AFTER a brush with near-death Seat is fighting fit and setting new sales records in the UK.

The Spanish off-shoot of the Volkswagen empire eclipsed its previous year’s performance between January and June as sales rocketed by more than 20 per cent to 27,342 units, eclipsing the group’s 2013 performance by a 4,590 units.

The product-led sales drive has been led by the new Leon and the continued success of the Ibiza.

There’s no smoke and mirrors about Seat’s performance - it’s built on good cars and great deals.

The new Ibiza I-Tech is a perfect example.

Seat has taken the popular ST and ladled on extra equipment and more advanced technology at a wallet-friendly price.

Available in a choice of stunning exterior colours from Bahama Blue to Nevade White, the I-Tech is immediately distinguished by a set of smart 16-inch Cartago Titanium finish alloys, I-Tech sill kick plates and the unique I-Tech upholstery in the cabin.

Even the ignition key gets the I-Tech upgrade treatment. It’s wrapped in an eye-catching carbon fibre-alike skin.

There's a whole host of technology to enjoy too. The SEAT Portable System Live includes touchscreen satellite navigation and Bluetooth connection.

You can even stream your music from your phone through the audio system and access essential driving data whenever you need. If you find yourself low on fuel, the navigation system will even direct you to the nearest fuel station.

The new Ibiza I-Tech is also available for the nippy Ibiza SC and practical Ibiza 5DR. Prices start at £12,790.

Earlier this year the Ibiza celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Since then, the Ibiza has remained Seat’s most iconic and popular car, with sales approaching five million across three decades and four generations.

The car was a game-changer for Seat, the first designed and developed completely by the Spanish company from start to finish – with a little help from Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Italdesign design company, coachbuilder Karmann, and Porsche.

In 1992, the Ibiza was the official car of the Olympic Games and the Ibiza was the first car in its segment to boast electronic stability control (now a legal requirement on all vehicles).

The current generation is the work of Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Design at SEAT since 2008 and formerly of Lamborghini. Donckerwolke introduced the concept of ‘Arrow Design’ with the Ibiza, resulting in a car distinctively sportier than its predecessors.

The Ibiza’s sharp lines have since been successfully transferred to the award-winning Leon as part of Seat’s range renewal program designed to help the company bounce back after a grim few years when all its cars looked like the Altea.

Thanks to the Ibiza Seat can look forward to the next three decades with renewed confidence.

Five million sales and four generations later, the new Ibiza is ready to rock.