SEAT’s fifth-generation Ibiza supermini has been revealed and will focus on technology, refinement and personalisation.

The fifth-generation Ibiza is the first Volkswagen Group product to be built on the new MQB A0 platform.

Making its debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the latest incarnation of SEAT’s supermini will go on sale in early summer in five-door format only and is built on an all-new Volkswagen Group supermini platform. This platform will also underpin the brand’s forthcoming Arona compact crossover as well as the next Audi A1, both of which will be made on the same production line in Martorell, near Barcelona.

Benefits of the new platform include a more ground-hugging stance – the wheelbase is longer, its front and rear tracks are wider, and the bodyshell is wider, despite being the same length and height as the outgoing version. As a result the new Ibiza brings increased cabin and boot space – which rises 63 litres to 355 litres, making it best in class, while loading height has also been lowered.

The new platform also employs a stiffer structure, with SEAT claiming significant improvements in refinement over the old Ibiza as a result.

Styling brings an edgier, sportier design, featuring more sculpted, accentuated, exciting and streamlined surfaces and with wheel designs up to 18-inches plus

Engine line-up brings a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines. From launch a three- cylinder direct-injection 1.0 TSI will be offered with 95 or 115hp. A new 150hp 1.5 TSI – shared with the latest VW Golf – will be available in late 2017 with four cylinders.

Diesel engines cover 80, 95 and 115hp 1.6 TDI variants. Depending on the market, a CNG-powered 90hp 1.0 TSI engine will also be offered – a first in the class.

Transmissions cover a five-speed manual for the 95hp and lower engines with a six-speed on the more powerful engines. A seven-speed DSG transmission will be available too.

Four trim lines will be offered in Europe: Reference, Style, FR and XCellence. The latter two trims will have the same price, with the FR taking a sportier angle, while XCellence focuses on comfort, elegance and technology.
The FR trim includes a stiffer suspension and offers two mode settings, Normal and Sport. The XCellence trim will also offer this possibility later on, with a softer setting.

Driving assistance systems draw on the Leon and Ateca to introduce new technologies to the supermini class. Included in the new Ibiza are Front Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Keyless Entry System with heartbeat engine start button, a new generation of front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera.

Other features include an optional 8-inch touchscreen along with Android, Apple and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.

First launched in 1984, the Ibiza is the brand’s longest-running model and has sold over 5.4 million units sold. It’s also classed as one of the three pillars of the company, together with the Leon and Ateca.

Pricing is expected to be announced following its debut at Geneva.