Seat has launched the new Ibiza model in Ireland, based on a new a new platform, more space and new 'Arrow Design' styling. Seat believes that this latest car will set new standards in the supermini segment given its competitive price of €14,850 before delivery charges.

The Seat Ibiza model has been the face of Seat since its launch in Ireland in 1984. Over 4 million Ibiza models have been sold across Europe to date, so this is an important car for the Seat team.

The styling for the new Ibiza has been created by ex-Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke, who has taken over as Seat Design Director. The 'Arrow Design', with its lower headlights and radiator grille will be the new corporate face for Seat models in the future. He has retained the 'Dynamic Line' that sweeps across the side of the car but added strong rear shoulders and attractive wheel arches to complete the design.

Special attention has been paid to detail in the new interior. New softer-to-touch plastics, smart new instrument panel and supportive sport seats are used. The newly designed radio includes an integrated Bluetooth telephone system that can be activated via controls on the steering column.

The Ibiza is the first car to use the new platform, front and rear suspensions developed by the VW Group for this segment. The new chassis lengthens the car's wheelbase by 7mm and widens the track by 30mm at the front and 33mm at the rear. Seat claims that these changes provide the Ibiza with greater driving comfort and control, more room and more practicality. Besides, an 8% increase in boot space puts it among the leaders in its segment, with a total capacity of 292 litres (25 litres more than the previous Ibiza).

The new 5 door Ibiza is initially available with a 1.2 litre three cylinder 70bhp petrol engine in two specification levels. The 1.2 'R' model starts at €14,850 and the 1.2 'S' at €16,290, excluding delivery charges. The economical engine with CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km is in the new tax band 'B' and qualifies for annual road tax of just €150.

The engine line-up will increase in September with the1.4 litre petrol version and by end year 1.4 and 1.9 turbo-diesels will be added. These turbo-diesel models with band 'A' CO2 emission levels will cost only €100 for annual road tax. A 1.6 litre petrol engine with a 7 speed DSG gearbox is expected in 2009.