Geneva show: Seat targets baby Rangie

OUT of the blue from Volkswagen’s Spanish subsidiary Seat comes this cracking new compact SUV concept dubbed the IBX, revealed on the eve of its public premiere at the Geneva motor show.

Inviting obvious comparisons with Range Rover’s small Evoque luxury-crossover, the two-door IBX melds SUV with coupe to herald a potential move into a new vehicle segment for the fast-growing European brand.

Like the Seat brand, however, the IBX – should it reach production – is unlikely to reach Australian shores any time soon, as Volkswagen Group Australia struggles to establish the Skoda brand locally, where DSG-equipped Scout and all-new Yeti SUV models should aid the cause.

Described as an urban sports utility vehicle for active lifestyles, the 4260mm-long, 1800mm wide and 1620mm tall IBX concept is also said to preview a new design DNA for Seat.

The edgy, powerfully proportioned IBX, which features a stretched roofline and distinctive rear roof pillar treatment, is a further development of last year IBE electric sports coupe concept that was met with widespread acclaim.

This time, however, behind its sleek full-LED headlights and V-shaped front-end graphic, the zero-emissions IBX is said to be powered by an electric motor that is claimed to deliver a driving range of just 45km.

Appearing to hedge its bets, however, Seat said the IBX – which appears in front-wheel drive concept guise but could reach production with all-wheel drive – may also offer extended-range capability by becoming a plug-in hybrid via the addition of direct-injection TDI diesel or TSI petrol engines from the VW catalogue.

“With the IBX, we are once again demonstrating just how intensively we are working on the renewal of the Seat brand, and how determined we are to develop for the future,” said Seat president James Muir.

“The IBX represents the values of the Seat brand perfectly – with its unique design, its youthful energy and its outstanding sustainability as a result of its hybrid drive concept.

“Even though a decision has yet to be taken, we could certainly envisage the IBX as a future expansion of our product portfolio.”