The SEAT Ibiza unveils its new look: few changes on the outside, many on the inside

It first hit the market 37 years ago and has five generations behind it, which have sold 6 million units worldwide. In 2021 it was time to give it a little touch-up and update it to meet the big challenges that buyers demand. These changes have not reached the exterior of the car, which keeps its very recognisable look and does not undergo many changes. That said, as far as the interior and equipment are concerned, there are quite a few new features.

The most notable thing on the outside is the new brand logo on the grille and the new full LED light set, which is fitted as standard. There are also new designs for 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, and the model name is written in handwritten-style lettering on the tailgate. But let’s move on to the cabin, where most of the changes that the SEAT Ibiza has benefited from are concentrated.

Renewed interior

Although it may seem that everything remains the same, there are substantial changes. The most common elements have been modernised, and this starts to be noticed in the upholstery and the upper mouldings. The steering wheel found in this updated version of the SEAT Ibiza is the same as that of other higher-range models from the brand. It is a multifunction wheel and comes with Nappa leather trim on the two top trims.

The instrument cluster can optionally be integrated into a 10.25-inch screen, and the information and entertainment system has been replaced by a multimedia screen that measures 8.25 inches, with a 9.2-inch option available.

The system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and it also connects independently to the internet via an integrated eSIM. The voice recognition system is activated with the simple command “Hola, hola“, and through it you can control several of the functions built into the car. An interior lighting system using LED strips is also available as an option.

As for safety technology, the SEAT Ibiza uses several driver assistance systems that enable a level 2 autonomous driving function. This is made possible by features such as emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. A blind spot sensor is also added, which can detect a vehicle approaching from behind up to a distance of 70 metres.

Other features include traffic sign recognition, a parking assistant and a high beam assistant, but the latter only on the top trims, as these are the ones that allow the fitting of the most efficient LED headlights.

Goodbye to diesel engines

As for the engines fitted to the renewed Ibiza, the Spanish manufacturer has dropped the diesel options and any kind of electrification. There are no hybrid versions, not even mild hybrid. There are four three-cylinder petrol engines, starting with the 1.0 MPI, which produces 80 CV. This is followed by the 1.0 EcoTSI, which produces 95 CV. Both versions come with a 5-speed gearbox.

These are followed by the 1.0 EcoTSI engine with 110 CV and either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG automatic. The most powerful engine in the range is a four-cylinder EcoTSI unit of 150 CV, equipped with a cylinder deactivation system.

The new version of the SEAT Ibiza will reach the market this summer, so we will still have to wait a little longer to learn other details, such as the final price of this update.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Ibiza14 versions · from 18,520 €