2009 Seat Ibiza 25 years On Car Review and Specs | 2009 Seat Ibiza 25 years On Car Wallpaper Pictures Pics

The 1984 Paris Motor Show was the chosen backdrop to unveil the SEAT Ibiza to the world. It was a memorable occasion, and signalled the beginning of a success story that has reached the present time with the recent launch of the fourth generation of the Spanish companys most emblematic model. The Ibiza naturally became a landmark in the history of SEAT since it was the first product wholly developed as an independent company.

Throughout its history, the SEAT Ibiza has always displayed its sporty, youthful, spirit and has stood out for its brilliant performance and for being extremely cost-effective. The first generation presented in 1984 signalled a great novelty, combining the spaciousness and interior comfort of higher segment models in a more compact body (3.6 metres long). On that project, SEAT collaborated with famous firms such as Italian designer Giorgio Giugiaros company Italdesign, as well as Karmann for industrialisation and Porsche for the technology applied to the engines (called System Porsche that the Ibiza displayed on the engine).

The arrival of the Ibiza revitalised the companys production line, boosting output to 1,281,388 units. With a choice of engines ranging from 44 hp to 100 hp on the petrol version, and the efficient 55 hp Diesel, the Ibiza became a powerful magnet for both domestic and foreign buyers. The number of exports was outstanding, and even exceeded 119,000 units in 1990.

After seven years on the market, in 1991 the model underwent a complete transformation called New Style, which mainly affected the design of the front end and the interior trim appointments. A further development was the Sport Line version, equipped with the latest System Porsche engine evolution -- 1.700 cm3 and 110 hp output. The following year, the SEAT Ibiza became the official car of the Barcelona 92 Olympic Games.

From its launch in 1984 until 1993, sales of the first generation Ibiza totalled 1,342,001 units.

In 1993, the Spanish brand announced the second generation of the Ibiza, a car that would follow in the successful tyre tracks of the previous model.

SEATs extensive history contains a chapter wholly dedicated to this model, which became the first vehicle manufactured in the new Martorell factory. This landmark filled the companys executives with optimism and heralded a fantastic start for the model, which was unveiled at the 1993 Barcelona Motor Show.

The second generation Ibiza was developed then within the Volkswagen Group, and featured a total of six engine choices (petrol, diesel and turbo-diesel) with 3- and 5-door body styling. At that time, the Ibiza took a giant leap in terms of manufacturing quality, and became the first model in its segment equipped with a 90 hp TDI engine. Three years later, in 1996, it repeated this feat with the 110 hp TDI engine, which became the most powerful Diesel engine in its segment.

Also in 1996, SEAT presented the spectacular CUPRA version equipped with the 150 hp 2.0 engine, which delivered exceptional performance figures and featured tremendously sporty looks. This much-anticipated launch was used by SEAT to celebrate its brilliant victory at the FIA World 2.0 litre engine Rally Championship with the SEAT Ibiza Kit Car, a title it would go on to win again in 1997 and 1998.

At the 1999 Barcelona Motor Show, the Ibiza featured revamped styling. Its completely new looks could be found on the inside as well as the exterior, which featured larger light units and a grille to match the brands new image. The interior featured a prominent new multi-function screen that displayed information relating to the trip computer, climate control and radio.

A year later, in May 2000, and coinciding with SEATs 50th anniversary, the company presented the new SEAT Ibiza CUPRA equipped with the 156 hp 1.8 turbo engine, which was the first vehicle of its segment to feature ESP electronic stability.

The experience gained by SEAT Sport after competing for six years at world rally events benefited the brands customers later with the launch of the SEAT Ibiza CUPRA R, the first mass-produced model developed by the companys sports division. This exclusive car was equipped with no less with the 180 hp 1.8 20V turbo engine.

Sales exceeded those of the previous generation, with a total of 1,522,607 units sold between 1993 and 2002.

The third generation of the Ibiza saw the light in 2001 and signalled a leap in terms of manufacturing quality, engine range and dynamic performance. Walter de Silva was responsible for its design, and he introduced a more attractive silhouette that underlined its increased agility.

