Test: Refurbished SEAT Ibiza – outside evolution, inside revolution – PRAVDA.sk

We tested modernized Ibiza in two versions. With a liter 81 kW engine, supplemented with a manual and a powerful 110 kW unit with a two-clutch automatic.

If we look at the three VW Polo, Škoda Fabia and SEAT Ibiza concern cars, then the last of them has always tried to differentiate themselves from the other two with a greater emphasis on a modern sports image. And this also applies after the facelift that Ibiza has just gone through, which has affected the interior more significantly than the exterior.

Nevertheless, let’s first look at what has changed from the outside. On the back, probably everyone will notice the embossed handwritten inscription Ibiza, which is in the middle of the fifth door. In front, you will recognize the novelty by the modernized lights. Ibiza now has complete LED lighting – standard Eco-LED headlights and full LED lights on request.

Quite a different interior

The changes in the interior are much more dramatic. The center console is completely “dug out”. Whereas in the previous version there was an infotainment display in the middle and air conditioning vents above it, now it has been reversed. At the top is a free-standing large touch screen and the air conditioning has found a place below it.

The standard now has a diagonal of 21 cm (8.25 inches) and for an additional fee you can have a larger diagonal of 23.4 cm (9.2 inches). The display thus not only became the dominant element of the entire dashboard, but its significantly higher location moved it practically directly into the driver’s field of vision, which is not only more effective, but also safer. In the car, the driver can also have a digital cockpit with a diagonal of 26 cm (10.25 inches) in front of him, of course, if one nice day there will be enough chips.

The ergonomic multifunction steering wheel is also new, which is now a bit more angular and the arms of the rim are turned upwards in the basic position. A nice novelty is the discreet backlighting of the extreme air conditioning vents, which together with better quality plastics lend the dashboard a more exclusive image. However, it is not possible to change the color on it.

We praise the technological equipment. The new Ibiza already has a radio with 8.25 “color touch screen, digital broadcast reception and 6 speakers. But more importantly – there is also MirrorLink and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although only for an additional fee. Otherwise, Ibiza has already fairly decent equipment, including cruise control, manual air conditioning and full LED lights at the front, but navigation is available in all equipment at an additional cost.