The new SEAT Ibiza has received its second consecutive prize in Spain by being voted "2009 Car of the Year" by the readers of Publishing Group Prensa Ibérica publications, specialist magazine Autofácil and the La Vanguardia newspaper. This prize follows the one received by the Ibiza SC two weeks ago as "Young Car 2009", by the readership of Car and Driver magazine.

The SEAT Ibiza was the overall winner, with 22.94% of the readers' votes, followed by the Citroën C5, with 21.61%, and the Opel Insignia, with 20.95%. The three remaining models on the list of six finalists were the Lancia Delta, Renault Mégane and Ford Fiesta. Voting took place from November until 15 December 2008 by SMS messages, telephone calls.

Created in 2002, the Editorial Prensa Iberica's "Car of the Year by the Readers" award rates the novelties appearing in the domestic market during the year. The award ceremony will take place in Madrid in February 2009.

Seat Ibiza SportCoupe (2009) - picture 1 of 14
Seat Ibiza SportCoupe (2009) - picture 2 of 14
Seat Ibiza SportCoupe (2009) - picture 3 of 14
Seat Ibiza SportCoupe (2009) - picture 4 of 14
Seat Ibiza SportCoupe (2009) - picture 5 of 14
Seat Ibiza SportCoupe (2009) - picture 6 of 14
Seat Ibiza SportCoupe (2009) - picture 7 of 14
Seat Ibiza SportCoupe (2009) - picture 8 of 14

This has been a brilliant way to end the year for the new generation SEAT Ibiza, which has also received significant prizes from countries such as Germany – "Golden Steering Wheel" and the Netherlands – "Compact Car of the Year", as well as the prestigious "Ecobest 2008" to the new Ibiza ECOMOTIVE as most ecological vehicle of the year.

"2009 Car of the Year by the Readers" award results

Finalists Votes (%)
SEAT Ibiza 22.94%
Citroën C5 21.61%
Opel Insignia 20.95%
Lancia Delta 16.09%
Renault Mégane 11.97%
Ford Fiesta 6.44%