SEAT is celebrating a brace of impressive European awards for its all-new Ibiza supermini after judges in both Germany and The Netherlands voted it top of its class.
Earlier this week executives from the Barcelona-based car maker travelled to Berlin to collect a prestigious ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ awarded by influential German newspaper Bild am Sonntag - one of Europe’s biggest-selling titles.
Nominations for the final five cars in each category were voted on by readers of the Sunday newspaper before going on to be judged by an expert panel of drivers and celebrities including former rally and race ace Walter Röhrl, and ex-F1 driver Hans-Joachim Stuck.
The Ibiza came out tops in the small car class after being judged best in dynamics, design comfort and handling. The SEAT’s low CO2 emissions and outstanding value for money also helped it to the title.
Receiving the award in Germany on Wednesday, SEAT S.A. Vice President of Research and Development, Frank Bekemeier, said: ‘The Golden Steering Wheel awarded to the Ibiza is a great honour for the whole team.’
Meanwhile, only a few days before, the elegant Ibiza 5dr had been named ‘Compact Car of the Year’ by the Dutch automobile club ANWB.
Monthly magazine De Kampioen, edited by the ANWB for its members, tested a five-door SEAT Ibiza 1.4 SE against a basket of top competitors including the new Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2 and Alfa Romeo MiTo. The judges’ verdict was clear: ‘The Ibiza is one step ahead of its rivals.’
The SEAT’s fine design, exceptional quality and extensive standard equipment helped it secure top spot in the Dutch test, with the ANWB judges praising in particular its ‘big car’ features such as the availability of ESP, EBA, Hill Hold Control and Tyre Pressure Warning.
SEAT UK Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said of the Ibiza’s growing haul of European awards: ‘The fact that independent judges in both Germany and Holland have put Ibiza top in such a competitive sector shows the tremendous appeal of the car.
‘SEAT’s push for quality and value, our famous reputation for high levels of standard equipment and our determination to make the Ibiza the most engaging, enjoyable drive in its class clearly make the Ibiza a winner.”
SEAT has secured both the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles in the 2008 FIA World Touring Car Championship after Rickard Rydell won Round 21 of the series at the Okayama International Circuit in Japan at the wheel of the Leon TDI.
This is SEAT’s first overall title in the WTCC and signifies the first time a diesel race car has triumphed not only in the WTCC, but in any FIA championship. In addition, it ends BMW’s long run of success in the series.
The Leon TDI has won 11 of the 22 races so far, with Rounds 23 and 24 still left to go in Macau on 15/16 November. In comparison, BMW has taken six victories, Chevrolet three and Honda one.
The Drivers’ title is also certain to go to SEAT, as the only two championship contenders left as the series travels to the Far East are Yvan Muller (France) and Gabriele Tarquini (Italy) - both members of the SEAT Sport team.
Five official drivers have contested the WTCC for SEAT in 2008, all of which have won races this season - the other three are Jordi Gené (Spain), Tiago Monteiro (Portugal) and Rickard Rydell (Sweden). In addition, Tom Coronel (Netherlands) has enjoyed notable success in his petrol-engined SUNRED Team Leon - indeed, he snatched his maiden WTCC victory in the second race of Japan.
Located in the remote mountainous forest region of the Okayama Prefecture, near the city of Mimosaka, this was the first time Japan hosted a round of the WTCC. The tight and twisty 2.3-mile/12 corner track was previously a setting for the Pacific F1 Grand Prix.
Jaime Puig, SEAT Sport Director, was more than happy with the team’s result: ‘The excellent teamwork of all people working at SEAT Sport, both those making up the race team, as well as all those who support us in Martorell, has been key to this success. I want to say a big thank you to all of them, because it is their working capacity and team spirit that has allowed us to achieve such a significant success.’
