Seat: Even the Pope drove a Spaniard
LOOKING BACK The Ibiza was Seat's first independent car in 1984. It was sold more than six million times over five generations. More than any other model. For its 40th birthday, there's the Anniversary.
We ride up the local mountain Montjuic on the Avenida Miramar in his home town of Barcelona with an Ibiza born in 1984. If someone had springs like these in their bed today, they would never get a good night's sleep. And 40 years ago, designers thought that plastic in car interiors was the measure of all things. But: the fun factor is huge. Of course, a car is more comfortable in cities with lots of traffic jams. But to be able to really lean over and accelerate - that awakens the child in the man. And the 85 hp 1.5-liter engine thanks you with a powerful roar and roar.
Prominent partners
Even better: the people on the sidewalks don't give you the bird - they raise their thumbs and rejoice with you. Although the Ibiza was the first very own Seat after the separation from Fiat, the Spaniards relied on renowned partners. Giorgetto Giugiaro was responsible for the design, Karmann for the interior and Porsche supplied the drivetrain.
Open house
If you want to see the original Ibiza up close on your next trip to Barcelona: once a year, when Barcelona hosts an open day, Seat also opens its doors to the hall with the historic models. In addition to concept cars, race-winning cars and rarities from the company's 70-year history, there are some fantastic one-offs to marvel at. For example, the Papa-Mobil based on the Seat Panda Marbella for Pope John Paul II's first visit in 1982 and the first car that King Felipe received from Papa Juan Carlos for his 18th birthday: a golden Seat Ibiza 1.5 built in 1986.
Exclusive Graphene Grey
Back to the future: the new Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition (gallery below) now comes in an exclusive Graphene Grey, the 18-inch alloy wheels are in Cosmo Grey. Inside, textile bucket seats provide comfortable support. The matt surface of the doors and console is made of dark aluminum. A laser-engraved logo on the door sill is an eye-catcher. In terms of technology, everything remains the (tried and tested) same.
