THE new SEAT Ibiza is officially one of the very safest cars in its class, following its five-star rating in Euro NCAP tests.
The maximum five stars were awarded for the passenger protection test, with a four-star rating for child protection and three stars for pedestrian protection. The collective result is one of the very highest in the supermini class.
Like all new Ibizas, the test car was fitted as standard with driver and passenger airbags, as well as innovative new head-thorax side airbags, which do the job of both side and curtain airbags. It also featured ABS, TCS (Traction Control System), front seatbelt pre-tensioners, front passenger seatbelt warning buzzer and rear Isofix child seat anchorage points.
The Ibiza was subjected to three tough procedures, from which it emerged with its five stars: frontal impact, side impact and pole impact. A solid 14 out of 16 possible points were received for the frontal test, the highest possible score of 18 for the side impact test, and two out of two for the pole test. The grand total is 34 points – an impressive 94 per cent result.
The new Ibiza was unveiled at the recent Madrid Motor Show to a rapturous reception, with UK sales starting on July 16. Prices and full specification details will be announced shortly before the on-sale date.
