The SEAT Ibiza is back with a bang - fresh styling, a revised interior and new tech for 2021. This is big news for the manufacturer. The Ibiza is its ‘most successful car ever’, after all. Six million have been sold since the first version launched in 1984.
Fresh styling
The 2021 SEAT Ibiza is distinguished from its predecessor by fresher exterior styling. LED lights of various forms are standard on every trim level. Trims are: SE, SE Technology, FR, FR Sport, Xcellence, and Xcellence Lux. The manufacturer emphasised that lighting is a ‘central part of any vehicle’s face’.
There are other styling changes. ‘Ibiza’ lettering on the rear looks handwritten, the logo has a two-tone finish, and there are new colours: Sapphire Blue and Asphalt Blue. There are new alloy wheels, too. The FR Sport trim can have 18” wheels. The FR, Xcellence, and Xcellence Lux can have one of two, new, 17” designs.
Revised interior
The SEAT Ibiza has a new cabin for 2021. Changes include the ‘floating’ infotainment system that sits higher on the dashboard. It is more in your light of sight. It has larger screens, too. The SE’s screen is 8.25”. Higher-spec trims have a 9.2” screen. The FR Sport and Xcellence Lux also get a digital instrumentation cluster.
Further interior tweaks include the softer dashboard, new multifunction leather steering wheel, and illuminated air vent surrounds. Overall the interior looks sharp, stylish, and youthful.
New tech
The SEAT Ibiza has new tech to make it stand out from its predecessor. The SEAT Connect app lets you control it via a smartphone, for starters. You can sound the horn to make it easier to find the vehicle in a car park. You can also see how much fuel is left, lock the doors, and be informed if someone steals the car.
Lane assist is another clever feature. This system monitors the position of the car relative to the lane markings, then steers on your behalf if it wanders off line. Also expect high beam assist that switches between main beam and standard headlights, traffic sign recognition that reads signs, and countless other driver aids.
Engines, gearboxes, prices
The SEAT Ibiza is available with three petrol engines. The 1.0 TSI 80PS engine is entry level and teamed with five-speed manual transmission. The 1.0 TSI 95PS shares this gearbox. The 1.0 TSI 110PS is bolted to six-speed manual or seven-speed auto transmission. Prices range from £16,945 to £21,725.
