Seat announced a first facelift for its supermini Ibiza that will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show this March.
On the outside, the 2012 Seat Ibiza gains a new face inspired from the firm’s recent concept cars like the IBE Coupe, IBX small crossover and IBL sedan.

Also, the Ibiza gets a redesigned front bumper and edgier headlamps with optional bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. At the back, we find new tail lamps and a restyled bumper. Seat says that the facelifted Ibiza benefits from higher quality materials, a new design of the Climatronic climate control system and the steering wheel.

There are new colors while Seat also introduces an available Portable Media System with a touchscreen monitor that combines a navigation system, on-board computer, audio system and hands-free device.

There are several engines to choose from including the 60HP 1.2-liter, 105HP 1.2-liter TSI and 150HP 1.4-liter TSI petrols, and the 75HP 1.2-liter TDI and 143HP 2.0-liter TDI diesels. Transmission options include five- and six-speed manuals and VW’s 7-speed dual-clutch auto.

Seat is ready to start producing its new version of the small city car. The new model, called Mii, is the SEAT’s first offering in the segment after the termination of the Arosa mini in 2004, which was also based on a VW Lupo. The only visible differences between the Seat Mii and the VW Up! are their front end styling, alloy wheel designs, tail lamp graphics and the interior trim colors and options.

The same goes for the powertrain choices as the 3.56m-long Mii, which tips the scales at just 854kg, will be offered with the VW Group’s new 1.0-litre petrol engines with either 60HP or 75HP.

The 60HP model is good for a top speed of 160km/h and a combined fuel efficiency of 4.5lt/100km, while the 75HP variant reaches a top speed of 170km/h and returns 4.7lt/100km.

Seat said it will also offer an Ecomotive variant featuring a Start/Stop system that will return a CO2 figure of just 97 g/km as well as a gasoline/CNG derivative that will emit a mere 86 grams of CO2/km making it one of the cleanest cars in the world.

The new Seat Mii will first launch as a three-door model in Spain this November, with sales to start in the rest of Europe in Spring of 2012. A five-door model will be added to the range before the end of next year.

Starting from September, Seat will offer a renewed version of its current Exeo series that includes the sedan and estate (ST) models. The subtle styling enhancements of the Audi A4-based Exeo on the outside include a revised face with new bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights, a honeycomb style grille insert, plus new 17-inch alloy wheel designs.

Inside, upgrades are limited to the redesigned leather steering wheel and the revised upholstery options.

Seat said improvements made to all diesel-powered engines see CO2 emissions cut by around 7 gr per km, with the 120HP and 143HP TDI ST models fitted with manual transmission now dipping below the 130 g/km mark.

SEAT added that economy is similarly improved with the Exeo saloon now being capable of returning up to 57.6 mpg UK on the EU’s combined cycle.

Seat is preparing an FR version of the Ibiza ST fitted with a 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 150-hp. In Germany, the small station wagon is offered with three petrol units: a 70HP 1.2-liter three-pot, an 85HP 1.4L and a 105HP 1.2-liter TSI, and three diesels: a 75HP 1.2 TDI, a 90HP 1.6 TDI and a 105HP 1.6 TDI.

The undisguised test mule was captured features the FR logo up front as well as larger alloy wheels shod in lower profile tires and visible twin tailpipes at the back.

The ready-for-go SEAT Ibiza ST FR will be unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Seat, VW’s Spanish subsidiary, is expecting a 10 percent rise in sales this year. In 2012 Seat will launch four new models, such as the Ibiza ST and the Alhambra.

For 2012, the company has even bigger plans, fueled by the launch of four new models. “We will launch four new cars: the new Leon, a totally new entry-level model, a four-door sedan and a major Ibiza facelift,” said Muir, who was appointed head of Seat in 2009.

While the new Leon is no surprise and the entry-level model should be Seat’s version of the VW Up!, the four-door sedan leaves room for speculations. The most logical choice would be to build a new Toledo, based on the upcoming Leon. But the four-door sedan could also be a reiteration of the Cordoba or even a facelift of the older Audi A4-based Exeo.

In order to sustain the expected sales growth, Seat will also hire more people. “Before the end of the year, we will hire 300 to 800 new employees,” Muir said. His plans for 2018 are way more ambitious: by that time Seat should sell 800,000 units a year and achieve a 15 percent return on investment.

