Cold start for Seat

We obtained the first spy photos of the next Ibiza which was caught in the cold undergoing early winter-testing and braking tests. The Ibiza is due to be launched next summer. Following the unveiling of SEAT's Tribu Concept Frankfurt Show star the new Ibiza will be the first production model to adopt the concept's evolutionary styling and begin the shift towards a new design direction for the brand.

Visible through the relatively thinly-applied disguising is the evolutionary new front end of the Tribu in Ibiza form, its trapezoidial layout of grille, headlights and bumper being evident behind the tape. The front lamps are very much the new SEAT's 'eyes', styled straight from the Tribu, while in true marketing speak, the start of its sideline remains its 'eyebrows' all the way to production. The dynamism extends to the rear, but first via a window line side panel crease which rises steeply at the rear door.

The Tribu concept car's rear lamps and hatch arrangement are ditched in favour of conventional, but stylish belt-line lights and hatch door. The new Ibiza gets the characteristic side-flank like its range siblings the Altea, Leon and Toledo although it appears a less prominent re-interpretation of the design feature.

Seen here in five-door guise the next Ibiza like its predecessor will also come in a three-door guise, sedan which will be called "Codobra" and a possibly a cabrio in late 2009. FR and Cupra versions will be available, powered by petrol units offering 150bhp and 180bhp respectively, with diesel units being on offer with 130bhp for the FR and 160bhp for the Cupra. Standard model engines are likely to include options ranging from 70 to 110bhp, with diesel units of 70, 80 or 100bhp being available.