The green-minded SEAT Alhambra Ecomotive, launched to the world at the Madrid Motor Show this summer and arriving in UK showrooms now, has underlined its environmental credentials by performing its first official function as the chosen vehicle for the recent ‘Climate Change, Awareness and Action’ meeting in Seville.
Organised by the Biosphere Foundation and the Spanish arm of former US Vice-President Al Gore’s grass-roots environmental movement - The Climate Project - the weekend’s meeting brought together 200 key figures from the worlds of politics, society and culture to discuss the latest developments in the fight against climate change.
In line with SEAT’s environmentally-aware approach which has seen, among other initiatives, the extensive fitting of solar panels on the roofs of the car maker’s Martorell production plant and the development of a new rail link between the factory and the Port of Barcelona, SEAT donated the use of several new Alhambra Ecomotives to the climate change event.
The new seven-seat Alhambra Ecomotive becomes one of the first models in its class to slash CO2 emissions, in this case down to 159 g/km, via a selection of clever fuel-and emissions-cutting refinements. The 140 PS 2.0-litre TDI is capable of as much as 57.6 mpg (extra urban), and 47.1 mpg (combined) - significant improvements over the standard car’s figures of 49.6 mpg and 42.8 mpg respectively.
The capacious family vehicle achieves its economy drive courtesy of lowered sports suspension (which reduces drag), significant changes to the engine management system to boost economy and the use of low friction 195/60 tyres on 16″ steel rims. The fitment, as standard, of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to the Alhambra Ecomotive further cleans up exhaust emissions.
Alongside the existing Ibiza Ecomotive (99 g/km and up to 88.3 mpg), and Leon Ecomotive (119 g/km and up to 72.4 mpg) this new Alhambra underlines SEAT’s ongoing commitment to offer a growing range of environmentally efficient models.
Steve Robertson, Head of Marketing for SEAT UK, said of the Alhambra Ecomotive’s debut here: ‘This important addition to our rapidly expanding line-up of Ecomotive models underlines our commitment to offering low emission cars across as wide a section of the market as possible.
‘The decision to offer the Alhambra Ecomotive to support Al Gore’s environmental efforts in Spain, and the Climate Project’s enthusiastic welcoming of our cars, shows how powerful the Ecomotive brand is becoming not just here, but right across Europe.’
More details of the forthcoming SEAT Exeo, along with further images, are today being revealed following its world debut at the recent Paris Motor Show.
The elegant upper medium class four-door, based on the Volkswagen Group Premium platform and set for its UK showroom debut in the first half of 2009, will target drivers who put top quality, smart style and exceptional value for money at the head of their new car shopping list.
While exact prices and full details of the model line-up are still to be confirmed, SEAT is revealing that EVERY Exeo four-door offered in the UK will feature a generous array of comfort and convenience features as standard.
Among the goodies guaranteed to appear across the new range are: USB connectivity (allowing MP3 music players to be used in-car); cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual zone climate control and stylish alloy wheels.
The Exeo is SEAT’s first entry into the competitive upper medium segment, and the ambitious Spanish car maker is keen to underline the quality and value it represents to business and private buyers alike.
SEAT UK Exeo Product Manager James Buckell said: ‘In today’s challenging market, we know car buyers are looking for the very best value possible and, to that end, are doing our utmost to make the forthcoming Exeo the class leader in terms of both price and equipment.
‘The fitting of luxurious features such as dual zone climate control across the entire range, as well as convenience additions such as USB connectivity, underlines our determination to make our new saloon a particularly well-specified drive.’
The third strand of SEAT’s exciting array of Parisian debuts is the world premiere of the car that will instantly becomes the Spanish car maker’s cleanest, greenest production model when it goes on sale in the UK next year. The all-new Ibiza Ecomotive, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, will also become the leading vehicle in its segment thanks to reduced CO2 emissions confirmed at only 98 g/km.
This great-looking, ultra-economical addition to the new SEAT Ibiza range stands out by virtue of its exceptional fuel consumption and emission figures, and its generous standard equipment roster.
