LAUNCHED IN PARIS IN 1984: SEAT Ibiza celebrates its 20th anniversary
Posted by: kak in Seat
The Paris Motor Show of 1984, was the venue for the international presentation of the SEAT Ibiza, a model which represented the determination of the Spanish brand to continue as an independent company, in the very competitive automotive industry. After starting on its own, by developing a new model range and building up a commercial network outside of Spain, SEAT initiated a remarkable effort in designing its first models at the Martorell Technical Centre. That is how the Ibiza was born, the first product entirely developed by SEAT, its audacity resulting in widespread admiration.
The major features distinguishing the new model include an impressive design by Giugiaro, its larger size as compared to the rest of its competitors, remarkable comfort, as well as the powerful and sporty System Porsche engines.
Five Ibiza generations
Since that historic day, more than 3,300,000 Seat Ibiza cars have been manufactured. The first car left the legendary SEAT factory from Zona Franca (Barcelona) on April 27th 1984. The second version was launched in 1991, the Ibiza New Style, which added a modern image and new features to the range. Of both generations, SEAT manufactured almost 1,300,000 cars, surpassing the model previously produced most often by the Spanish brand: the 127.
In 1993, coinciding with the opening of the Martorell facilities, the third generation was born. A car entirely developed by the Spanish brand, which was already incorporated into the Volkswagen Group. It triumphed in the World Rally Championship, in the 2 litre category, winning the competition in 1996, 1997 and 1998. The Ibiza Cupra, the sportiest version of the range, was developed as a result of the success achieved in sport. Furthermore, this third generation was a pioneer introducing TDI technology in this type of vehicle.
The fourth generation of this model was presented at the Barcelona Motor Show in May 1999, being the first to offer the traction control system (TCS) and the electronic stability program (ESP) in its sector. SEAT manufactured more than 1,500,000 cars of this model from 1993 to 2001, that is, of the third and fourth Ibiza generations.
In 2001, the Bologna Motor Show was the setting chosen by the brand to launch the fifth Ibiza generation, of which more than 530,000 cars have already been manufactured. The present Ibiza, which reflects how SEAT commits itself to design and sporty driving, built a brigde towards the new generation of SEAT’s cars, which started with the Altea this year.
[source: seat.com]
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