Martorell, 28/02/17 - The Geneva Motorshow is always a great occasion for the automobile industry, and 2017 will indeed be a very special one for SEAT. Because above all, the fifth generation of the new SEAT Ibiza, the Spanish brand’s best-selling model with more than 5.4 million units sold, will take centre stage. “SEAT is in a phase of consolidation and growth and we are working to become one of the most dynamic organizations in our industry” says Luca de Meo, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SEAT, S.A., “The new SEAT Ibiza will make a great leap forward for the brand and it is called to set a turning point in the segment”. And not only that, because this is another step forward in the biggest product offensive ever carried out by SEAT. At the beginning came the launch of the first SUV of the brand, the Ateca, followed by the updated Leon. Now it’s the new Ibiza’s turn, completing the reinforcement of the three main pillars of the brand. New models are still yet to come, such as the compact crossover, the Arona. The launch of the Ibiza opens a very special year for SEAT, in commercial terms as well. The company has entered its fifth consecutive year of increased sales after posting a 16.5% growth in January.

By the end of the year, all new products will allow a substantial coverage increase in our European markets. In addition, the new range includes the Xcellence version as alternative to the current FR trim. The Xcellence trim has been created to reach new customers looking for a more sophisticated and distinctive design combined with more convenient and smart functional equipment.

The fifth generation of the SEAT Ibiza has been developed in Barcelona and is a decisive step forward in the future of SEAT.  Firstly, because it demonstrates the Volkswagen Group’s latest technology, the MQB-A0 platform (Modular Quer Baukasten) which shows the importance of the SEAT brand within the Volkswagen Group, as this new platform will be featured for the first time on this segment. And secondly, because it comes full to the brim with the most advanced technology, spectacular dynamism and a notable increase in interior space. This means a completely new model while, as always, it keeps its young spirit, dynamism, functionality and comfort. To achieve this, it gets a new, fresh and sporty design, reflecting the unmistakable SEAT DNA. The surfaces have been accentuated even more in a way that gives a more sculptured, exciting and aerodynamic look.

“The new SEAT Ibiza embraces SEAT’s design DNA and ensures a fantastic dynamic performance”, says Dr. Matthias Rabe, Vice-President of SEAT for Research and Development; “with the new modular MQB-A0 platform the SEAT Ibiza rises to technologies from higher segments and in terms of comfort, it improves markedly its interior roominess and variability.”
It combines elegance and style, but never abandons its dynamic character. The new Ibiza is undoubtedly bringing about an increase in SEAT’s client base as well as improving the image of the brand, making it more aspirational thanks to its undoubtable qualities complete with a rounded, powerful design that ensures the car sits perfectly on the road.

The key aspect of the new SEAT Ibiza is certainly the fact that the fifth-generation model establishes the Spanish brand as one that is facing forwards and looking to the future. It shows key factors, practicality, intelligent technology and connectivity. The new Ibiza can include driving assistance systems already seen in the Leon and Ateca but certainly not common in this class (Front Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control ACC, among others) as well as coming with wireless charger and GSM signal amplifier.
In addition, the new SEAT Ibiza is 100% connected thanks to three options: Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link. This certainly shows SEAT’s ambition to become a leader in in-car connectivity and in the development of new mobility solutions. All of this technology can be enjoyed for the first time through the integration of an 8-inch touchscreen.
The car also features Beats sound-system:  the brand that with its premium sound entertainment brings energy, emotion and excitement to music lovers, changing the way they listen to music. It uses a digital signal processor (DSP), 6 premium speakers, 1 high-end subwoofer and an 8-channel with 300W amplifier.

In summary, the new SEAT Ibiza offers quality usually found in higher segments and is aimed at clients who not only know what they want and live with a young and dynamic spirit; but also at those that are looking for a more sophisticated touch that want the latest and most advanced technology at their fingertips in order to find simple solutions in their day to day lives.

The fastest legal street model that the Spanish brand has ever produced, the new SEAT Leon CUPRA, will be displayed as well on SEAT stand. Although everyone will be talking about its 300 hp engine with 380 Nm of maximum torque, or about its acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds, it is worth noting above all else that the Leon CUPRA will come equipped with the 4Drive Total Traction system when combined with the family ST model and the double-clutch DSG. These improvements in power, torque and power delivery demonstrate an obvious step forward in terms of performance, and it also comes packed with the safety, connectivity and multimedia technology that the rest of the Leon range boasts.

The latest and most powerful member of the CUPRA family provides intensity, sportiness and dynamism but also more practicality and versatility thanks to the three versions available; 5-door, SC coupe and family ST. As a CUPRA always has to contain the greatest balance between passion and sense, a solid combination of sporty design, leading technology, comfort and outstanding dynamic behavior has been achieved like never before.

Together with the 300 hp Leon CUPRA, there will be a spectacular model on show in grey matt on the exterior, carbon fibre on the interior and aesthetic details in copper both outside and in. Of course, we are talking about the new SEAT Leon CUPRACER Evo 17; the competition version destined to be fielded in the TCR International Series. Available in two versions - one with DSG and the other complete with manual sequential gearbox - the Leon CUPRACER Evo 17 comes with the same engine as the street version, but will put out 350 hp (20 more than the 2016 version) and 420 Nm of torque.

Looking ahead to the new season, improvements have been made, such as the brakes (including its control system), having developed an ABS and ESC to improve feel and handling. The SEAT Leon CUPRACER Evo 17 is front-wheel drive with self-locking VAQ electro-hydraulic differential, 378 mm diameter front disc brakes with 6-piston callipers and 272 mm discs at the rear. In order to adapt to the driver or racetrack needs. Brake balance and anti-roll bar can be adjusted, as well as camber and toe of the front suspension (McPherson) and the height and camber of the rear suspension (multi-arm).

On the SEAT stand, several Press Talks will be carried out throughout the day, with three topics for discussion given by different members of the board of directors at SEAT.
First up will be Luca de Meo, Chairman of the SEAT Executive Committee, who will deal with the current business situation and other corporate topics,  also featuring Wayne Griffiths, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, who will provide a commercial company overview. The next pair will consist of Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Research and Development and Dr. Andreas Tostmann, SEAT Executive Vice-President for Production who will hold a talk about the New Ibiza and the MQB-A0 platform. On top of those, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, SEAT Design Director and Joaquin Serra, Director of Quality at SEAT: they will focus on SEAT distinctive way of designing and the importance of quality.

The press talks will be announced beforehand and will be given in English, German or Spanish, with a simultaneous translation system available in different languages. Each speaker will use a 27-inch tablet in order to present in the most flexible and most approachable way to the attendees.