Press Release
Clean, economical engines
Although the engine line-up on the new SEAT Ibiza will gradually increase, the initial offer includes four different versions - three petrol and one Diesel. Each one is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and follows the strict EU4 emission guidelines.
The entry-level 1.2 litre petrol engine has a three cylinder block, a cylinder head with four valves per cylinder and multi-point fuel injection. It develops 70 hp (51 kW) and its maximum engine torque is 112 Nm at 3,000 rpm, giving it exceptional fuel consumption and performance levels. Average fuel consumption is 5.9 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions are listed at 139 g/km.
The intermediate 1.4 litre petrol engine has four cylinders, a cylinder head with 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection. It delivers 85 hp (63 kW) and its maximum engine torque is 132 Nm at 3,800 rpm. As with the smallest engine, this one strikes a perfect balance between performance, consumption and emissions. Average fuel consumption is 6.2 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions are listed at 149 g/km.
The most powerful, four cylinder 1.6 litre petrol engine also has 16 valves and multi-point fuel injection. It delivers 105 hp (77kW) and 153 Nm of engine torque at 3,800 rpm. Despite its higher performance, fuel consumption is still contained at 6.6 litres, and CO2 emissions fall beneath 160 g at 157 g/km.
The only Diesel engine available for the moment is the 1.9 litre four cylinder TDI equipped with a direct fuel pump-injection system enhanced with an Intercooler turbo. It develops 105 hp (77 kW) and delivers a maximum torque of 240 Nm at 1,900 rpm. It features a DPF particulate filter and consumes 4.5 litres on average for every 100 km and maintains CO2 emissions at 119 g/km.
Intelligent solutions
The list of new standard equipment on the Ibiza features several solutions that aim to satisfy customer needs at all times.
The new Ibiza also features Bi-xenon headlights with AFS (Adaptive Frontlighting System) technology for the first time in this segment, improving the car's lighting system with two functions - sweeping headlights and daylight driving light.
The first greatly increases visibility around corners, since the headlight beam sweeps in the turn direction according to steering wheel angle and speed, while the second function, located outside the headlights, works as a signal to reduce pedestrian injuries by making the car much more visible.
The new Ibiza is also equipped with the static cornering light function on the foglamps, which greatly improves visibility on corners when the sidelights come on at speeds lower than 40 km/h. The system is automatically activated with the corresponding indicator signal or when the steering wheel exceeds a certain turning angle.
Besides, the new Ibiza also includes the Coming Home function already seen on other models, which turns on the dipped beams for 30 seconds after removing the key from the ignition.
The new generation Ibiza also features a rear parking assistant which sends a beep to warn of obstacles at the rear through four ultrasound sensors located on the rear bumper.
Finally, the instrument panel features a new multi-function screen with a wide range of information to the driver, such as fuel level, clock, trip computer, outside temperature, distance remaining until the next service appointment, etc.
A more lightweight, more rigid structure
The right balance between rigidity and weight reduction (47 kg on average) has been achieved in the development of the sheet metal body parts of the new Ibiza thanks to the 60% use of high and very high resistance steel (5% more than on the previous Ibiza) on the highest load-bearing areas. At the same time, this implies greater energy efficiency and material savings during both production and the car's afterlife.
Laser welding has also been applied on the body of the new Ibiza to join the roof with the flanks, like on the former model, but it has been extended until the seam that joins the A pillar and the windscreen. The use of adhesives has been increased by 50%, maintaining the same number of welding points.
The new Ibiza is equipped with a panoramic sunroof that covers the entire width of the roof, from the windscreen to beyond the B pillar. It is 130% larger than on the previous Ibiza, with a solid frame around the glass. Its dimensions let in 78% more light than on the former model. The sunroof has two positions - open and closed - that are controlled by a switch on the dashboard. It also has a manual window blind to regulate the amount of light entering the passenger compartment.
The newly designed front has been structurally optimised, and thanks to demanding manufacturing processes, it has undergone a 10% weight reduction while considerably improving pedestrian safety.
The door concept used on the doors and rear hatch is the same as on the Altea and León models. Its main characteristic focuses on the Door Module, which integrates all functions - window mechanism in the internal lining, lock, speakers, electrical wiring and water tightness systems in a single part. This concept has been optimised to achieve the perfect balance between the doors' functional aspects and weight.
The rear-view mirrors are cleverly placed on the exterior door panels to offer clear, vibration-free vision using high resistance steel on the elements that attach them to the interior protection bar.
Reduced manufacturing time
Thanks to the implementation of the SEAT Production System (SPS), quality objectives and competitiveness are guaranteed through staff motivation and performance and the application of continuous improvements throughout every process. The efficiency of the new Ibiza's manufacturing processes has increased by 30%, meaning a six hour reduction to manufacture SEAT's newest model.
The entire staff team involved in the production of the new Ibiza has been given theoretical and practical training outside the assembly line in purpose-built facilities on all aspects relating to quality standards and key production points. Ideal conditions were reproduced at each work station for special production process preparation areas - tools, parts supply and layout, sequencing, etc.
Inaugurated in July 2005, the Prototype Development Centre, which houses the know-how, staff and resources of the Martorell Technical Centre and the Martorell Engineering Processes Pilot Workshop under the same roof, has decidedly contributed to the success of the development and industrialisation stages of the new Ibiza. By optimising the Simultaneous Engineering processes, it has actively collaborated in reducing the time needed from design definition to manufacturing to 23 months.
The arrival of the new Ibiza also coincides with four essential advantages in the rail transportation process of the finished cars from the Martorell factory to the port of Barcelona - it reduces truck traffic congestion, improves efficiency and safety, reduces CO2 emissions, and contributes to road safety.
