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SEAT Ibiza FR Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2009
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Hatchback
SEAT Ibiza FR 5 Doors photo gallery

Despite the world financial crisis, SEAT dared to introduce a sporty version of the five-door hatchback Ibiza in 2009, offering a hot hatch for families.

SEAT built the FR version for those who needed a car for a family but didn't want to completely give up on performance. In addition, this version was more affordable than the Cupra, which was the most powerful version of the Ibiza lineup.

Unlike the rest of the range, the FR sported a new front bumper with an aggressive design and a honeycomb-style grille surrounded by a chromed trim. On the lower bumper, the wide V-shaped lower air intake was flanked by a pair of scoops where the automaker installed the fog lamps. Unlike its three-door sibling, the five-door version featured a third row of side windows between the rear doors and the raked-forward C-pillars. But, just like its three-door sibling, it featured 17" alloys fitted as standard. Finally, at the back, SEAT added a black trim on the rear bumper, resembling the one mounted on the 2008 Bocanegra concept.

Inside, the automaker installed bolstered front bucket seats with a different design than those offered in the regular Ibiza. In addition, the sporty steering wheel and the paddle-shifters were a promise for performance. In the back, the split-folding bench could accommodate three persons for short trips.

Under the hood, the Ibiza FR featured a 1.4-liter turbocharged and supercharged gasoline engine that sent the power to the front wheels only via a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transmission and an electronically-controlled differential.

full description and technical specifications
SEAT Ibiza FR Sport Coupe (SC) photo gallery

SEAT introduced a two-door version for its small-segment vehicle Ibiza in 2009, based on the Bocanegra concept car previewed at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

The Spanish carmaker introduced the fourth generation of the Ibiza during the world financial crisis when most carmakers had to shrink their operations. But Volkswagen Group had another idea: just launch new products and hope for the best. It was the same situation with the Ibiza, which was released in 2008 as a five-door hatchback and, in 2009, in a three-door version named Ibiza SC (Sport Coupe).

With a design signed by Luc Donckerwolke, the sporty sibling of the Ibiza range featured a more aggressive styling than its predecessor. Its elliptic headlights with sharp upper and lower corners were swept back towards the fenders. A profiled line emerged from the headlamps and descended towards the rear wheel arches, while the doors featured a sculptured line on the lower side. Behind the doors, the narrow side windows ensured some natural light for the rear seat passengers, while the raked-forward C-pillars completed the car's sportier look.

Inside, the Ibiza SC featured bucket seats with some side bolstering for the base trim levels and high-bolstered ones for the sportier models. Despite its cheap-looking dashboard, SEAT still tried offering the supermini vehicle with some comfort features such as power windows and a CD player. In addition, the AC unit was available, starting with the second trim level. In the back, there was hardly room for an adult. Yet, two children could sit there.

Under the hood, the Ibiza SC received almost the same engine lineup as its five-door sibling. Although, the FR version with its 150 horses was exclusively available for the SC body version starting with 2009.

full description and technical specifications