The fourth generation of the SEAT Ibiza was launched in 2008. It was previewed at the Geneva Motor Show as a concept car, but the series model looked similar and it was introduced in that summer.
The small-segment started to slow down its market share, but it was still very important in the European economy. A big economic crisis was near, but the Ibiza had to start its way to the market and sell whatever it could. It was the first brand from the Volkswagen Group to use the PQ25 platform, which was used later on the Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, and Audi A1.
The Ibiza ST was the third body style of the successful small-segment vehicle. It was longer than the 5-door version by 18 cm (7”) but its trunk was bigger than some of the compact-segment hatchbacks. The lower air-intakes incorporated the fog-lights that illuminated the junction with static cornering lights. The Ibiza ST was available with bi-xenon headlights and an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS Technology).
Inside, the car could have been ordered with a new infotainment unit that featured navigation system, dual-zone climate control, power windows for all four, and a complete safety package with front and side airbags. The trunk offered 430 liters (14 cu-ft) of space, but with the rear seats folded it grew up to 1164 liters (41.1 cu-ft) of space.
The Ibiza ST was offered with a choice of six engines, both gasoline or diesel units, with a span between 70 and 105 hp. Manual transmissions were fitted as standard for the entire range, while selected models received a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox.
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