Little green giant
The newcomer becomes the only model on the market to feature both air conditioning and an 80 PS turbodiesel engine producing emissions of just 98 g/km.
Available in both 5dr and SportCoupé (SC) versions, the new generation Ibiza Ecomotive features SEAT’s familiar 80 PS 1.4 TDI powerplant, with the added environmental benefit that comes from a standard-fit DPF diesel particulate filter. Like its predecessor, the new Ecomotive limits key emissions to below 100 g/km, but also further improves fuel consumption, in this case to more than 76 mpg (combined)*.
Updated engine software contributes to these impressive results while revised gear ratios, as well as the car’s overall dimensions, all contribute to the Ecomotive’s class-leading environmental performance. Key CO2 emission levels, at 98 g/km, compare with 114 g/km for the standard version.
Thanks to the efficient DPF technology, the vast majority of soot particles emitted by the diesel engine are filtered out. The engine control unit continuously checks the state of the maintenance-free filter, activating regeneration in order to burn off the accumulated soot particles when required.
Gear ratios have again been carefully revised to maximise the opportunity for economical driving with special attention paid to third, fourth and fifth. The idea, naturally, is to allow the engine to spend as much time as possible operating in its most fuel efficient rev range.
Add the beneficial effects of new low rolling resistance 175/70 tyres, which provide less surface friction, and 14” steel wheels with aerodynamically efficient wheel trims, and the new Ecomotive’s green credentials are clear.
Slippery customer
Vehicle aerodynamics have obviously been carefully scrutinised in the SEAT engineers’ relentless quest to reduce fuel consumption and improve emissions figures. Thus, this new Ibiza variant features a newly-designed front grille and new rear spoiler. Wind resistance is cut and fuel economy boosted as a result. The car’s slightly reduced width (compared with the outgoing Ibiza Ecomotive) also has a streamlining effect.
The car’s maximum weight has also been reduced through the careful choice of equipment and by eliminating certain options, and working on the base model to keep it comfortably within the engineers’ desired weight range.
Economy meets luxury
The new Ibiza Ecomotive is equipped with the same comfort and safety features as the rest of the Ibiza range in ‘S’ trim level, with the addition of exclusive new seat upholstery, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, and double parabolic headlights.
Standard equipment is generous and features among other things, ABS, driver and passenger airbags, head-thorax airbag, MP3 audio equipment plus Aux-in and six speakers, electro-hydraulic power steering, 175/70 tyres on 14” steel wheels, anti-theft roof aerial, steering column audio controls, air-recirculation and pollen filter, remote controlled central locking, front seatbelt reminder, rear seat Isofix anchoring points and Top Tether preparation, height adjustable driver and passenger seat, and three height adjustable rear head restraints.
Depending on market, an extensive variety of options is also available on the new generation Ibiza Ecomotive, bringing ‘big car’ comforts such as rear parking sensors, cruise control, air conditioning, and cornering fog lights, among others.
UK prices and precise specification details will be announced closer to the new model’s launch during the first half of next year.
· Twin charger technology in 180 PS 1.4 TSI engine
· World-first use of seven-speed DSG gearbox in supermini segment
SEAT’s relentless assault on the supermini market continues amid the glamorous surroundings of the Paris Motor Show with the unveiling on 2 October of the jewel in the sporty Spanish car maker’s small car crown: the all-new Ibiza Cupra.
Boasting numerous important first-in-class advances, trademark sporty styling from the pen of SEAT Design Director Luc Donckerwolke and performance potent enough to satisfy the most hardcore of hot hatch fans, the Ibiza Cupra powers to pole position in its class.
Sporty, by design
Based on the SportCoupé (SC) three-door body shape, the now familiar ‘Arrow Design’ concept which helps all new Ibizas stand out so clearly on today’s cluttered roads is augmented on the Cupra by a newly-designed bumper and integrated spoiler featuring large air intakes for easy cooling of both the engine and the large front disc brakes.
