It was introduced to the market in 1984 and won hearts with its five different generations. SEAT Ibizareached sales of more than 6 million units.
SEAT Türkiye shared the following for SEAT Ibiza’s 40th anniversary:: “SEAT Ibiza celebrates 40 years of continuous innovation since its launch in 1984. The model, which is a turning point in the company’s success, has reached a sales figure of more than 6 million units in its five generations. By combining the latest technologies and innovations in a car that is accessible to everyone, SEAT Ibiza has created great value, especially for young customers. Making a statement regarding the 40th anniversary of the model, SEAT CEO Wayne Griffiths said, “SEAT Ibiza, which has become a benchmark in the market since the day it was launched, also strengthens SEAT’s position as a global company that delivers automobiles all over the world, contributing to the success of the brand.” laid the foundations. “Now we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of this car, which has captured the hearts of many generations who see SEAT as a cool and young-spirited brand.” said. With each generation of SEAT Ibiza, new concepts were introduced to the market, adding energy to the growth of the brand.
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SEAT Ibiza MK 1: A new beginning (1984-1993)
The first generation SEAT Ibiza was a turning point for the company: it was the beginning of a journey that the brand would now continue as an independent manufacturer.
In the process of creating the SEAT Ibiza MK1, the first car developed by the brand without a technology partner, in addition to in-house expertise, the expertise of partners such as Giorgetto Giugiaro in exterior design, Karmann in interior design and Porsche in powertrain was utilized.
Three different trim levels were available: L, GL and GLX, each with a choice of 1.2 and 1.5-litre petrol engines. The featured model was the top-of-the-line 85PS SEAT Ibiza 1.5 GLX. The 85PS SEAT Ibiza 1.5 GLX was designed to meet the highest standards. The best proof of this was the single-car rally Inter-Ibiza Championship, where all drivers used the same 1.5 GLX Ibizas.
The form of the first generation SEAT Ibiza was as high-end as its function. Sporty design alloy wheels added an extra layer of appeal to the exterior design of the car, which made it instantly recognizable, and helped the model gain a solid place in the market.
Considering the historical importance of this model, it is not surprising that there are two examples in the SEAT collection: two 1.5 GLXs. The first car, chassis number 407, was one of the first examples of the 1.3 million first generation Ibizas produced and was frequently used in historic rallies. He even won the Catalonia Rally in 2018. The second car in SEAT’s collection is an immaculate vehicle that is carefully preserved by a SEAT dealer. The car at 64 kilometers is currently registered as a historical vehicle.
SEAT Ibiza MK 2: The birth and growth of Martorell (1993-2002)
The second generation SEAT Ibiza was launched in the early 1990s. The car, which was also designed by Giorgio Giugiaro in close cooperation with the Martorell Design Center, adopted an aesthetic approach with more rounded lines and an emphasis on aerodynamics and sportiness.
The biggest impact of the car, which featured more advanced equipment and more mechanical innovations, was that SEAT moved its headquarters in Martorell one step further. The launch of the car, whose engineering processes were completed at the Martorell Technical Center, marked the beginning of factory operations at these facilities. This development was a major turning point for SEAT.
The success of the new generation SEAT Ibiza clearly reflected the investments made in the car. The new platform gives the car compact dimensions and refreshes the interior. It may not have been possible to notice its power at first glance, but a 2-liter gasoline injection engine was hidden under the hood, and this engine was the largest in its segment. Fast, agile, easy to drive (the car had power steering), the car exhibited dynamic performance with its ideal weight of 1,010 kilograms.
SEAT has demonstrated the car’s capabilities many times in the Gravel Rally Cups, where it demonstrated both its sporty and reliable aspects. The second generation Ibiza became so popular that SEAT began participating in the World Rally Championship, including the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. Between 1996 and 1998 it won the FIA 2 Liter World Rally Cup three times.
SEAT Ibiza MK 3: Engineering, efficiency, power and dynamism (2001-2009)
Introduced at the Bologna Motor Show in 2001, the third generation SEAT Ibiza signaled a significant advance in production quality, engineering, dynamic performance and design language.
Legendary designer Walter de Silva worked with the Martorell Design Center to bring new energy and sportiness to the product range. The undeniably striking silhouette of the third-generation SEAT Ibiza emphasized the car’s increased agility.
Thanks to the new “Agile Chassis concept” used throughout SEAT Ibiza’s product range, the car has gained extraordinary dynamic capabilities. Performance features have been further increased by raising the power bar with engines up to 130PS.
