The SEAT Ibiza is an icon of the urban hatchback market. First introduced in 1984, it has sold over 6 million units across five generations. The new SEAT Ibiza pushes boundaries, embracing new approaches to inspire a youthful and creative spirit.
The new SEAT Ibiza is shaped by three core pillars: a refreshed exterior, a refined interior, and a strengthened value proposition that makes the Ibiza more compelling than ever.
“The SEAT Ibiza is the brand’s best-selling model in its history, paving the way for SEAT’s success, built in part on the car’s incredible achievements. It remains an icon for the segment, proudly delivering for the customers who look to the Ibiza’s characterful look, strong interior design, fully connected digital approach and efficient engine line-up.”
Markus Haupt, CEO of SEAT
Designed, developed and produced in Martorell, Barcelona, the new SEAT Ibiza will be launched in January 2026.
Exterior Design
The SEAT Ibiza’s exterior shines with a refreshed design that embodies the dynamic, characterful spirit at the heart of this urban icon.
The new hexagonal grille design, combined with the iconic diamond-shaped mesh in a matt/polished finish, enhances the sporty character and emphasises the wider proportions. The new, slimmer Full LED headlights emphasise the car’s width while redefining the front-end expression. Their refined light signature adds a more technical look and gives the car a more determined attitude.
The design language of the new front bumper enhances the vehicle’s expressive design and sculpture, making it more in tune with the rest of the car. The bigger side air curtain elements and the lower central intake create a strong volume and much more expressive front, attaching the car visually to the road. At the same time, all the technical components, such as sensors and fog lights, are framed in the black areas, allowing for greater expressive freedom in the front surfaces.
In FR trim, details such as the laser-etched B-pillar logo, dark aluminium FR badge on the tailgate, and black wing mirrors add a refined yet sporty accent, echoing the car’s athletic stance. The dynamic character is reinforced by a refreshed alloy wheel line-up, spanning 15” to 18”.
The wheel options include four new wheel styles – two 17” and two 18” choices – each available in painted or machined finishes. These larger designs deliver greater visual impact and customisation, standing out as bold expressions of the Ibiza evolved identity.
At the rear, the new SEAT Ibiza features a redesigned bumper, underscoring its sporty, youthful attitude. The horizontal highlight at the top has been extended, creating a wider look. It also features a darkened license plate area, adding sportiness and iconicity while reducing the rear’s visual weight and creating a distinctive look from a distance. This black area encompasses the two diffusers, in Style and FR trim, further differentiating the range at the rear. Distinctive dark aluminium model lettering adds a sleek, technical edge, bringing expressive detail that helps it stand out from the crowd. All versions of the new SEAT Ibiza now also feature 100% LED taillights.
Finally, the Ibiza’s exterior is completed with a palette of fresher, more vibrant colours. Liminal, Oniric, and Hypnotic join the existing range – including Glacial White, Midnight Black, Magnetic Tech, Candy White, Fiord Blue, and Graphene Grey–bringing the total to nine striking choices for even more personalisation.
Interior Design
The SEAT Ibiza’s interior takes a bold step forward in quality, style and energy. Embossed textile for the seats, textile door panels, and soft-touch materials that add both personality and perceived quality. New trims and textures elevate the space, while the optional panoramic sunroof floods the interior with natural light–enhancing the sense of roominess and drawing attention to the Ibiza’s carefully crafted design.
The steering wheel, wrapped in 100% premium perforated leather, delivers a tactile sense of precision and control from the moment you take the wheel.
Lighting remains a signature element inside the cabin, just as it is on the exterior. LED light accents surround the side air vents and are now offered in new colours – Fresh Mint for Style, or Silver Metallic for FR-, adding extra flair to the interior design.
For those who want to take it further, the Ibiza FR steps up with standard Bucket seats, adding extra lateral support and sportiness. Dark-tinted rear windows and SEAT Drive Profile driving modes are also standard, enhancing both comfort and dynamic capability.
The SEAT Ibiza’s cabin remains driver-focused; the ergonomically designed multifunction steering wheel gives complete control over in-cabin functions, allowing the driver to scroll through the incredibly clear digital instrument cluster. The standard 8” system delivers everything in complete clarity, while the optional 10.25” Digital Cockpit expands functionality and deepens the sharpness.
Horizontal proportions are maintained across the cabin’s functional areas, including the elevated, floating central infotainment display (8.25” standard, with a larger 9.2” option), enhancing ergonomic comfort and usability.
SEAT combines design and functionality. The boot offers a generous 355 litres of space, ranking among the best in its class, while the load area goes beyond just capacity. A double floor adds versatility, and four metal hooks provide secure points for a cargo net, keeping everything in place on the move.
Trims
Personalisation is at the heart of the SEAT Ibiza’s appeal, letting drivers tailor the car to their own style and needs. With three distinct trim levels–Ibiza, Style and FR –customers can choose the perfect Ibiza for them and explore a wide range of options to truly make it their own.