This particular Ibiza’s nose is rounded off with an eye-catching U-shape of additional air vents beneath a specifically-designed central grille featuring a honeycomb structure and black surround. SEAT further emphasises the exclusive nature of its new model with black inserts on the front bumper, one of which features the word ‘CUPRA’, a trademark of the company’s top-performing model.
The car’s overtly athletic looks are unquestionable. In profile, for instance, the features that stand out include striking 17” alloy wheels not dissimilar to those seen on the SEAT Bocanegra concept car unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show. Visible through each wheel’s five double-spoke structure are impressive disc brakes and four-pot red callipers, while the wheels themselves are shod with low profile, sporty 215/40 tyres.
The rear end features prominent ’shoulders’ - a notable trait of the Ibiza SC shape - which frame the tail lights, as well as an attractive black moulding beneath the bumper to house the number plate. This incorporates a newly designed, centrally placed trapezoid tailpipe, flanked by aerodynamically efficient, slatted wings.
The centre of the rear hatch sports the word ‘CUPRA’ in suitably bold lettering, and this sits immediately beneath the ‘S’ brand symbol which characteristically doubles as the boot latch.
Stylish, by design
Inside, the sporty story’s much the same. The new Ibiza Cupra features an exclusive interior design incorporating a dashboard studded with high gloss ‘piano black’ elements such as the radio panel, the ventilation nozzles and the instrument binnacle hood. The steering wheel features a flattened base similar to those seen in many a competition vehicle, while its three-spoke structure and side indentations make the height- and reach-adjustable wheel especially easy to grip.
There’s Cupra branding inside, too, of course with a centrally-placed SEAT symbol and the ‘CUPRA’ logo picked out on the wheel’s high gloss central spoke. Most importantly, though, the wheel also features hi-tech, race-derived steering wheel paddles which the driver can use to govern the car’s standard seven-speed DSG gearbox.
Above the wheel, the instrument binnacle has two newly-designed dials and includes a screen that can display Bluetooth-connected mobile telephone functions, among other features.
Suitably sporty, grippy and supportive seats are another interior highlight of the new Ibiza Cupra. Trimmed in smart black upholstery and boasting the ‘CUPRA’ logo on the backrest of the front seats, the design and finish is calculated to conjure up images of classic 70’s sports cars. The front passenger seat is also equipped with the Easy Entry system, where the seat folds down and slides forward at the same time to give easy access to the rear.
Exciting, by design
The Cupra is brimming with sophisticated technology. It uses a 180 PS 1.4-litre petrol engine featuring not only a turbocharger but also a supercharger - engineering designed to maximise both power delivery and fuel economy. Add to this compact yet potent powerplant the fact that it is mated as standard to a seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission, complete with F1-style steering wheel shift-paddles, and the sporting potential of the Cupra becomes obvious.
Generating its top torque figure of 250 Nm from just 1,750 rpm, and maintaining that tidal wave of torque right through to 4,500 rpm, the sophisticated 1.4 TSI is capable of flinging the front-wheel drive Ibiza from rest to 62 mph in only 7.5 seconds. The top speed, where legal, is 140 mph.
Yet all this excitement comes with distinctly modest emissions and excellent fuel economy. The 1.4 TSI twin charger engine delivers a notable cut in emissions compared with the powerplant used in the previous generation Ibiza Cupra thanks to its small cylinder capacity. In fact, at a mere 159 g/km, it’s well in line with the brand’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions on the entire engine range. Economy, meanwhile, is impressive: 42 mpg on the combined cycle.
Composed, by design
With that high performance twin charger powerplant under the bonnet, one of the aspects always likely to require attention with the new Cupra was traction. To this end SEAT, along with the other Volkswagen Group brands, has developed a new enhanced electronic traction system - XDS.
