The number of sold vehicles proves its renowned placement on the market—more than 6 million pieces have been sold since the launch. As usual, the Spanish brand has a “commemorative” limited edition—the SEAT Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition.
First Steps
If we look forty years back, we discover some facts. Several significant companies or names have signed under the first steps of SEAT’s most iconic model. After all, the exterior was designed by the Italian design master Giorgetto Giugiaro (Italdesign). The Karmann company breathed creativity into the interior, and Porsche participated in the engine modifications. This collaboration resulted from the SEAT Ibiza MK1 (code: 021A) unveiled at the 1984 Paris Motor Show. It began its production journey on the “Zona Franca” assembly lines on April 27, 1984, and the first generation was produced until 1993 (1,342,001 units were sold).
Continuous Popularity
The following generations had something to build on. The second story unfolded from 1993 to 2002, receiving the designation SEAT Ibiza MK2 (type 6K). At the time of the second generation, SEAT became part of the Volkswagen Group, i.e., Ibiza, and all products with the SEAT logo began to use the platforms, parts, and technologies of the Volkswagen Group. As a result, the Volkswagen Group’s new platforms first debuted in Ibiza’s second and fourth generations. The Ibiza has become the best-selling car in Spain. It has also gained an excellent position in other European countries. Between 1993 and 2002, 1,522,607 variants of this model were sold.
The third generation Ibiza Mk3 (type 6L) arrived in 2002 (until 2008), using the VW Polo’s PQ24 platform. It was designed by the Italian designer Walter de Silva. Two powerful variants of the Ibiza FR and Cupra also came into play, filling the gap of the lacking powerful VW Polo group variants. A total of 1,084,989 pieces were sold.
In 2008, the fourth-generation Ibiza MK4 (type 6J/6P) appeared at the Geneva Motor Show. Designed by Belgian stylist Luc Donckerwolke, it received the new VW Group PQ25 platform.
And finally, there is the fifth generation Ibiza Mk5 (6F/KJ1) presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2017, built on the MQB A0 platform, which later went to the VW Polo, Škoda Fabia and Audi A1 models. Its facelifting continued in April 2021.
Commemorative Limited Ed
Now, let’s move into the celebration mode and zoom in on the special edition of the current fifth generation. The SEAT Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition got Graphene Grey paint, with a special edition laser-engraved logo on the B-pillars. Another hallmark is the 18-inch sleek gray discs. The interior is boarded above the boarding rails with the designation of this special edition. After examining the interior, it can be said that the front passengers sit on better seats with a textile cover, and the dark aluminum optics appeared on the doors and center console.
Text: Peter Stano, photo: SEAT
