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2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform

The 5th generation SEAT Ibiza made its debut only moments ago, and we have to admit that it's so much more than we expected. Like we reported yesterday, it's got a 95mm longer wheelbase (2,564mm) and a has grown 87mm in width.
2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform 17 photos
Photo: SEAT
2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform2017 SEAT Ibiza Debuts With Full-LED Headlights, MQB A0 Platform
To put it simply, the new Ibiza is like the Skoda Rapid, straddling the space between the supermini and compact segments. SEAT is also canceling the 3-door SC and stretched ST estate models, leaving only a profitable hatchback.

Despite the increased wheelbase, the Ibiza is perceptively shorter and lower. That means it's got small overhangs of a MINI Cooper. All this has been done with the use of a platform called MQB A0, likely to be adopted by the next Polo as well.

We don't think the MQB A0 is the same thing as the MQB used by the Golf, but it doesn't really matter. The head of the brand said this platform allows different types of suspensions and powertrains to be used, which means the potential for a Cupra with independent rear arms is higher than ever.

More importantly, they've developed a bunch of new assembly processes that will make every engineer wet. For example, the roof is fixed in place with laser soldering, while the rest of the chassis has 4000 welds. Higher strength presses are responsible for creating those beautiful creases that you see.

Not only is the Ibiza body wider, but the front and rear tracks have been extended as well by 60 mm and 48 mm, respectively. There's more headroom, and the trunk is a whopping 355 liters, just like we said yesterday.

Moving on to the engine range, the diesels are all 1.6 TDI units, producing 80, 95 and 110 PS. The base 1.0 TSI will have a 5-speed manual, while the 115 horsepower unit will be available as a 6-speed or with DSG.

The flagship FR model is the one to get excited about because it's going to pack 150 PS from a 1.5 TSI Evo which will become available only towards the end of the year. And finally, SEAT will give customers the option of a 90 PS 1-liter turbo that can run on CNG, which is extremely popular in Spain.

The note-worthy interior is that of the XCellence trim level because it matches a copper dash with copper leatherette seat bolsters. There are premium touches, but we don't expect the car to feel as nice as a MINI. But it's not a MINI; it's a SEAT Ibiza with all-LED headlights that young people can actually afford and enjoy.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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