SEAT IBIZA – Connectivity, Design and Dynamics for the Young Lifestyle

Martorell,  SEAT is launching the New Ibiza with a package of innovative technologies. New engines, individual equipment options, additional safety systems and, above all, a completely new line-up of connectivity and infotainment once again make the Ibiza range one of the best and most multi-faceted offerings in its class. The new running gear brings comfort onto a whole new level, while the redesigned interior raises the quality look & feel even further. In one area, however, there was very little to improve – the Ibiza’s emotional and dynamic design is exceptionally well received by customers and is a central purchasing reason for the compact Spanish model.

“The New Ibiza, which will arrive at dealers in late summer 2015, will further expand SEAT’s current success. It is the first example of how we Leonize our Portfolio applying the successful formula of Leon into all models of our range. Alongside efficiency, quality and safety, we have placed particular emphasis on the issue of connectivity. The new Ibiza is now part of the connected  world,” says Jürgen Stackmann, President and CEO of SEAT S.A. “The Ibiza is SEAT’s most successful model, with more than five million sold throughout the world over the last 30 years. With an average age of 43, the Ibiza has an exceptionally young customer base, with the share of young women likewise well above average.”

MirrorLink for optimum integration

MirrorLink is the perfect technology for safely operating smartphones and many of their functions and apps via the Ibiza’s infotainment system. The corresponding elements of the smartphone operating interface are “mirrored” on the touchscreen in the newly designed Ibiza cockpit. It functions easily and smoothly with a growing number of MirrorLink-compatible Android smartphones.

Exclusive solutions “powered by SAMSUNG”

The new Ibiza is the first model in the SEAT line-up to feature exclusive connectivity solutions “powered by SAMSUNG”. The Spanish car maker has agreed a cooperation with SAMSUNG for the development of innovative connectivity solutions and, in a first step, will offer a SAMSUNG Galaxy A3 with the pre-installed SEAT ConnectApp over 35 countries. “This is a meaningful deal for SAMSUNG and SEAT’s collaboration for the latest in-car integration of technology and future concepts,” Said Rick Segal, Vice President of Enterprise Business Team, IT & Mobile Communication Division at SAMSUNG Electronics.


New SEAT ConnectApp – Speak, don’t type

The new SEAT ConnectApp makes perfect use of MirrorLink integration. The driver is always connected, yet retains full concentration on the road. One central function is the “Read to me” and “Voice Reply”. This text reading function converts incoming messages from the likes of e-mail, text messaging, Facebook or Twitter accounts into speech, reading them out loudly and clearly. Answers to new posts can be “dictated” by voice, with no more distractions caused by typing onto the screen.

A new exclusive function is gesture control. Functions such as calls or contact addresses can be called up onto the touchscreen of the SEAT MediaSystem using brief finger gestures. The welcome screen in the SEAT ConnectApp delivers individualisable information such as the current weather forecast or appointments from a Facebook account. For the Smart Tips feature, the app learns individual preferences such as frequently used destinations and can provide appointment reminders. A host of further functions will also be immediately available when the SEAT ConnectApp comes to market. Regular updates will refresh and expand the range going forward.

Data security is absolutely guaranteed. The backend of the ConnectApp saves no personal data at all, other than the e-mail address and the vehicle specification. They remain completely and exclusively on the owner’s smartphone.

“With the New Ibiza, we are opening up a new chapter of connectivity. Our customers can continue their digital lifestyle, even when on the road. However, the key issue for us is always the safest and most intuitive operation of the functions,” says Dr. Matthias Rabe, SEAT Vice President for Research and Development. “With its new engines, its considerably more comfortable but still very dynamic and agile suspension and its new assistance systems, the Ibiza is one of the most modern and attractive offerings on the market.”

SEAT Full Link provides maximum connectivity

However, SEAT’s new world of connectivity applies to more than just users of MirrorLink-compatible smartphones. The SEAT Full Link connectivity solution also incorporates the functions of Android and iOS operating system. This means that new Ibiza drivers are always connected whatever smartphone they use and able to retain their full concentration on the road. Ibiza drivers have secure access to the enabled functions via the touchscreen. In the case of the iOS operating system, for example, these are currently the phone and messaging functions as well as music and maps. More are scheduled to follow.