SEAT Ibiza
SEAT Ibiza SEAT Ibiza
During the press conference, company employees strongly emphasized their particularly warm attitude towards Ibiza. Replicas were constantly heard that this model accounts for the lion's share of sales, that it, like a frontman in the musical collective, is the face of the brand. In general, despite the compactness and external fragility, this car has long been systemically important for the Spanish company. We say SEAT - we mean "Ibiza", and vice versa. Agree, not every car, especially in this segment, can boast of such recognition.
The car is built on a common platform with Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia. But outwardly it is completely invisible: the “Spaniard” looks completely different, swift and bright. And after restyling, the car became even more interesting. Now she looks at the road with new, narrowed headlights (in expensive trim levels - with LEDs), the radiator grille has become a little more compact. Bumpers, on the contrary, rang out, which is why the car added 9 mm in length. It seems to be nothing fundamentally new, but at the same time you perceive Ibiza as a completely new model, especially since SEATs in Russia are extremely rare. So you look at the Ibiza shown in 2008 with particular interest. By the way, she has three types of body: a three- or five-door hatchback, and also a station wagon.
The interior is made in a more relaxed style than the soplatform “Polo” and “Fabia”
The interior is made in a more relaxed style than the soplatform “Polo” and “Fabia”. The interior is made in a more relaxed style than the soplatform “Polo” and “Fabia”.
First of all, I’ll ride on a stylish and sporty three-door in spirit. I dive into the cabin, buckle up, noting in passing that the belt is not adjustable in height. This could be added during modernization. After all, the soft finish of the front panel appeared! I also wanted to criticize the new steering wheel: I didn’t find the radio control buttons - however, as it turned out, this unit was hidden behind the wheel. Another innovation does not catch the eye, but it is very useful: the volume of the glove compartment is increased from 4.6 to 10.7 liters. And its cover from the inside is made in the form of an organizer - you can place a lot of things, and in order.
A second after turning the key, the 1.6-liter turbodiesel was quietly rattling (it will not be on our market). Vibrations, of course, penetrate into the cabin, but do not annoy. But what a thrust: you can get under way, almost without touching the accelerator. Although, of course, the real pressure comes from 2000 rpm - the car flies famously, nudging the driver with a pleasant roar. In general, the Ibiza has a clearly sporting character: a tight steering wheel, tight suspension, serious effort (by the standards of small cars, of course) requires clutch. By God, you feel like in a small sports coupe! And the handling is glorious: thanks to the XDS system, which imitates the differential lock, the car goes through corners quickly and at the same time safely. Only the work of the 5-speed manual with long strokes of the lever and poor selectivity caused complaints.
The front panel is now covered with soft plastic. Nicely
The front panel is now covered with soft plastic. Nicely. The front panel is now covered with soft plastic. Nicely.
The same feature of the box manifested itself in the version with a 1.2-liter TSI series supercharged gasoline engine. But the motor itself pleased with its silent operation and snappy acceleration. For which, however, you have to pay higher fuel consumption. With equal power with a diesel engine (105 hp), I got almost 10 l / 100 km against 6 liters of diesel. But with us it is this motor that should become the most popular in the range. Basic 86-strong Ibiza will be offered only at the initial levels of equipment. A version with the flagship 150-horsepower engine will go in sports performance FR and will cost 900, 000 rubles. So the intermediate option is optimal.
YOUNG TRIB
SEAT, by automotive standards, is quite young - established in 1950. At first she produced Fiat cars. In the 1980s, the Italians parted ways, but the Spaniards did not last long without a strong partner: they were soon picked up by Volkswagen. Since then, all the technical filling of the machines is German (which the manufacturer himself does not get tired of stressing, because this is a guarantee of quality and reliability). Only design is developed independently.
Arrows of instruments in the zero position look down, like sports cars
Arrows of instruments in the zero position look down, like sports cars. Arrows of instruments in the zero position look down, like sports cars.
Until recently, SEATs in our country were sold by distributors not directly related to the Volkswagen group, and only this year the Russian representative office of the company was formed. So, our market is recognized as promising. The Spaniards intend to sell at least 20, 000 cars a year in Russia. They cite the low cost of operation as the advantages of their models (for example, the representative office recommends dealers to keep the standard hour price lower than at Skoda services).
At the back, the updated version can be identified by flashlights with LEDs
At the back, the updated version can be identified by flashlights with LEDs. At the back, the updated version can be identified by flashlights with LEDs.
MODERN MODEL SERIES
SEAT Mii
SEAT Mii
The miniature hatchback is built on a common platform with Volkswagen-Up and Skoda-Citigo. They will not sell on the Russian market.
SEAT Leon
SEAT Leon
At the core is the Golf platform. Offer exclusively with a hatchback. At the moment - the most popular SEAT in Russia. Next year a new generation will appear.
SEAT Altea / Altea Freetrack
SEAT Altea / Altea Freetrack
The one-car is a cross between a compact and a golf hatchback. In the all-wheel drive version with a plastic body kit, they are positioned as a rival to crossovers. We sell only the last option.
SEAT Toledo
SEAT Toledo
While the concept, but by the end of the year will get on the conveyor. The twin of the upcoming Skoda Mission L is built on the platform of the Polo sedan. Now it’s clear why the Spaniards do not exclude that the new “Toledo” will be released in Russia.
SEAT Alhambra
SEAT Alhambra
The Spaniards are about to release a full-size minivan for five or seven seats on the Russian market (there are no official deliveries to the Russian Volkswagen-Sharan). This will happen no earlier than six months later.
SEAT Exeo
SEAT Exeo
At the core is Audi A4 of the past generation. Offered in sedan and wagon versions. They do not plan to deliver to Russia, as they will soon be discontinued.