Combined with ESP and TCS, the new system mimics the operation of a conventional limited slip differential without adding the associated weight or mechanical complexity. The system anticipates tyre traction loss and swiftly limits power to the wheel that may be losing traction.
The new technology most notably prevents the inside wheel from skidding in curves, reducing understeer and putting the new Cupra at the top of its segment in terms of handling and driving dynamics.
Luxurious, by design
The new Ibiza Cupra features a generous complement of standard equipment. Besides ESP, the car is also equipped with ABS, XDS, TCS + EBA, driver and passenger airbag, head airbag, Hill Hold Control, low tyre pressure warning light, MP3 audio equipment with Aux-in and six speakers, cruise control, trip computer, front seatbelt reminder, double chrome headlights, cornering fog lights, passenger seat with Easy Entry system, bespoke Cupra sports suspension, body-coloured bumpers and aluminium pedals.
Like the rest of the new Ibiza line-up, the Ibiza Cupra will be manufactured exclusively at the SEAT factory in Martorell, near Barcelona.
UK prices and precise specification details will be announced closer to the new model?s launch during the first half of next year.
Impressive new saloon indicates Spanish brand’s ambition
· Top notch performance and economy from extensive engine line-up
· Advanced technology combined with exciting new equipment
SEAT is pulling off one of the surprises of the 2008 Paris Motor Show with the debut of its handsome new Exeo saloon. The Spaniards’ unexpected showcasing of their new super-saloon in the French capital underlines SEAT’s determination to present a real challenge to existing offerings in the mid-size saloon segment.
Exclusive, elegant and sporty, the new Exeo - pronounced ‘ex-ay-o’ - represents a major leap in quality for SEAT, whose aim with this and other newcomers is to explore new markets and significantly broaden its already attractive model range.
Quality and precision of both manufacturing processes and materials were the underlying requirements when designing and producing Exeo, and their expert application results in a sporty, refined, safe and engaging car.
Distinctive personality
Distinctive, elegant styling abounds on the new Exeo. Outside, both the front and rear ends are clearly indicative of the Spanish brand’s image - it is sporty with fluid forms, soft curves and prominent wings that heighten the car’s athletic looks. The unmistakable SEAT grille, markedly larger on this model, plus the proportion of glass to metal lends an even sportier look to the car.
The new Exeo’s assertive styling is enhanced on the Paris show car with stunning 18-inch alloy rims and a muscular twin exhaust pipe arrangement, both telltale signs for those ‘in the know’ that this is a potent piece of machinery.
Inside, the Exeo’s extraordinarily ergonomic interior is especially comfortable. The dashboard lines flow towards the door panels and the driver-facing central console, creating a pronounced a nd engaging wrap-around effect. The two-tone instrument panel’s great looks are completed with dark brown wood inserts.
The interior colour scheme of the show car is particularly interesting. Entitled ‘magnolia’, it creates a feeling of spaciousness with light, airy tones. The comfortable leather seats and Alcantara lining on pillars and roof panel also underscore the Exeo cabin’s feeling of style and roominess.
Naturally, the new car also provides an extremely comfortable driving experience. The front seats have four automatic memory positions, and the seat length offers exceptional leg support. And, in a touch of limousine-like luxury, even the rear sunshade can be controlled electrically to reduce incoming glare.
The bodywork construction includes a steel monocoque structure with integrated aluminium components. The further use of high strength steel helps reduce weight on the new car, guaranteeing excellent results in both occupant and pedestrian protection. These special elements are used on both the front-end structure and the passenger compartment.
SEAT’s saloon also features ample boot space, with a volume of 460 litres, while the notably generous 1,000 mm loading width between the interior extrusions allows bulky objects to be loaded with ease.
Agile, dynamic and sporty
With the arrival of the Exeo, SEAT is demonstrating its efforts to design and manufacture truly ‘made-to-measure’ vehicles. Its compact size - 4.60 metres nose to tail - and exceptional manoeuvrability provide more comfortable, agile performance in both city driving and when parking. Add the exceptional long distance performance that comes with a top quality mid-size saloon and SEAT is confident its newcomer will have significant appeal.
