Seat Ibiza gets mid-life makeover

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Sportier look given to Ibiza supermini
FR models receive the most styling changes
New models to be launched at Geneva show

Latest News

Face-lifted versions of Seat's Ibiza supermini will appear at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in March before going on sale in the UK this April.

The sporty 150bhp petrol and 130bhp diesel FR models receive the most styling changes, with a dramatic honeycomb grille at the front and larger 17-inch alloy wheels.

Other revisions are also aimed at giving the Ibiza a sportier look. All models are now fitted with twin headlights, more aggressive-looking air intakes at the front and a remodelled bumper at the back.

Any car with an engine developing 99bhp or more also gets a sportier, more visible exhaust pipe, while the Ibiza name is moved to the centre of the boot, as on the Altea and Leon.

Entry-level Reference trim is retained along with Sport, FR and Cupra, but SX, Award and S specifications are to be dropped. Instead, Seat will introduce a new Stylance model to sit between Reference and Sport cars.

There's no more information on equipment or prices until the Geneva Motor Show. Come back to whatcar.com on February 27 for more information from the show.