We’ve grabbed all the headlines again with the launch of the exciting Ibiza IBZ Concept at today’s Frankfurt Show. The sharp and stylish showstopper is a big clue as to what the third addition to the Ibiza range will look like when it makes its debut in showrooms across Europe towards the middle of next year.
Expect massive interest from customers who love the sporty look of the Ibiza but who want something even more practical for families. The production version is expected to arrive in showrooms across Europe next year as SEAT continues its new product offensive, which is making our brand’s range the youngest on the market.
The chassis of the new IBZ Concept has the same compact dimensions as an Ibiza hatch, with a total length of 4.22 metres and the same height and width. However, access to the rear seats is improved via broader rear doors.
As with the rest of the SEAT range, the sporty, design-driven, youthful style of the new Ibiza IBZ Concept make it perfect for those who value space, practicality, comfort and driving enjoyment.
The excitement is not confined to the exterior. The passenger compartment offers space and style in equal measure, with fine detailing and functional innovations throughout. The interior features ‘light guide’ strips that run through the dashboard and the doors, integrating the radio/iPhone interface screen and providing atmospheric lighting.
The light, airy tones of the cream coloured ‘Magnolia’ interior heighten the feeling of space inside this SEAT. The dashboard features the same colour, and a different texture is provided via the suede-clad soft pads. The instrument binnacle hood, door panels, pillars and ceiling are also finished in suede. The newly-designed seats and integrated headrests are upholstered with a combination of leather and suede in the same colour as the dashboard, with blue stitching to match the body colour.
In trademark sporty SEAT style, the steering wheel on the IBZ Concept is slightly flattened at the base. It is wrapped in leather and suede and has a four-spoke structure with dipped side grips, the SEAT ‘S’ in the centre and the letters ‘IBZ’ on the lower spoke, and a set of newly-designed multi-functional controls on either side.
Naturally, the sporty design of the instrument panel is faithful to the brand’s identity. The large dial on the left is the rev counter, with a screen taking up the rest of the space. On the right is an analogue and digital speed display, with the navigation information, trip computer and remaining vehicle controls shown in the middle. There are four circular air vents on the dashboard encased in aluminium. A special interior design concept features a striking combination of aluminium layered with a glossy black material that make up a line with recessed lighting extending across the dashboard and continuing on to the door panels. The centre houses a screen displaying radio and iPhone functions, and the centre console has a purpose-built iPhone slot.
Beneath the rear hatch of the new SEAT Ibiza IBZ Concept there is a spacious boot. Offering an impressive 410 litres of space, it can be significantly extended when the rear seats are folded to leave a completely flat cargo area that stretches to the back of the front seats. The boot’s low load height makes it easy to access, allowing heavy or bulky items to be loaded more easily. It also provides several solutions for keeping objects securely in place, such as side hooks or storage nets on either side of the wheel arches. There’s also a supplementary storage compartment beneath the folding boot floor. A cover leads to the spare wheel and tool box.
