The second generation of the Ibiza was the first SEAT built on a Volkswagen platform, the same used by the German carmaker for the Polo.
Volkswagen bought the SEAT brand in 1986 from the Spanish government but didn’t make too much with it. But in 1993, it introduced the Ibiza in two versions, with three and five doors. It was a small-segment vehicle designed for narrow streets and crowded cities. Volkswagen hired Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign studio to create the car.

The Italian car designer penned the car with a mix of straight lines and curved panels. At the front, one of the most challenging jobs was to create a new brand design language, expressed by the grille, which was narrow, split in two by a vertical slat with the chromed SEAT badge. A sideline crossed the car from front to back over the slightly enlarged fenders to emphasize a sporty look. Depending on the engine version and trim level, the Ibiza sported a lower apron at the front and a roof spoiler on top of the tailgate.

Inside, the carmaker chose a clean design with squared vents and round knobs for the climate controls. The four-spoke steering wheel featured the driver’s airbag. A stereo-cassette player was installed on the center stack, covered by a lid. At the front, the carmaker installed bucket seats with little side-bolstering. It was a small-segment vehicle designed mainly for city use, but the sportiest version launched, later on, received different seats.

Volkswagen opened its parts bins and offered the SEAT an extensive range of seven gasoline and two diesel engines.