In preparation for a world debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, the new SEAT Ibiza has now done its online premiere. Going on sale in summer as a 2018 model, the small hatchback is improved significantly in every area you can think of, which is why SEAT claims it is their best Ibiza yet.

Well, it is the latest and the latest usually is the best. But they do have a point. I mean, just in terms of space the new SEAT Ibiza dwarfs its predecessor by offering an extra 87mm in width, extra 60mm in wheelbase, and a remarkable 63 liters of extra bot space for a total of 355 liters. So it is fair to say the main area of focus with the new car has been practicality, especially as the larger body provides significantly more wiggle room for the passengers inside the cabin.

Design-wise, the 2018 SEAT Ibiza isn’t different than any other product of the Spanish firm in that it is instantly recognizable as such. We reckon it now looks more rounded and overall cleaner, but there is not really much to say that hasn’t be said before. You do get a host of fairly good Euro6 engines with this car, though. The list includes a three-cylinder 1.0 TSI with 95 or 115PS, the EVO 1.5 TSI unit with 150PS (late availability), and 1.6 TDI diesel engines in 80 and 95PS. The gearboxes available are a manual five-speed transmission for the 95PS and lower engines and a six-speed transmission for the more powerful engines. A seven-speed dual-clutch DSG-auto gearbox will also be available.

In terms of trims and options, the Ibiza launches in the UK with four S, SE, FR, and the posh XCELLENCE trim levels, with the latter being the lux version and the FR the sporty one with firm suspension. As for options and equipment, the hatchback can be specified with goodies such as Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Keyless Entry System with heartbeat engine start button, a new generation of front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera in a premium eight-inch touchscreen.