SEAT Ibiza will continue regardless of engine, says executive

A popular choice in SEAT's lineup, the Ibiza is here to stay —regardless of its future engine configuration. For now, it's known that the model originally launched in 1984 will be a mild hybrid in 2027.

When asked about the possibility of a fully electric Ibiza in the future, Sven Schuwirth - SEAT's executive vice-president for sales and marketing - assured Auto Express of the model's continuity: " As a name, it will continue regardless of the technology - whether it's fully combustion, electrified and combustion or fully electric."

Although there is no certainty about a future all-electric SEAT Ibiza, the executive stressed that the name is "a real asset" , which is even better known than the brand itself: "You say 'I'm driving an Ibiza', you don't say 'SEAT Ibiza'", the executive observed.

But, for now, there won't be any fully electric Ibiza, as no 100 percent electric Seat model is expected to be launched until 2029 - unlike what will happen with its 'sister' Cupra: it will have the Raval next year.

That said, SEAT will invest in hybrid engines and, according to Auto Express, the Ibiza and Arona will have 'mild hybrid' versions as early as 2027. The Leon, in turn, will be 'full hybrid' in 2028.

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