The SEAT Exeo uses the Volkswagen Group?s Premium platform, found on mid-sized saloons, to provide outstanding driving comfort for both passengers and driver. The platform’s exceptional dynamic performance is due to the exhaustive work carried out on its rigidity and geometry, as well as significant modifications to suspension coils and shock absorbers.
The front suspension set-up is an independent multilink, with a trapezoidal link at the rear. Light alloy elements also considerably reduce the unsuspended mass.
Sporty, controlled handling is a key feature of the new Exeo, with the car?s body responding succinctly to the steering wheel and delivering minimal roll. Speed-dependent Servotronic power steering, where the degree of assistance depends on the car’s speed, provides precise feedback.
Technologically advanced
Driving enjoyment is at the very heart of the SEAT Exeo ethos and, as such, several solutions have been specifically added for both driver and passengers to deliver exceptional comfort.
Besides the many features expected on a saloon in this category, the Exeo also features double-thickness door windows which significantly reduce noise inside the car and are also a theft deterrent. It is also equipped with a tilt sensor alarm and an innovative ’solar sunroof’, which provides enough electrical power to activate the car?s ventilation system - allowing it to continue to work for a time even when the engine is turned off.
SEAT’s new car also features latest generation Xenon Plus headlights, including stunning daytime running lights, providing an intense, even beam. The dynamic turning system is made up of swivelling lights that illuminate the inside of a curve when the car is travelling at a speed of at least seven miles an hour.
The twin-zone automatic climate control system is equipped with a sophisticated air quality sensor, which not only provides independent climate control on the driver and front passenger sides, but also detects and avoids the entry of noxious gases, maintaining a constant air quality for the vehicle’s occupants.
The new car also naturally features a sophisticated satellite navigation system with two SD ports, MP3-type audio player and hard disc, including a map database of the whole of Western Europe.
Comprehensive safety measures
The Exeo is packed with sophisticated occupant protection measures including two front airbags, which deploy in two stages depending on the severity of the collision, two front side airbags, two curtain-type head airbags, driver knee airbag and rear side airbags.
The car also features active front seat head restraints that protect driver and passenger from whiplash caused by a rear-end collision. The front passenger and rear seats are also equipped with Isofix anchoring points.
SEAT’s new executive class saloon is also equipped with numerous active safety elements including ABS, TCS and ESP +, EBA and tyre pressure monitoring.
More horsepower, fewer g/km of emissions
The Exeo showcased in Paris boasts a powerful petrol engine in the shape of a turbo-charged direct injection 200 PS 2.0-litre TSI. It delivers maximum torque of 280 Nm at only 1,800 rpm, providing highly accessible performance. Fuel consumption comes in at 36.6 mpg on the (provisional) combined cycle, while CO2 emissions fall below 185 g/km.
The car will be launched on the Continent with a full suite of engines, six in all, and all meet the tough new Euro V emissions standard. There will be three petrol engines, with outputs ranging from 102 PS to 200 PS, and three potent common rail turbo diesels offering between 120 PS and 170 PS. Five of the six powerplants boast turbo technology.
Further details, prices and specifications will be announced closer to the SEAT Exeo?s UK launch during the first half of 2009.
SEAT is this week (10 October) debuting its latest cinema advertising campaign - created to bring a healthy dose of fun to the big screen.
Featuring a host of SEAT’s top racing drivers from across Europe, including former SEAT Sport UKstar Jason Plato, the new advert stars the dynamic Spanish brand’s newest offering in the supermini sector - the stunning IbizaSC.
Arriving in UKshowrooms now and designed to inject more than a dash of excitement into the three-door supermini segment, the new IbizaSCpromises to be one of the most desirable cars in its class.
