SEAT Cuts a Dash in Red Dot Design Awards

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – March 20, 2009: The stunning SEAT Ibiza has scooped yet another brace of prestigious titles to add to its groaning trophy cabinet with the news that it is the proud recipient of two Red Dot design awards.

No less than 3,231 products from 49 countries competed in 1 7 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 70 PS; 1.4-litre 85 PS and a 1.6-litre 105 PS. 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.

The Spanish brand’s most popular model, available from £8,605 RRP, will receive both awards at a ceremony taking place at the Aalto Theatre in Essen, Germany, on 29 June.