SEAT’s Ibiza supermini gets cosmetic tweaks, more technology & updated engines for 2015

SEAT’s take on the VW Polo – the SEAT Ibiza – has been updated for 2015 with small cosmetic changes, better connectivity and updated engines and suspension.

The SEAT Ibiza is a better Supermini than sales would say, but not as good as it should be considering its shared DNA with the far more appealing VW Polo. But perhaps the changes for 2015 to the Ibiza will remedy that, at least to some degree?

This Ibiza probably only needs to last a year – there’s a new Ibiza due in 2016 – and SEAT hasn’t exactly pushed the boat out with a whole raft of cosmetic tweaks, settling for minor changes like new headlights with LED running lights, some new paint jobs and new alloys, which are applied across all three body styles – five-door, three-door SC and ST Estate.

SEAT has made more effort to update the technology in the new Ibiza, with the addition of its second-gen East Connect system with Mirror Link, and DAB and Voice Control an option, meaning owners can stay connected, and there’s more safety kit too, like Tiredness Recognition and Multi Collision Brake.

Under the skin the Ibiza’s engines have been updated, with an entry-level 1.0 litre 3-cylinder petrol offering 74bhp as well as a 94bhp or 108bhp version, and a 1.4 litre Eco TSI with active cylinder management and 148bhp (and 58.9mpg).

On the diesel front, the 1.4 litre TDI with 74bhp manages 83.1mpg, with the 89bhp and 104bhp versions both managing 74.3 mph. Both the 108bhp petrol and the 89bhp diesel can be optioned with a DSG gearbox.

To deal with what should be improved performance from the new engine line-up, SEAT has also tweaked the Ibiza’s suspension and added the option of adaptive dampers.

No word on price for the UK yet, but somewhere around £11.5k seems about right as a starting point when the 2015 Ibiza arrives in SEAT’s UK showrooms in the Autumn.