By 2004, Ibiza was celebrating its 20th anniversary. This milestone was not only a reflection of this car’s incredible impact on SEAT, but also a testament to the transformation it has brought about in the market, as evidenced by the more than 3.3 million vehicles produced over three generations. New sporty versions were launched as an ideal way to celebrate the success of the small car. Over time, these versions have become the number one choice of enthusiasts of the Spanish brand. This is where the FR version came onto the scene. SEAT Ibiza FR was launched with 130PS 1.9 TDI diesel and 150PS 1.8-litre petrol turbo engines.
MK 3 SEAT Ibiza continued its development journey with more variants and improvements added to the series. SEAT Ibiza adopted an updated, more modern and sportier image in February 2006, supported by new interior trim and bumpers. Within the scope of this image, 18 different versions of the car combining 5 trim levels with 11 engine options were launched in the SEAT domestic market.
As consumers’ perspectives changed and more importance was attached to efficiency and environmental issues, SEAT Ibiza also adapted to these transformations. Equipped with an 80PS 1.4-litre TDI engine and diesel particulate filter, the first generation Ibiza Ecomotive, launched in 2007, delivers CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km.2 It quickly became the most environmentally friendly car in its segment with its emissions.
SEAT Ibiza MK 4: Design meets technology (2008-2017)
SEAT has taken a new approach for the fourth generation SEAT Ibiza. Building on previous versions, the development team aimed to combine a new design language with the most innovative technologies available. While these studies continued, the 25th anniversary of the start of production of the car was celebrated in 2009.
In addition to the debut of designer Luc Donckerwolke’s “Arrow Design” concept at the front, the use of sharp geometric lines and the evolution of the brand’s classic “Dynamic Line” towards the sides have given the new Ibiza a distinctly sporty appearance. This model was introduced to the market with a 3- and 5-door body, as well as a station wagon version.
The story of the new SEAT Ibiza was not just about its appearance. Thanks to advanced equipment features such as head-thorax airbags, electronic stability program, Hill Start Control and low tire pressure warning, SEAT Ibiza ranked first in the city car class.
In Euro NCAP crash tests, which confirm the work carried out by the Martorell Technical Centre, it received five stars for occupant protection, four stars for child safety and three stars for pedestrian protection.
Using a brand new Volkswagen Group platform, the fourth generation Ibiza has thus gained extraordinary dynamic features. The state-of-the-art seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, combined with the 105PS 1.6-liter gasoline engine for the first time in its segment, was one of the most important “firsts” of this car. In addition to bringing many important advantages, the dual clutch system increased driving comfort by preserving the sporty spirit that is an indispensable feature of all SEAT models.
Engine options have been expanded to meet both efficiency and performance needs with smooth and high-performance gasoline and diesel power units producing power from 70PS to 105PS.
Ecomotive versions of the car took its environmental friendliness one step further by revealing that the vehicle was the lowest-emission five-seater in its class, with an output of only 98g/km according to the official test cycle of the period.
SEAT Ibiza MK 5: Digital revolution (2017-present)
The fifth generation SEAT Ibiza was designed to meet the changing demands of customers: it had to preserve the style, passion and dynamism that the brand represents, while also making Ibiza part of the era of environmental awareness and digitalisation.
Developed in Barcelona on a completely new platform – the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform – the SEAT Ibiza offered superior technological content, driving dynamics and comfort. Designed by Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, the Ibiza’s silhouette perfectly reflected the SEAT DNA, characterized by the full LED triangular headlights and the double protrusions on the sides of the body.
A revolution had taken place in the interior. The new SEAT Ibiza gives the user full control, whether in the cabin or completely outside the vehicle.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provide access to a multitude of functions and comprehensive information, while natural language voice control has made interacting with the vehicle intuitive and instinctive. Out-of-vehicle connectivity has been improved with SEAT CONNECT.
The fifth generation SEAT Ibiza became the safest model in the history of the brand. New advanced driver assistance systems such as Lane Assist, Side Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition ensure safety regardless of driving conditions. Journey Assistant technology provides semi-automatic driving regardless of speed, providing confidence on both long and short journeys.
The new SEAT Ibiza has lost none of its driving pleasure. The powertrains provide dynamism that ensures the driving experience is as exciting as ever, whether you’re cruising through city streets or on the open road.
SEAT Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition
SEAT celebrates the 40th anniversary of the brand’s most iconic model, the Ibiza, with a limited edition model called “Anniversary”, featuring new equipment and colors, as well as new alloy wheels and design touches.
In the exterior design of the car, special Graphene Gray was used on the body and Cosmo Gray on the 18″ alloy wheels, while the striking “Anniversary Limited Edition” logo was laser engraved on the B pillar.
In the interior, a new breath was brought to the cabin with special fabric racing seats that add a whole new level of dynamism and comfort to those sitting in the front seats, a new dark aluminum matte coating for the doors and console, and the “Anniversary Limited Edition” logo laser engraved on the door sill. The SEAT Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition model will be available from the first quarter of 2024.