Seat has unveiled its latest IBE Concept model at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Measuring in at just 3.83 meters in length, the IBE Paris is smaller than Volkswagen’s Scirocco. Utilizing a 102 hp electric drive system, the Seat’s concept is good for 130 km (81 miles) on a single charge. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 60 mph) can be achieved in 9.7 seconds

“The IBE shows SEAT’s vision for a car of the future that is as emotional as it is ecologically responsible and affordable,” said Seat’s design boss, Luc Donckerwolke.

“The IBE is a concentrated version of our design DNA. Both exterior and interior are characterised by their focus on key elements, by a clear and precise architecture, by modern technology and by materials that are as high-quality as they are ecological.”

Seat has shown the first pics of a new special edition of its three-door Ibiza Sports Coupe for the German buyers. The Ibiza SC (Sports Coupe) Sport Limited comes in “Lumina Orange” finish and only with the not-so sporty 105HP 1.6-liter petrol engine. Only 300 coupes will be produced.

The Ibiza SC Sport Limited is distinguished by the 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black and shod in beefier sport tires, an aerodynamic kit with a new front bumper, side skirts, roof spoiler and a unique rear bumper housing faux air vents on both corners, a diffuser and two tail pipes mounted centrally.

The car’s rooftop and exterior mirrors are finished in black.

The two-tone color theme is continued inside as the air-vent rings, gearbox knob, door panel trims as well as the seams on the thick-rimmed steering wheel and sport seats are all finished in orange. The aluminum pedal set and additional standard features such as rain sensors and park assist system complete the package.

The new Ibiza SC Sport Limited is priced at €20,620 or about US$25,500.

The upgrading version of the Seat Exeo (Spanish version of the old Audi A4) has been unveiled in Britain with the introduction of two new trim levels called SE Tech and Sport Tech.

Available to order now with first deliveries to take place in the UK this summer, the Seat Exeo Tech versions are said to add a total of £3,270 worth of extra equipment £3,270 for just £875 over the price of the standard SE and Sport models.

All Tech models get a DVD-based color screen satellite navigation, BOSE premium audio upgrade, black leather upholstery and an iPod connection in lieu of the standard glove compartment-mounted USB port

The Tech trim levels are offered on both the sedan and station-wagon versions of the Exeo with a choice of two 2.0-turbo diesel engines (143HP or 170HP). Prices start from £21,270.

Seat today unveiled the first official pics and info of its all-new Alhambra MPV that will go on sale in Europe this summer.

Its a young brother of the latest generation Volkswagen Sharan. Aside from the Alhambra’s unique fascia and tail lamp designs, the two MPVs models are identical. Same goes for the interior as the only difference between the Alhambra and VW Sharan concerns the steering wheel hub.

Measuring 4.85 meters in length, the new Alhambra is 220 mm longer than its predecessor, while it is also wider by a full 90mm.

It features large sliding doors with optional electric operation and can seat up to seven passengers in three rows of seats.
In addition, the middle row seats can also be arranged longitudinally, with integrated child seats available as an option.

Underneath the skin, there’s a new engine line-up with TSI petrol and TDI diesel units, all equipped with fuel injection and turbocharging as well as Start-Stop system and brake energy recovery technology.

There are two TSI engines producing 150- and 200-horsepower, and two 2.0-liter TDI engines delivering 140HP and 170HP.

Look at the all-new Seat Ibiza Sport Tourer! The new ST will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. The Seat Ibiza Sport Tourer is a subcompact estate and it will go on sale in most parts of Europe by early summer.

As anticipated, the production version of last year’s Frankfurt Show IBZ study has lost all those edgy styling elements such as the hidden rear door handles and the sharper tail lamps that made the concept look so special.

On the outside the Ibiza ST appears to be identical to the hatchback model while from there aft, the styling brings to mind the Audi A3 Sportback.

Measuring in at a length of 4,320mm, the new Ibiza ST is about 180mm longer than the hatchback model.

Most of the extra length is concentrated in the rear overhang benefitting the capacity of the luggage compartment that now reaches 430 liters, and can be further increased in stages by folding the split rear seat.

The VW’s Spanish division said that the Ibizia ST offers a choice of three petrol and three TDI units with common-rail injection with four of those engines operating with direct injection and turbocharging.

These include the group’s new 1.2-liter TSI petrol with 105HP and the 1.6-liter TDI in 90HP and 105HP guises.