26 April 2002: The new SEAT Ibiza goes on sale in Ireland from May 3 in 3- and 5-door hatchback versions, with three specification levels - Stella, Sport and Signo. There will be five engines - three petrol and two diesel - ranging from a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder 65bhp petrol engine to the most powerful diesel engine available in any supermini, the 130bhp 1.9 TDi linked to a 6-speed gearbox which can do the 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds.

Standard equipment across the range includes twin airbags, radio-CD player, electric front windows, and remote central locking. Options include air conditioning, climate control and ABS with TCS. Air conditioning is standard in the Sport specification.

The newcomer has a more sporty and aggressive front design than before. The rear has also been given a makeover dominated by high mounted, stylised light clusters with a horizontal design that lowers and widens the look of the body.

The body is longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces. The benefits can be found in the rear of the passenger compartment where legroom has increased by 56mm, and in a bigger boot.

The 1.2-litre Stella 3-door model starts at 13,990 euros while the 5-door 130bhp 1.9-litre TDi Sport costs 22,840 euros and tops the range.

The full range will be available over the next two months. Importers Hispano Cars Ltd expect to sell 2,000 copies in a full year. The runout model sold 1,600 last year.

©2002irishcar.com