Seven years after the Volkswagen Group bought it, SEAT introduced its first VW-based product on the market, the Ibiza's second generation.
While the Spanish carmaker built the first generation on its own, it made the second generation on a Volkswagen Polo platform. SEAT sold the Ibiza's first generation in over 1.3 million units, and the German carmaker continued the success story using the same designer for the bodywork, the Italian Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The five-door Ibiza showed a new front fascia, which became a signature grille for other SEAT models. It featured a narrow grille split in two by a vertical slat with the chromed SEAT badge. A sideline crossed the car from front to back over the slightly enlarged fenders to emphasize a sporty look even though it was a regular, five-door small-segment hatchback. Under the front apron, the carmaker installed a black, scratch-resistant apron.
Inside, the carmaker chose a clean design with squared vents and round knobs for the climate controls. The four-spoke steering wheel featured the driver's airbag. A stereo-cassette player found its way on the center stack, covered by a lid. At the front, the carmaker installed bucket seats with little side-bolstering. There was room for three adults on short distances in the back due to the limited hip and shoulder room. The legroom was not excellent either, but it worked just fine, especially for families with kids or teenagers.
Volkswagen opened its parts bins and offered the SEAT an extensive range of four gasoline and two diesel engines.