• The new 180 hp Ibiza CUPRA Bocanegra is the event’s zero car, immediately preceding the participants
• The new León CUPRA and the Exeo take to the track as ‘00’ and ‘000’ cars
• 86 SEAT cars lend support to the rally organization

Once again, SEAT will be the official car of the Rally RACC Catalunya-Costa Daurada, the eleventh round of the World Rally Championship being held from 1 to 4 October on roads in the province of Tarragona. SEAT has been actively collaborating with the organization for the last 18 years since the rally became a competition on the WRC schedule. This year, SEAT is providing race organizer RACC with 86 cars to assist with the coordination of the race.

Spectators at each of the eighteen stages that make up the three legs can admire SEAT’s three newest launches as they drive by. These take to the track as the ’zero’ cars making the round of the stages prior to the race competitors in order to verify the safety measures of the road and that the spectators are in a safe viewing position.

Once the course is closed to traffic, the first car making its appearance will be a 200 hp SEAT Exeo TSI as the 000 (triple zero) car. Next up is the new 240 hp León CUPRA as the 00 (double zero) car, and finally the 0 car immediately preceding the competitors will be the new 180 hp Ibiza CUPRA Bocanegra, equipped with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and piloted by Joan Vinyes, the Andorran driver who won the first edition of the SEAT León Supercopa in 2002.

The Rally Catalunya is scheduled to begin at eight in the morning on Friday and finish at three in the afternoon on Sunday. The course is made up of nine stages that will each be raced twice.

- SEAT

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• Family version to complete Ibiza range
• Standard car scheduled for mid-2010 market presence
• Altea Ecomotive, Altea XL Ecomotive and León Ecomotive, most eco-friendly in respective segments

The Spanish car manufacturer SEAT is to broaden the scope of both its highly successful Ibiza family and the Ecomotive range.

At the Frankfurt International Motor Show SEAT’s Chairman James Muir presented the IBZ concept, a term the Spanish brand uses to describe the new family-version Ibiza. The standard version of the car is scheduled to hit the markets mid-2010. “The Ibiza is already SEAT’s most successful car, and the IBZ will be the perfect addition to the Ibiza family, enabling us to harness better our potential in the growing A0 segment.” stated SEAT’s Chairman. The brand is targeting active and sporty customers as well as young families. James Muir added “The new Ibiza brings together all the advantages of a roomy station wagon with characteristic design and an elegant interior”.

Likewise, SEAT’s Chairman unveiled the new Altea Ecomotive, the most eco-friendly car in its segment, producing just 119 gm/km of CO2. Other eco-friendly front-runners in their respective classes are the Altea XL Ecomotive (119 gr/km) and the new León Ecomotive (99 gr/km).

The three vehicles are equipped with the most modern common rail diesel engines. Additionally, for the first time ever SEAT is using the Start-Stop system and energy-recovery technology. This can be seen particularly in the new León Ecomotive, which has brought down its CO2 emissions by 20 gr/km compared to the previous version.

With these three new Ecomotive versions, SEAT now offers 27 different model versions whose CO2 emissions are below the 140 gr/km mark. “Innovative and eco-friendly technologies make up an important part of our brand strategy. A passion for driving and respect for the environment go hand in hand. We shall continue to add to the Ecomotive range” highlighted James Muir.

- SEAT

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A total of four SEAT models chosen among the best

• The Exeo estate version is the overall winner in its category
• The Altea XL takes second in the Compact/Mini Van category
• The Ibiza and León also score well for SEAT

No less than four SEAT models can be found in the leading positions of the Company Car 2009 list after a thorough evaluation made by 150 fleet car managers of the German trade publication ‘Firmenauto’ and the prestigious DEKRA vehicle inspection experts. The new Exeo ST was the brilliant winner in its category, while the judges considered it third in the general classification. In addition, the Altea XL took second place among the compact vans, the Ibiza came in second in the small imported car category, and the León was third in the compact car division.

This is the first prize given to the Exeo ST since its recent market launch. SEAT’s new model came out ahead of its rivals based on its excellent performance and moderate fuel consumption figures, as well as its hallmark refinement and subtle sportiness. It is truly an option to keep in mind for customers hailing from the highly competitive fleet market.

The Altea XL clearly impressed the judges with its innovative design, roomy passenger compartment and generous equipment line-up. Its second place win in the Compact/Mini Van category complements the first place win by the SEAT Altea in the DEKRA 2009 report, which analyses vehicle defects in several mileage ranges, in the Van category with between 50,000 and 100,000 kilometres.

Equipped with an engine range famous for its reduced fuel consumption figures and emissions levels, and an extensive standard equipment list that includes ABS, ESP and TCS + EBA, driver and passenger airbags, head-thorax airbags and hill hold control, the SEAT Ibiza came in second in its category. This outstanding result clearly strengthens the Spanish model’s leadership in its segment.

