SEAT SUV confirmed to launch in 2016

SEAT SUV confirmed to launch in 2016

First pictures have now been revealed of the first SEAT SUV that will be launched in two years' time.

Auto Express revealed exclusive images this week of the compact SUV, called the IBX, which has a strong similarity to the popular SEAT Leon. Design boss Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos Aguilar told the weekly car magazine that the SUV will pick up where the Leon left off.

He said: "The car is a bigger brother of the Leon. The next Ibiza will be a bigger step."

Earlier this year, J�rgen Stackmann, chairman of the manufacturer's executive committee, said: "This is an excellent piece of news, since it takes SEAT into a new territory, in one of the largest and fastest-growing segments in the world."

The new SUV will further broaden SEAT's product range and enable the brand to maintain its current growth. The launch of the Leon family has already been a huge success and received numerous accolades and awards across Europe.

SEAT sales and marketing executive vice-president Andreas Offermann also hinted to Auto Express the possibility of a larger compact SUV, closer in size to the Nissan Juke.

He commented: "Every maker is investigating. Let's say there are plenty of projects in the pipeline and ideas."

Over the past five years, the SUV segment has grown by more than 40%  that represents close to one million cars in Europe alone. The new SEAT SUV will be the perfect foothold for the manufacturer to meet consumer demand when it hits the market in 2016.

by: Danielle Bagnall