(Wed 02 Apr 08)

SEAT has issued the first official pictures of the new Ibiza. Designed by ex-Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke, it turns out to be very similar to the Bocanegra concept car displayed at last month's Geneva Show.

The current Ibiza is based on an ageing design, but this one is completely different. For a start, SEAT has decided to launch it as a five-door, a body style which it didn't emphasise very strongly in the case of the older car. A new three-door will follow in due course, and SEAT is also talking about a four-door saloon and an estate, though the saloon is very unlikely to be brought to the UK.

The new Ibiza is slightly longer than the old one and has superior legroom in the rear. There's also more luggage space - 292 litres with the rear seat in place, compared with the previous 267 litres.

To start with, there will be three petrol engines - the very pleasant little 79bhp 1.2-litre three-cylinder and 1.4- and 1.6-litre four-cylinder units producing 84bhp and 101bhp respectively; CO2 emissions are below 160g/km in each case. Most manufacturers say that petrol is the preferred option in the supermini class, but turbo diesel Ibizas will also become available.

The petrol cars will have five-speed manual gearboxes as standard, but the new seven-speed DSG transmission will become an option within the range. Further options include Hill Hold Assist, side lighting for corners and a means of connecting portable music devices to the audio system.

Prices have yet to be confirmed, and it's not clear exactly when the car will go on sale in the UK, though SEAT is saying that this will definitely happen in the summer.

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