft which uses its own torsion resistance to avoid the need for an additional anti-roll bar. The coils and shock absorbers are unclamped, making it possible to use rubber stops of varying stiffness on each element without the need for such broad damper bays, as with concentric elements. This feature provides greater boot space.
The electro-hydraulic steering system resorts to a variable intensity electric pump that modulates power for slow-speed manoeuvres or fast turning, and reduces its effectiveness as speed increases. An electronic sensor located on the pump itself processes the information obtained from the turning speed of the steering wheel, engine running speed and the driving speed.
According to the chassis settings, the programme chooses a specific response pattern according to driving style, and transmits a characteristic steering mode. The three different setting types or patterns correspond to the Reference and Stylance versions (with the greatest assistance), the Sport and FR versions, and a specific programme for the Cupra version.