Both the Style and FR trims have made significant strides in quality and style. A black headliner creates a sleek, immersive atmosphere throughout the cabin, perfectly complemented by newly embossed textile covering the seats, and textile door panels inserts that add texture and quality. New colour and trim options further elevate the interior, while the premium 100% perforated leather steering wheel enhances the tactile experience with improved materials and craftsmanship. For those looking to personalise even further, a range of optional extras is available, including a panoramic sunroof, Climatronic climate control (standard on the FR) and a larger 9.2” infotainment system, allowing each Ibiza to truly reflect its owner’s style and preferences.
The Ibiza FR goes even further, offering standard Bucket seats that deliver exceptional lateral support and sportiness for the driver and front passenger, alongside driving modes for a tailored experience balancing comfort and performance. Additional features include front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a subtle FR logo on the B-pillar, dark aluminium FR badge on the tailgate and black wing mirrors and darkened exhaust pipes that underscore its sporty character. With options such as 18” performance-machined alloy wheels and keyless entry, the FR trim sets a new benchmark for refinement and driving excitement in the segment.
Digitlisation and Connectivity
The SEAT Ibiza is built to keep you connected on the go, bringing your digital world straight into the cabin and giving you instant access to your favourite apps.
The floating infotainment display features an 8.25” screen as standard, with an optional 9.2” navigation system that integrates SEAT CONNECT and wireless Full Link connectivity – keeping you seamlessly connected and in control.
The Full Link system connects your digital life to your car, no matter what device you use. Whether it’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto via cable and wireless, your contacts, music, and maps are always within easy reach. Everything is controlled simply, intuitively, and safely, so you can stay focused on the road while using either the infotainment screen or the steering wheel controls.
To make the most of everything happening inside the car, the SEAT Ibiza features a new SEAT Sound System. This high-quality audio system combines six speakers, a subwoofer, and a 300W amplifier to deliver an immersive and powerful sound experience.
With the larger optional 9.2” infotainment system, up-to-date online content is always just a tap or voice command away – whether it’s traffic updates, parking info, petrol stations, or internet radio.
Voice control is straightforward. Just say “hola, hola” to wake the system, much like the smart home assistants everyone knows and uses.
Plus, with two Type-C USB ports at the front, connecting your devices couldn’t be easier. The 15W wireless fast charging (a big step up from the previous 5W) means your devices stay powered and connected. It uses refrigerated technology to manage device thermals too.
Powertrains
Petrol powers the SEAT Ibiza, delivering a perfect balance of efficiency and dynamic driving – keeping the hatchback ready for any adventure.
The line-up features four engines, with outputs ranging from 80PS (59kW) to 150PS (110kW) to provide dynamic driving tailored to every need:
- 1.0 MPI 80PS 3-cylinder engine with 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.0 TSI 95PS 3-cylinder engine with 5-speed manual gearbox
- 1.0 TSI 115PS 3-cylinder engine with 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG gearbox
- 1.5 TSI 150PS 4-cylinder engine with 7-speed DSG gearbox
The SEAT Ibiza’s engine range is backed by a strong chassis: front MacPherson struts and a torsion beam rear suspension, finely tuned to suit every driving situation and deliver truly rewarding dynamics. The suspension works hand-in-hand with the steering to offer intuitive responses, making every drive engaging and enjoyable.
With multiple driver modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual – easily selected at the push of a button, you can tailor the engine response, steering, and in variants with a dual-clutch transmission, the gearbox to match your mood and needs. The Ibiza adapts to you, delivering a driving experience that’s uniquely yours.
Safety and Convenience
The SEAT Ibiza delivers the joy of driving, integrating a range of safety and convenience features that reduce stress and bring more fun to every journey.
Systems like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Automatic Emergency Braking, and Tiredness Recognition combine with some of the most advanced driver assistance technologies to offer intelligent support when you need it – without interfering or taking over the drive.
Travel Assist combines ACC and Lane Assist to provide semi-automatic. It helps reduce fatigue by keeping the vehicle centred in its lane and maintaining speed according to traffic flow. Add Traffic Sign Recognition, so the Ibiza always knows the current speed limit, and it becomes an even safer companion on the road.
The SEAT Ibiza also features Side Assist, with front and rear radars monitoring blind spots and alerting you if there’s a vehicle nearby when you want to change lanes.
And when night falls, High Beam Assist detects vehicles ahead, automatically switching the Full LED lights between high and low beam. Thanks to the SEAT Ibiza’s advanced Full LED technology, this system now offers increased beam range and brightness – up to twice the range on low beam and three times more brightness on high beam compared to the previous EcoLED – another way to take the stress out of driving.
Created in Barcelona
The SEAT Ibiza is created in Barcelona – designed, developed, and produced at SEAT’s facilities in Martorell. It will be launched in the January 2026.
