SEAT picks up the prestigious “Red Dot Award” in Germany

Given to the new Ibiza 5-Door and SC Versions

The SEAT Ibiza was the recipient of the prestigious Red Dot Award in Essen yesterday in the Product Design 2009 category. This prize is a tribute to the quality, precision and innovative design of the Spanish car’s 5-door and SC versions. The 5 door version of the Ibiza received the highest distinction, the “Best of the Best” award for its high quality design, while the SC took the “Red Dot” award for outstanding quality.

At a ceremony held at the Aalto Theatre in Essen, SEAT Design Director Luc Donckerwolke stepped up to accept both awards. In his acceptance speech, he pointed out that “the development of a car is always a long process in a dark tunnel. The design “Oscar” Red Dot Award shining at the end of the tunnel rewards the efforts of the entire design team, as well as all the individual people who collaborated on developing the Ibiza.” This car is certainly special to Luc Donckerwolke, since it shaped the first production model created by him during his stint as SEAT Design Director.

A total of 3,231 products from 49 countries competed in 17 categories at this year’s edition of the Red Dot Design Award, given by Germany’s Nordrhein Westfalen Design Centre. On the SEAT Ibiza, the 27-member jury singled out the vehicles’ innovation, functionality, quality, ergonomics and commitment to environmental sustainability.

The SEAT Ibiza is currently available in a 3 door and 5 door body style with a total of three Diesel and three petrol engine choices in Reference, Style and Sport trim levels. The line-up now also features the sporty FR and CUPRA versions and the 90 hp 1.6 TDI CR engine, with the Bocanegra soon available. It features a long list of standard equipment including such elements as ABS, ESP and TCS + EBA, driver and passenger airbag, head-thorax airbag, hill hold control and low tyre pressure warning system.