SEAT introduced the fourth generation of its small-segment vehicle Ibiza in 2008, and it built it as a three- and five-door hatchback or as a station wagon.
As the small segment started to be less important on the European market, the carmakers had to fight harder to sell more vehicles. Moreover, the world financial crisis began to make its first victims. Volkswagen knew that and pushed the Ibiza on the market as a new model to get more awareness. It was the first vehicle from the Volkswagen Group built on the new PQ25 platform, which was used later on the Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, and Audi A1.

Luc Donkerwolke penned the car, and he also made the Audi A4, Lamborghini Diablo VT, Lamborghini Gallardo, and the Audi R8 – LeMans racer. The Ibiza SC looked like a small-sized hot-hatch even with the base engine. Its design was emotional and featured sculptured doors, which were not a common sight in that segment. The car’s side rear windows showed a sloped-down upper line, which made it looks sportier.

Inside, the car featured all the amenities of a modern car, depending on the trim level. But it could have been ordered with a new infotainment unit that featured a navigation system, dual-zone climate control, power windows for all four, and a complete safety package with front and side airbags. In 2012, the SEAT Ibiza received a mid-life cycle impulse that reshaped some of the exterior and the interior. The car was made for the front passengers, which led to an increased room for the front occupants but limited for those seated on the rear bench.

SEAT installed a choice of five engines under the SC’s hood ranged between 70 hp and 105 hp.