Bold evolution: The transformation of the SEAT Ibiza into an icon
Since its launch over 40 years ago, the SEAT Ibiza has been a true pillar of the brand–backed by incredible sales success, with more than 6 million units sold to date. It’s an icon that captures the spirit of youth, enjoyed by a diverse generation of drivers, all while bringing the latest technologies and innovations to a car that remains accessible to everyone.
With every new generation, the Ibiza has helped drive SEAT’s growth and bring bold new ideas to the market.
The introduction of the first-generation SEAT Ibiza in 1984 was a milestone for the company on many exciting fronts. It marked the start of SEAT’s journey as an international manufacturer, pushing out to make its bold mark on the automotive world. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, the Ibiza laid the foundations for a future of new markets and a growing global presence.
The SEAT Ibiza Mk1 was the first vehicle fully developed by the brand without a technological partner–relying instead on SEAT’s internal expertise and strategic collaborations: Giorgetto Giugiaro shaped the bold exterior, Karmann refined the car body, and Porsche brought its know-how to the powertrain.
It launched with three trim levels–L, GL and GLX–powered by a choice of 1.2 or 1.5-litre petrol engines. The highlight of the line-up was the 85PS SEAT Ibiza 1.5 GLX: a model that set new standards for performance and engineering. Its capabilities were proven in the Inter-Ibiza Championship, a one-make rally competition where every driver competed behind the wheel of the exact same 1.5 GLX.
The early 1990s marked the arrival of the second-generation SEAT Ibiza Mk2 and a vehicle based on a Volkswagen Group platform. Once again styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro in close collaboration with the SEAT Design Centre in Martorell, the Ibiza evolved with a more rounded, aerodynamic and sportier look – perfectly in tune with the spirit of the decade.
While it introduced more advanced mechanical solutions and upgraded equipment, its greatest legacy was beyond the car itself: the Ibiza Mk2 became the driving force behind a major transformation at SEAT. Engineered at the Martorell Technical Centre, it was the first vehicle produced at the new Martorell plant–signalling the start of operations and a historic milestone in the company’s journey.
Unveiled at the 2001 Bologna Motor Show, the third-generation SEAT Ibiza Mk3 marked a major step forward in build quality, engineering, performance and design.
With legendary designer Walter de Silva working alongside the SEAT Design Centre in Martorell, the Ibiza introduced a more dynamic and expressive silhouette–one that brought fresh energy and a new sense of agility to the segment.
Under the surface, the introduction of the “Agile Chassis concept” across the range transformed the Ibiza’s handling, delivering sharper, more responsive driving dynamics. Performance was also taken up a notch, with engine outputs climbing to 130PS–setting new standards for the small car category.
By 2004, the SEAT Ibiza was celebrating its 20th anniversary. More than 3.3 million units had been built across its first three generations, a testament to its impact not just on the brand, but on the market. And what better way to celebrate than with the arrival of new, sportier versions that would define SEAT’s performance DNA: it was the generation that gave birth to the FR line. The Ibiza FR launched with 130PS 1.9 TDI diesel and 150PS 1.8-litre petrol turbo engines – earning its place as a favourite among driving enthusiasts.
Performance was a linchpin of this generation of vehicle, nowhere better illustrated than with the introduction of the CUPRA R version. Fettled by SEAT Sport technicians, the high-performance hatchback boasted a 160PS TDI and 180PS TSI– the most powerful diesel on the market at the time.
With the fourth-generation SEAT Ibiza Mk4, launched in 2008, the brand took a bold new direction – combining expressive design with some of the most innovative technologies of the time. And just one year later, in 2009, the Ibiza celebrated an important milestone: 25 years of continuous production.
This new chapter introduced designer Luc Donckerwolke’s striking Arrow Design concept, giving the front end a sharper, sportier identity defined by bold geometric lines. The evolution of SEAT’s signature Dynamic Line along the sides added movement and strength. This generation was the only one to offer a full range of different body styles: 3-door, 5-door and an estate variant.
But the Ibiza Mk4 was more than just good looks. It raised the bar in equipment and safety, helping redefine what an urban car could offer. Head-chest airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Hill Hold Control, and a low tyre pressure warning system were all available–placing the Ibiza at the forefront of its segment. The range was also crowned by the striking Ibiza Bocanegra special edition, with its distinctive black front end paying homage to the legendary 1970s SEAT 1200 Sport.
The fifth-generation SEAT Ibiza Mk5* was created to respond to the changing needs of a new generation of drivers–blending style, passion and dynamism with the demands of a more digital and environmentally conscious world.
Developed in Barcelona on the Volkswagen Group’s state-of-the-art MQB-A0 platform, the Ibiza set a new benchmark for technology, driving dynamics and comfort in its segment. Under the direction of Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, its design captured the essence of SEAT DNA–defined by sharp, Full LED triangular headlights and the signature dual body blisters that give the silhouette its unmistakable strength and movement.
*Whilst SEAT call this model the Mk5, here at SEATCUPRA.NET we don’t believe this is actually true. This is technically the MK6 SEAT Ibiza. You can see the history in our Ibiza Forums
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