Finally, the new styling found on the León 2009, its updated engine line-up, signature sportiness and functional 5-door body choice were decisive reasons for granting it a third place win among the compact cars, and a fantastic result for SEAT at Germany’s Company Car 2009 awards ceremony.

- SEAT

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New award for Spanish Model

In both its 5-door and SC version, the SEAT Ibiza is still racking up distinctions. This time, the popular Spanish model has been singled out as the most secure in the ‘City Car/Supermini’ category with the prestigious British Insurance Vehicle Security (BIVS) Award, presented by Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre located in the county of Berkshire, England.

This is the first time a SEAT vehicle has been chosen for this significant award. It places the Ibiza in an enviable position compared to its rivals in terms of security.

The BIVS Awards were established in 2004 to recognise those manufacturers who have produced the most secure cars, and to make consumers aware that the selected models offer the highest levels of security.

The SEAT Ibiza ranked an impressive 5 stars (out of a possible 5) in Thatcham’s New Vehicle Security Register (NVSR) ‘theft of’ category and 4 stars (out of 5) for ‘theft from’, taking into account several aspects such as an electronic security system, the car’s interior and exterior security features, peripheral locks and mechanisms, vehicle code information and glazing, among others.

The Ibiza range is currently expanding. The new Ibiza FR and CUPRA, and the new 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine will be in the official SEAT dealerships this month, while the concept-car inspired Bocanegra version is going on sale in September. This attractive line-up will be joined next year by the launch of the Ibiza ST.

- SEAT

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• 1.4 TSI engines delivering 150 and 180 hp on the sporty line-up
• 7-speed DSG gearbox and electronic self-blocking XDS
• A common rail diesel engine makes its debut in the Ibiza range

The newest additions made to the Ibiza range include cars bearing initials that have made a big name for themselves in the history of the Spanish brand, such as FR and CUPRA, and now the Bocanegra is the most recent arrival, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Ibiza’s market launch.

The new FR, CUPRA and Bocanegra are at the apex of the SEAT Ibiza range. Their relevance to the Spanish brand stems from their exterior and interior styling, powerful engine line-up and equipment level, which also puts them in an enviable position in their segment.

Without a doubt, these are three vehicles that have been created to thrill and satisfy, to provide the sportiest driving experience with a unique style and personality – an accurate reflection of the brand values that underline the innovative design, sporty nature and liveliness found on all of its models.

Another novelty found on the Ibiza range is the 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine with common rail technology, which is replacing the 90 hp 1.9 TDI unit. This signals the gradual start of including the common rail system to the Ibiza range, which gives the engine better performance and significantly reduces all levels of noise, consumption and emissions.

Both the FR and CUPRA versions and the new 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR are already available across the dealership network, whereas the Bocanegra will be going on sale in September.

Common elements found on all three sporty versions

The three sporty models in the SEAT Ibiza range share several common elements. They are all equipped with the twin-charged 1.4 TSI engine, which delivers 150 and 180 hp outputs, the 7-speed sequential DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift paddles and the electronic XDS system, which works as a self-blocking differential without the need for any additional mechanical element.

This makes the Ibiza the first model in the VW Group to feature the 1.4 TSI engine mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox in its segment and with this platform. The addition of the XDS system turns both the FR and the CUPRA into true technological jewels.

The third version of the SEAT Ibiza FR delivers the same 150 hp through the modern, twin-charged 1.4 TSI engine compared to the same output with the 1.8 20VT of the previous version. It is available with SC and 5-door bodies with a long list of standard equipment.

The fifth version of the SEAT Ibiza CUPRA will once again satisfy thrill-seeking drivers. On this model, the 1.4 TSI engine delivers 180 hp, the first time a VW Group engine features this output. It is only available in the SC styling, and one of the brand’s engineers’ objectives was to give it a sportier, more effective ride.

The exclusive Bocanegra

The Bocanegra is the third addition to the SEAT Ibiza range and does not go unnoticed. The name of this special version may not sound familiar to many of its buyers, but it is a milestone in the history of the brand’s sporty models. The SEAT 1200 SPORT Bocanegra that appeared on the market already 34 years ago was as much the object of desire in its time as the new Ibiza with the same name will be today.

In fact, the styling of the current SEAT Ibiza generation was defined at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show on the SportCoupé ‘Bocanegra’ prototype, which is now a dream coming true. Its front end epitomises its spectacular exterior design, but it also features countless design and equipment detailing that make it a collector’s edition vehicle, and it will be available with the FR and CUPRA engine choices.

90 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine – dynamic and efficient

The arrival of common rail technology to the Ibiza range is a step up in terms of the car’s already magnificent performance figures, and combines with increasingly low emissions and consumption levels that make the Ibiza one of the most ecological models of its segment.

