In an unusual fashion, the future SEAT model is being disguised as a Hyundai i20, as seen in this new spy shot published by auto motor und sport. The next-gen SEAT Ibiza is said to have its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March.
The current SEAT Ibiza has been in the market since 2008 and has received several facelifts through its life. The fifth generation model is expected to have a design inspired by the SEAT Leon, which would be "Leonizing" in the Spanish automaker's terminology. The Leon, which was recently given a facelift, is the core of the company's design language, and even the recently launched SEAT Ateca incorporates its DNA.
The next-gen SEAT Ibiza will be the Volkswagen Group's first car to be based on the MQB A0 platform, the smallest iteration of the MQB platform. The same platform will be utilised for the next-gen Audi A1 and next-gen VW Polo as well. The 2017 SEAT Ibiza will reportedly be offered with the parent company's latest turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, and the normally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine of the current model.
The next-gen SEAT Ibiza will have its market launch a few months after the Swiss premiere. Later the same year, the Ibiza will spawn a sub-compact crossover which will be named SEAT Arona.