Three and a half years into its lifecycle, the SEAT Ibiza range is being given its first facelift. There are engine updates too, with the emphasis on refinements to improve economy.
Production of the fourth generation (SE250) Ibiza started in August 2008. Since then, a three-door (SC) and a wagon (ST) have joined the original five-door on the line at SEAT’s Martorell plant near Barcelona.
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The Volkswagen Group will soon be launching the SEAT brand in China, and the new Ibiza will be one of the two lead products, the other being the León. The new, third generation (SE370) of this C-segment model series is due later in 2012 and for the first time, three-door and ST bodystyles are expected to join the replacement for the five-door, in Europe at least. Returning to the Ibiza and León for the PRC, these will be imports, at least during 2012.
A spokesman for SEAT UK has confirmed to just-auto that the updated Ibiza will have its global debut at the Geneva motor show in March. It goes on sale across Europe during March or April, depending on the market, with a revised Cupra sports derivative to follow by mid-year.