Another aspect where the Ibiza has improved considerably is in the noise level inside the passenger compartment, since the common rail system lowers the decibels between 5 and 8% in intermediate rev ranges and between 8 and 10% at the highest rev ranges.

The shift to the common rail system will no doubt afford the Ibiza driver a quieter, more comfortable driving experience.

Ibiza FR and CUPRA equipped to the maximum

The new SEAT Ibiza FR and CUPRA both feature an outstanding equipment line-up. Standard equipment includes countless active and passive safety devices, comfort elements and others that contribute to enhancing the models’ sportiness.

Both models, and by extension the Bocanegra, all share the following standard equipment line-up – ESP, TCS + EBA, XDS, ABS, low tyre pressure warning, driver + passenger airbag, head-chest airbag, fasten seatbelts warning, rear window seat Isofix anchoring points + Top Tether preparation, cruise control, specific suspension, body colour door handles, double headlights, cornering foglights, dark rear side glass and rear window, anti-theft radio aerial, spare wheel, climate control, height and reach adjustable steering column, specific leather steering wheel and gearknob, height adjustable driver and passenger seats, passenger seat with ‘Easy entry’ system (SC version), split folding rear seat, central console with 2+1 cupholders and power socket, 3

height adjustable rear headrests, boot light, anti-roll slope start assistant, audio equipment with MP3 + Aux-in + 6 speakers, radio and telephone controls on steering column, trip computer, front power one-touch anti-trap windows, rear power windows (5-door FR version) and remote controlled central locking.

The main stylistic differences between both versions can be found on the door mirrors (in silver on the FR and black on the CUPRA), the specific sport seats for each model, several interior appointments that feature the car’s logo, and the rims, which are 17 inch alloy ‘Aera’ in Cosmos Silver on the FR and in Titanio on the CUPRA. The CUPRA version is further available with optional 17 inch alloy ‘Sira’ rims, which allow for the SEAT racing brake system to be installed. These rims come in either Titanio or Cosmos Silver. The Bocanegra comes equipped with silver colour 17 inch ‘Sira’ rims, with the same possibility of including the SEAT racing brake arrangement as on the CUPRA.

As on the rest of the Ibiza range, the new FR and CUPRA versions feature an attractive list of optional elements that completes the list of standard equipment.

They can come equipped with the Carbon package, which enhances the exclusiveness of the interior with an instrument panel binnacle hood, steering wheel spokes, radio casing and DSG gear guide with a carbon fibre finish. This package is provided as standard on the Bocanegra.

An interesting optional comfort element on the Ibiza FR and CUPRA is the storage package, which provides drawers beneath the front seats, a cargo net and side nets in the boot. There is also a technical package, which includes parking sensor, rain sensing wipers, Coming Home and anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, and the Winter package, with heated wiper nozzles and headlight wipers.

Another novelty introduced on the Ibiza range with the arrival of the FR and CUPRA versions is the possibility of adding leather upholstery to the sporty seats, an optional element that is not only available on the Spanish brand’s two sportiest models, but on the Style and Sport trims as well.

Furthermore, both the Ibiza FR and the CUPRA are available with the new adaptor for the new generation of portable Tom Tom navigators, which joins the current adaptor to plug in the Tom Tom One V4 navigator.

The following elements round off the list of optional equipment -  passenger airbag disconnection, front and rear head airbags + side airbags, volumetric alarm, electric heated park position door mirrors, panoramic electric sunroof, front armrest, heated front seats, dual xenon headlights + AFS + headlight washers, iPod? compatible USB port, Bluetooth connection, USB port+ Bluetooth connection, metallic paint, Emoción Red paint and Custom colour paint (not available on the Bocanegra, since it only features Dakota Red and Candy White).

90 hp Ibiza 1.6 TDI CR, available in all three trim levels

The 90 hp SEAT Ibiza 1.6 TDI CR, as well as the model equipped with the rest of the available engine choices, features a complete standard equipment list in combination with the Reference, Style and Sport trim levels.

Entry-level Reference equipment includes ABS, ESP and TCS + EBA, driver and passenger airbag, head-chest airbag, Hill Hold Assist, low tyre pressure warning, audio equipment with MP3 + Aux-in + 6 speakers, 185/60 tyres on 15 inch steel rims, front seatbelt warning, rear seat Isofix anchoring points + Top Tether and passenger seat with Easy Entry (SC version), among others.

The Ibiza range also has the possibility of installing optional leather upholstered sport seats on the Style and Sport versions, as well as the new adaptor for the new generation of Tom Tom navigators.

Furthermore, the Colour Edition versions have recently been added to the Ibiza SC, a new personalisation programme that enhances the model’s interior and exterior exclusivity and sportiness with the Lumina Orange and Galia Blue custom colours, which is also available on the 105 hp 1.9 TDI and the 85 hp 1.4 and 105 hp 1.6 petrol engine versions.

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