Seat Ibiza (2008): first official pictures

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

02 April 2008 13:06

Seat's new Ibiza - unveiled today - spearheads a new model offensive from the Spanish company. The Barcelonan bosses hope that more and improved models will transform the brand from a bit-part player within the VW empire to a major manufacturer producing nearly a million cars a year.

The new Ibiza certainly looks the part. These first pictures confirm that it will become one of the sleekest superminis around, as hinted at in the Bocanegra concept at last month's Geneva motor show.

That show car (pictured bottom right) points to the sportier three-door that won't be unveiled until later in the year (possibly at July's London motor show, or Paris in October) and there will be an estate Ibiza too. But today, Seat slid the covers off this new five-door.

Out polo-ing the Polo

As well as the slick looks (penned by design boss Luc Donckerwolke), the key thing to understand about the new Ibiza is that it uses the oily bits from the next VW Polo. It's the first time that Seat  has been the lead platform guinea pig within Wolfsburg's empire, so it should ensure that the Ibiza drives well and has full use of the latest modular technology within the group.

What sort of tech are we talking about? The sort of initials that aren't often seen in the supermini sector, including twin-clutch DSG gearboxes, hill-hold assist, active headlamps that peer around corners and USB connectivity for those obsessed by carrying their entire music collection with them everywhere.

It's the classic cascade approach for technology. Twenty years ago, we heard that ABS would trickle down the likes of the Merc S-class. Now we're seeing the same happen with the latest batch of electronic gizmos...

Click 'Next' to read more about the Ibiza

Our reporters are at the launch of the Ibiza in Spain today, so come back later for a full analysis of Seat's new baby

By Tim Pollard