SEAT cuts a dash in Red Dot design awards

No less than 3,231 products from 49 countries competed in 17 categories at this year's awards, presented by Germany's influential and highly-respected Nordrhein Westfalen Design Centre.

During the judging process the 27-member jury singled out the Ibiza's innovation, functionality, quality, ergonomics and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Ibiza SC won its Red Dot for outstanding quality while the Ibiza 5dr received the highest distinction, a "Best of the Best" award, for its high quality design.

Design is, of course, a key strength of the Spaniards' new supermini. The arrival of the latest generation Ibiza last year debuted SEAT Design Director Luc Donckerwolke's Arrow Design front end concept, with key styling features including the lower positioning of the headlights and radiator grille.

The first production model created for SEAT by the ex-Lamborghini design star, the Ibiza also features an evolved Dynamic Line running the length of its flanks, imposing ‘shoulders' at the rear - a particularly prominent feature on the SC - and attractive wheel arches.

The Ibiza is available in SC and 5dr body styles with, at present, three smooth petrol engine options: a 1.2-litre 69 HP; 1.4-litre 84 HP and a 1.6-litre 104 HP. Later this year these will be joined by an all-new diesel, new generation Ecomotive in both 5dr and SC silhouettes, as well as two high performance 1.4-litre TSI engines in the hotly-anticipated new Ibiza FR and Ibiza Cupra. The biggest-selling SEAT records another first in its segment with the imminent debut, too, of a state-of-the-art seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Today's Ibiza features a long list of standard equipment which, depending on model, includes the likes of driver and passenger airbag, head-chest side airbags, front fog lights with cornering function, Hill Hold Control and multi-function trip computer.

Credits: JRC