Priced from £8,595 RRP and boasting bespoke sporty three-door styling, a host of ‘big car’ features including optional Bi-xenon headlights with AFS, cruise control, Bluetooth telephone connection and 17″ alloys, the new Ibiza SC is set to follow in the tyre tracks of its popular predecessor to become SEAT’s biggest seller both in the UK and worldwide.
And it’s that irresistible appeal which supports the storyline of the tongue-in-cheek new 30-second cinema commercial, which will be shown alongside blockbuster films including Tropic Thunder and Righteous Kill rated ‘15′ or above by the BBFC.
With the tagline ‘There can be only one driver’ the new IbizaSCcampaign sees the cream of SEAT’s male motorsport stars sprinting for the keys to the new car. They’re filmed scrambling for the driver’s door, only to be beaten to it by a glamorous woman who roars away in the car and leaves the race aces face down in the desert dirt.
The victorious driver, who celebrates her success with a cheeky hand signal you won’t find in any Highway Code, isn’t identified in the ad. It can be revealed, though, that the digit in question belongs to beautiful SEAT Leon Supercopa star Christina Surer - a 34-year-old Swiss racer who pilots her awesome 185 PS SEAT Leonin the German touring car series.
SEAT UK National Communications Manager, Rob Taylor, said of the new cinema advert: ‘We really wanted the Ibiza SC ad to be irreverent - a humorous, fun bit of entertainment.
‘It will run alongside films playing to a mature audience and I’m confident the million or so cinema-goers who will potentially see it over the next few weeks will appreciate the humour, as well as the stunning new Ibiza SC.’
SEAT is a Spanish motor company owned by The Volkswagen Automotive Group.It employs around 12,700 people, and offers a modern range of cars comprising the Alhambra, Altea, Altea XL, Altea Freetrack4, Ibiza, Leon and Toledo – all imbued with strong, individual design and a sporty character.
In the UK the brand is on the ascent, having posted a 5.9% increase in sales in 2007, compared with the year before.The Leon in particular enjoyed a fantastic year, with sales of 13,488 making it, for the first time, the brand’s biggest seller behind Ibiza. Overall, SEAT registered 34,790 cars in 2007 for a record 1.45% share of the UK new car market.Worldwide, SEAT sold 431,024 cars in 2007.
The word SEAT is an acronym of the original company name: Sociedad Española de Automóviles de Turismo, and should always be written in block capitals.SEAT was founded on 9th May 1950, with production of its first vehicle, the 1400, beginning in 1953.The 600 model, launched in 1957, is the car credited with putting Spain on wheels. So successful was it that sales hit the one million mark by 1968.Volkswagen bought 51% of the company’s shares in 1986, before taking a 99.9% share in 1990.
SEAT’s production is concentrated at the ultra-modern Martorell plant, near Barcelona.The company also has a major research and development facility – the Martorell Technical Centre – where around 1,250 highly qualified staff work.And, in 2007, SEAT opened both a new centralised Design Centre and cutting edge Prototype Development Centre at Martorell – bringing its entire production process together in one city.No other car maker operating in Spain has the capacity to design, develop and build vehicles in the country.
The firm began its UK operations in September 1985, registering no fewer than 24 cars in its first month – 405 for the year!That number soon grew to more than 10,000 by 1988.A decade later it was 18,500-plus and by the year 2000 SEAT was selling upwards of 20,000 cars in the UK.
SEAT also operates a strong motorsport programme comprising participation in the FIA World Touring Car Championship as well as, in the UK, the British Touring Car Championship and the one-make SEAT Cupra Championship.The latter offers the biggest prize-fund in British motorsport, and is a prime breeding ground for British driver talent.SEAT is a recent winner of the BTCC Manufacturers’ Championship while in 2007 it scooped the team title, also finishing runner-up in the Manufacturer and Driver championships.
In 2008, SEAT is campaigning a mould-breaking 2.0 TDI-engined BTCC car.In the hands of star drivers Jason Plato and Darren Turner, the racer has already recorded the first diesel victory in the history of the British Touring Car Championship.
