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30 years of Seat Ibiza, yet the design compromises sound familiar

Over four model generations and thirty years, the Seat Ibiza's design has been overseen by some influential people; Giorgetto Giugiaro, Walter de Silva and Luc Donckerwolke shaped the Ibizas of the past, while the facelift of the most-recent model is the first to receive input from current Seat design director, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos. Volkswagen has been the majority shareholder of Seat since 1986, taking full control in 1990. In that time, despite the designers who have passed through its doors, the brand has struggled to find its position within the Group.

Kia No3 Concept (w/ Gallery)

Kia will debut the No3 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show, a small MPV design study that aims to carve a new niche in the small-car market by delivering flexibility in a package that is also great to drive. Designed by Kia's European design team, led by Peter Schreyer, the No3 Concept showcases the Korean automaker's new face with the front grille, headlamps and brand logo in a constellation arrangement. But the most notable of the 4045mm-long concept's design features is its unique extended windscreen and panoramic glass roof with a diagonal supporting bar.

First Sight: Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222

It was one of the more memorable automotive events this year, and the massive thunderstorm only added to the drama. Last night Mercedes-Benz launched its new S-Class sedan in the delivery hall of Airbus in Hamburg and Car Design News was there to get the low-down on this eagerly-awaited limo. Context was fittingly provided by an A380 lounging in the background as the current lineup of Mercedes-Benz escorted Benz's big boy onto the stage, amidst artificial fireworks and real thunder and lightning.