In fact, the 2001 Ibiza was the brands first model to introduce the Agile Chassis concept in its entire range. Developed by the Martorell Design Centre, it also raised the power bar with Diesel engines of up to 130 hp.

In 2004, the Ibiza celebrated its 20th anniversary in a big way, with more than 3.3 million units manufactured and with the introduction of the two new sporty versions that would later become the Spanish brands watchwords " FR, with the 130 hp 1.9 TDI and the 150 hp 1.8 turbo engines, and CUPRA, whose 160 hp 1.9 TDI was the most powerful Diesel engine in its segment, and the 180 hp 1.8 20V petrol engine delivered brilliant performance levels.

In February 2006, the SEAT Ibiza debuted a new, more modern, yet more sporty image. The main improvements included new interior trim and new bumpers on a range of 18 versions combining five trim levels with 11 engine choices.

Sales of the third generation Ibiza reached a total of 1,084,989 units between 2002 and 2007, making it the best-selling model in the segment since its launch. This model is currently still in the SEAT sales network, equipped with the 85 hp 1.4 and 70 and 80 hp 1.4 TDI engines, the latter also with DPF particulate filter in its ECOMOTIVE version, presented at the end of 2007 to become the greenest car in its segment with emissions of only 99 g/km of CO2.

Since its creation in 1984, the Ibiza has been an icon for SEAT and the companys most well-known model around the world. For this reason, the arrival of a new generation in 2008 was proof that the Ibiza causes enthusiasm and admiration wherever it goes. With uncommon sportiness, innovative design and great quality, the new SEAT Ibiza immediately became a benchmark within its segment.

A year ago, SEAT began the promotional campaign of the fourth generation Ibiza with two key words that perfectly summed up the qualities of the companys new car " beauty and technology, to which a third character trait should be added " quality.

This quality goes hand in hand with its exterior and interior style, since the Arrow Design concept at the front lends the new Ibiza a sportier, more distinctive look than on previous versions thanks to the use of sharp geometric lines, as well as the evolution of the brands classic Dynamic Line sweeping across the sides.

Furthermore, the standard equipment line-up features elements such as head-chest airbags, ESP electronic stability, Hill Hold Assist and low tyre pressure warning, which all contribute towards increased driving comfort and safety.

Crash tests organised by Euro NCAP validated the excellent work carried out by the Martorell Technical Centre, resulting in 5 stars for passenger protection, 4 stars for child safety and 3 stars for pedestrian protection.

The new Ibiza also features excellent dynamic qualities thanks to the use of the new Volkswagen Group platform developed for this segment, which is enhanced by the seven-speed DSG gearbox mated to the 105 hp 1.6 litre petrol engine for the first time in its segment, providing it with greater driving comfort without affecting the traditional sporty nature of all SEAT models, and putting the brands new vehicle in a privileged position compared to its rivals.

In total, the fourth generation of the Ibiza is available with six engine choices, three petrol (70 hp 1.2; 85 hp 1.4; and 105 hp 1.6) and three Diesel (80 hp 1.4 TDI; 90 and 105 hp 1.9 TDI) with DPF particulate filter. They all feature exceptionally low CO2 emissions, with special emphasis placed on the new ECOMOTIVE version which has become the most ecological model in its segment thanks to its emissions level of 98 g/km, further underlined by its low combined fuel consumption figure of only 3.7 l/km.

The new Ibiza range is currently expanding and new versions such as the spectacular CUPRA and FR will soon make their way onto the market, the latter making its debut at the Barcelona Motor Show. These new cars are sure to fulfil the expectations of even the most demanding customers with their powerful, efficient engines, excellent performance output, complete equipment line-up including elements such as XDS or bi-xenon headlights with AFS technology, and their attractive exterior design. These aspects have characterised the Ibiza over the last 25 years and have made this model a true icon for Spanish youth, as well as motoring in Spain.

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