Hot on the heels of the exciting new Ibiza 5dr, which went on sale here just last week (16th July), SEAT is today revealing full price and specification details for the forthcoming Ibiza SportCoupé - the striking three-door sibling to the 5dr.
Coinciding with the world debut today of the new model at the British International Motor Show, the great news for SportCoupé buyers is that they will enjoy the new Ibiza’s trademark svelte looks, superb ride, nimble handling and top notch build quality at a price appreciably below that of its five-door sibling.
Ahead of its on-sale date in October, SEAT has confirmed its new Ibiza family member will cost from just £8,595 RRP - a like-for-like saving of £400 over the newly-launched five-door car’s already competitive prices.
And, as with Ibiza 5dr, SEAT is making the Ibiza SC range easy to understand courtesy of a new set of model names. Reference, Reference Sport and Stylance designations are replaced with the more widely-understood S, SE and Sport nomenclatures.
The launch line-up runs as follows:
New SEAT Ibiza SportCoupé
CO2 g/km
VED band
Basic price
VAT @ 17.5%
Retail price
RFL Value
1st Reg Fee
OTR price
S 1.2 12v 70 PS
139
C
£7,165.96
£1,254.04
£8,420.00
£120.00
£55.00
£8,595
S A/C 1.2 12v 70 PS
139
C
£7,591.49
£1,328.51
£8,920.00
£120.00
£55.00
£9,095
SE 1.4 16v 85 PS
149
C
£8,357.45
£1,462.55
£9,820.00
£120.00
£55.00
£9,995
Sport 1.4 16v 85 PS
149
C
£8,612.77
£1,507.23
£10,120.00
£120.00
£55.00
£10,295
Sport 1.6 16v 105 PS
157
D
£9,102.13
£1,592.87
£10,695.00
£145.00
£55.00
£10,895
Again, and in line with SEAT’s aim of offering ultra-competitive levels of equipment as standard, every new Ibiza SC model arrives with an impressive array of comfort, style and safety features included. In fact the equipment is identical to the generous specification already seen on the Ibiza 5dr.
Thus, even entry-level S 1.2 versions include the likes of a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel; height adjustable driver’s seat; speed-sensitive electrohydraulic power steering; electric front windows; driver, front passenger and head-thorax front side airbags; ABS braking; rolling code immobiliser; remote central locking and six-speaker FM/AM RDS radio with MP3-compatible CD player, steering column-mounted remote audio controls and AUX input.
Move up to the new Ibiza SportCoupé SE and the selection of styling, comfort and equipment features grows further to include body-coloured door mirrors and handles; electrically-adjustable and heated door mirrors; electric rear windows; cruise control; air conditioning; trip computer; height adjustable passenger seat and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Sport versions of the SC include an array of additions including sports suspension; sports seats; arch-filling 16-inch alloy wheels and leather-clad steering wheel and gear knob.
As with the Ibiza 5dr, the most popular options have been bundled together into packs with the Convenience Pack (available on SE and Sport models) offering rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and ‘coming home’ headlight function for £250 RRP.
Meanwhile, the SE Design Pack includes a custom-styled dashboard, folding front centre arm rest, storage pack and leather steering wheel and gear knob for a modest £210 RRP.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), which also includes Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), is part of a pack which also adds tyre pressure monitoring and SEAT’s unique new Hill-Hold Control function. This is available across the range for only £280 RRP.
SEAT UK Head of Marketing, Steve Robertson, said: ‘With such a positive reception to Ibiza 5dr we’re keen to spread the good news about SC pricing as early as possible.
‘The obvious visual appeal of our distinctly styled Ibiza SportCoupé is underlined by prices which add undeniably great value to the mix - a particularly important feature in a new car these days. We’re expecting a rush of interest in our sporty newcomer, and dealers have opened their order books in anticipation.’
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