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SEAT is giving its Ibiza supermini one last push before a replacement arrives (likely in 2017). While cosmetically similar to the current offering, the updated Ibiza, recently unveiled at the Barcelona Motor Show, packs the latest infotainment technology, a revised interior and a more efficient engine line-up to see it over the line.
Outside
According to its maker, the styling of the Ibiza range (Ibiza five-door, three-door SC and ST estate) are "still absolutely up-to-the-minute and extremely well received by customers" so exterior changes are minimal, amounting to little more than new headlights with LED daytime running lamps, new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs and a duo of new paint colours - Moonstone Silver and Chili Red. There are also customisation options available, which add a splash of contrasting colour to the grille surround, mirror housings and interior trim.
Inside
The Ibiza's cabin has been upgraded to better enable it to take the fight to the likes of the Ford Fiesta, not to mention its siblings from Volkswagen and Skoda. The dashboard is now of the squidgy-plastic variety and housed within it is the same touchscreen infotainment system as seen on the Polo and Fabia. This unit brings DAB radio and SEAT Easy Connect (comprising MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) to the party.
Under the bonnet
The most significant changes are under the bonnet of the Spanish supermini. The entry-level engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol unit that produces 75hp in naturally aspirated form or 95hp or 110hp when equipped with a turbocharger. The 95hp version will be the first petrol Ecomotive badged car thanks to emissions of just 94g/km. The 150hp 1.4-litre petrol engine with Active Cylinder Management (ACT), as seen in the Polo BlueGT, has also been added to the line-up, promising decent dynamics but with official fuel economy of 58.9mpg (4.8 litres/100km).
For a true fuel miser it will be hard to look past the 1.4-litre three-cylinder diesel engine. Offering 75hp it has emissions of 88g/km and sips from the dark pump at a rate of 3.4 litres/100km. The 90- and 105hp diesel units do not fare much worse though with 3.8 litres/100km. Both the 110hp petrol engine and 90hp diesel one are available with optional DSG automatic transmission while all engines are now equipped with stop-start system.
What about pricing?
No word yet on Irish pricing for the updated SEAT Ibiza, but the current model starts from €13,080 for a three-door SC model.
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