Photo: CarPix
European car companies are continuing to base their brand new superminis on the old ones. However, SEAT is treating the Ibiza like royalty because it's one of their longest lasting nameplates. They've even found time to joke around with the camouflage, as the prototype adopts the appearance of a Hyundai i20.
"Nothing to see here, move along," says the test engineer as he waves to the paparazzi. However, that's not the case, as hidden under the unassuming body of an Indian-made Hyundai is the 5th generation Ibiza.
It's a bit like when your parents try to hide the chocolate bars inside a bag of frozen vegetables - the discovery makes them seem even more appealing. The camouflage is elaborate and includes skin grafts from an actual Hyundai. However, you can still make out some of the features, like the shape of the trunk opening. Many cues are borrowed directly from the Leon, and it will be interesting to see if the headlights are just as sexy.
Underneath the Hyundai camouflage, we can clearly make out the shape of the daytime running signature, which is triangular and also works as the turn signal indicator by pulsating yellow.
The profile shows window kinks that are similar to the Ateca. Considering 2017 will also see the launch of an Ibiza-based crossover, it makes sense for SEAT to carry similar styling across the range.
But the bad news is that it won't be underpinned by the popular MQB platform, which is not to say that it won't have technologies or engines shared with the Leon and Golf. One example is the radar scanner installed at the front of this prototype.
It's a safe bet that the Ibiza will have the most radical looks in a segment bursting at the seams with competitors. SEAT's claim to victory has always been a sporty character, but now, this will be executed with far better components, in particular on the inside.
The engine range will rely heavily on the 1-liter EcoTSI, which we expect to offer anything from 86 to 115 PS. The 1.4-liter TDI engine will also have three cylinders and two or more outputs available. Even though the Ibiza Cupra has not yet started development, we're still optimistic that one will be available. Volkswagen is developing a successor for the Polo GTI which will likely employ a 2-liter turbo.
As we get closer to 2020, SEAT will be forced to adopt hybridization. There will be at least one model capable of running on electricity, but the all-new Ibiza has some time before adding this kind of complex and costly tech.
It's a bit like when your parents try to hide the chocolate bars inside a bag of frozen vegetables - the discovery makes them seem even more appealing. The camouflage is elaborate and includes skin grafts from an actual Hyundai. However, you can still make out some of the features, like the shape of the trunk opening. Many cues are borrowed directly from the Leon, and it will be interesting to see if the headlights are just as sexy.
Underneath the Hyundai camouflage, we can clearly make out the shape of the daytime running signature, which is triangular and also works as the turn signal indicator by pulsating yellow.
The profile shows window kinks that are similar to the Ateca. Considering 2017 will also see the launch of an Ibiza-based crossover, it makes sense for SEAT to carry similar styling across the range.
But the bad news is that it won't be underpinned by the popular MQB platform, which is not to say that it won't have technologies or engines shared with the Leon and Golf. One example is the radar scanner installed at the front of this prototype.
It's a safe bet that the Ibiza will have the most radical looks in a segment bursting at the seams with competitors. SEAT's claim to victory has always been a sporty character, but now, this will be executed with far better components, in particular on the inside.
The engine range will rely heavily on the 1-liter EcoTSI, which we expect to offer anything from 86 to 115 PS. The 1.4-liter TDI engine will also have three cylinders and two or more outputs available. Even though the Ibiza Cupra has not yet started development, we're still optimistic that one will be available. Volkswagen is developing a successor for the Polo GTI which will likely employ a 2-liter turbo.
As we get closer to 2020, SEAT will be forced to adopt hybridization. There will be at least one model capable of running on electricity, but the all-new Ibiza has some time before adding this kind of complex and costly tech.
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