Wednesday, April 2, 2008

2009 SEAT IBIZA Production Model Breaks Cover

Volkswagen Group’s Spanish brand SEAT has taken the covers off the all-new Ibiza supermini, or in other words, the production version of the Bocanegra Concept that was previewed at last month’s Geneva Motor Show. SEAT claims that the new Ibiza marks the start of a major product offensive which will, over the coming months, also see the debut of further Ibiza variants, as well as a new saloon and estate contenders in the upper medium segment.

The new Ibiza, which we see in a five-door form here, is the work of ex-Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke. The stylish Spanish hatch is longer than the current model measuring at 4.05 m in length, versus the existing car’s 3.97 m, thus promising to be more spacious with improved rear seat legroom and a significantly larger and more practical boot space at 292 litres with rear seats in place.

Beneath the bonnet, this front-wheel drive supermini will initially offer three petrol engine options: a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder 70 Hp; a 1.4-litre 85 Hp 4-cylinder or a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder 102 Hp. All three come mated with a five-speed manual gearbox but SEAT will also offer a new seven-speed DSG automatic/sequential manual gearbox. Hopefully, it will not take a lifetime for the Spanish carmaker to fit the Ibiza with the VW Group’s splendid 1.4 TSI and TFSI turbo units. (Pic edited by Carscoop) -Image gallery after the jump