Quite apart from this, the radio/MP3 package with steering-wheel audio controls that can be ordered as an option now also includes an Aux-in socket for connecting up external audio sources and playing them through the vehicle's own speakers.


New-look design

The Ibiza 2006 range has reinforced its sporty image compared with preceding versions. This stems from the restyling of the front bumpers which now have a more pronounced wrap-around design, with a honeycomb bottom grille and new front fog lights.

All of the new Ibiza models now come with twin headlights. Plus, on FR and Cupra models specified with the red Emocion or yellow Crono finish, the headlight surrounds are painted to match the body. The rear light clusters sport a new dark-red background to give them a smarter appearance, although the FR and Cupra retain their metallic grey colour scheme.

Other highlights at the rear include new bumpers which now show the tailpipes on models of 100 hp and more in all their glory. The area around the licence plate has also been revised as has the design of the rear wiper for a more pleasing aesthetic effect. The FR and Cupra models each come with exclusive bumpers which distinguish them from other models in the range.

Different wheel sizes, the design of the hub caps and the light-alloy wheels now offered for the new range also form key hallmark features of the various trim levels. The same is true of the door mirrors and handles.



A fresher, more appealing interior

Differences can also be spotted inside the car, most notably in the quality of the materials used and their appearance.

The transformation in quality inside the new Ibiza enhances both the look and feel of the interior. Eye-catching shades of black, grey and silver are used to trim the dash support, the instrument cluster, the centre console and the interior door panels. The Stylance, FR and Cupra feature a dashboard with a "slush" finish, while the Reference and Sport models showcase a dashboard trim which is more pleasant to the touch.

This high-quality feel extends to the fabrics used for upholstering the seats and for the textile trim panels adorning the passenger compartment.

New steering wheels and gear levers for the new Ibiza with their more sophisticated and attractive styling also have an impact. The FR has adopted the same steering wheel and gear lever found inside the FR version of the Altea, complete with leather trim and the "FR" initials. In the Cupra versions, they are also wrapped in leather but with contrasting red stitching.



More comprehensively and better equipped

Standard equipment for each of the trim lines is as follows:

Reference*: Roof-mounted anti-theft roof aerial, power windows in the front with one-touch control and anti-trap facility, remote-controlled central locking, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, audio system with six speakers and CD player, front passenger seat with Access Plus (system for folding seat forwards to facilitate access to the rear seats, fitted in three-door models only), height-adjustable front seats, electro-hydraulic power steering, ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, Isofix anchoring points for child seats, light in boot, steel 6Jx15" wheels with 195/55 tyres, spare wheel with the same dimensions.

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