Currently reading: Design tweaks and enhanced kit for 2021 Seat Ibiza

Popular Spanish supermini gains a new infotainment system and a host of added features

The big-selling Seat Ibiza has been refreshed with new interior tech and an array of subtle styling tweaks.

The supermini has been updated at the same time as its closely related seat Arona SUV sibling, but changes for the smaller car are more subtle, and focused largely on technology updates.

The exterior design is left largely untouched, but LED lights are now standard at both ends, three new alloy wheel designs are available and the model name is displayed in 'handwritten' lettering at the rear. Two new colours are available, as well: Sapphire Blue and Asphalt Blue.

Like the Arona, the Ibiza swaps its integrated touchscreen for a 20% larger, Leon-inspired 'floating' item, offered in 8.25in or 9.2in sizes depending on trim. Positioned closer to the driver's eyeline, it is said to improve both ergonomics and safety.

02 Ibiza red 3 4 rear uk

Top-rung FR Sport and Xcellence cars, additionally, gain a 10.25in digital instrument display, while all variants get a multifunction nappa leather steering wheel, illuminating air vents and a soft-touch dashboard.

Smartphone mirroring functionality is equipped as standard, as part of a move to boost the Ibiza's connectivity offering, while voice recognition capability – activated by saying "Hola Hola" – aims to facilitate quicker system operation.

Additional new features include a pair of USB-C ports in the front and an embedded SIM card that allows access to Seat's eCall emergency response service and other internet-based functions including live traffic data and fuel station prices.

03 Ibiza red dashboard uk

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A model upon which Seat has staked its future, the new Ibiza must now deliver in an extremely competitive market. So can the supermini upset the likes of Ford, Mini, Mazda, Nissan and others?

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The 2021 Ibiza matches the updated Arona for advanced driver aids, gaining a "semi-autonomous" travel assist function, lane assist, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition and blindspot warning.

The all-petrol powertrain offering comprises three Seat Ibiza 1.0-litre three-cylinder units producing 79bhp, 94bhp or 108bhp. The first two are paired to a five-speed manual gearbox, but the most powerful gets a choice between a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic.

Prices and specifications for the updated Ibiza will be confirmed before the model arrives in UK dealerships later this year.

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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124spider 15 April 2021
Really like this Ibiza but would only buy one with the 1.5evo engine. Shame it isn’t coming back.
yvesferrer 15 April 2021

The interior did need to be brought up a notch: cheap-looking plastics in many visible areas and the connectivity was/is ok BUT charging €200 for the pirroring link was stupid!

It seems that the larger engine -1.5 turbo- has now been dropped altogether: pity, it makes my FR fly nicely when the radar-wielding goons are at home... The stiffer FR suspension allows for fun round corners, too, but stay with the 17" wheels: their bigger brethren make the car crashy on potholes (and there are many around here!)

Otherwise, a reasonably competent little car and much better value than the Polo.

superstevie 15 April 2021

It is a tidy looking car, better than the current Polo.

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