The SEAT->ke80 Ibiza is not what most enthusiasts would qualify as a hot-hatch, except when fitted with the 1.4-liter TSI or 2.0-liter TDI engine, which produce 150 PS (147 horsepower) and 143 PS (141 horsepower), respectively. Leingarten-based custom auto enthusiasts, JE Design, has managed to turn even the lower-level Ibiza->ke303 models into a semi-hot hatch, or at the very least, a sharp-looking and peppy hatchback.

The 2012 SEAT Ibiza is available in three body styles, 3-door hatch, 5-door hatch, and station wagon. The JE Design kit is built to fit any of the body styles that the Ibiza comes in. The SEAT Ibiza itself starts at €9,995 and ranges up to €16,340. This upgrade kit, of course, goes on top of the cost of the car, but with the SEAT Ibiza's low cost, the entire package becomes rather affordable.

Click past the jump to read what JE Designs has done to make the SEAT Ibiza more stylish, comfortable, and even a little bit faster.

2012 SEAT Ibiza by JE Design

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 SEAT Ibiza by JE Design
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 92
  • Torque: 217
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The custom auto company began by installing an all-new front apron, which runs €654, that boasts a sports grille that deletes the SEAT logo. This new front apron perfectly outlines the optional 6-LED light daytime running headlights, which cost €238. A set of €89 headlight eyebrows give the SEAT Ibiza that “squinty” and aggressive look. A set of side skirts come in at €299 and a new rear apron, with a carbon fiber effect diffuser, which also runs €299, complete the aggressive new look of the SEAT Ibiza.

In addition to the body kit, you also have an optional aftermarket muffler with a trapezoid exit that integrates perfectly with the rear diffuser. JE Design also offers up a set of lowering springs, which run €149, that drop the Ibiza’s ride height by 35 mm. There are two optional wheel packages available via JE Design; they are 7 x 17 inches 7.5 x 18 inches. You can get these rims in either Shadow Silver or Matte Black. The 17-inch wheels run €1,809 and the 18-inch models run €2,260.

Interior

On the inside, JE Design fitted the Ibiza with Elegance leather upholstery, which runs €1,599, and the customer can fully customize by option for varying colors, stitching, and even custom embroidery on the seatback headrests for only €79. If you live in a colder area, you can opt for the optional heated seats for €379, plus you can add in adjustable lumbar support and a massaging feature for €319.

You can also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel for €399, as well as a leather-wrapped gear shifter knob and boot for €179.

Performance Boosts

JE Designs didn’t stop at looks, as it offers performance upgrades for the Ibiza too. JE Design managed to squeeze the 1.6-liter TDI engine from 77 kW (105 horsepower) and 250 Nm (184 pound-feet) to 93 kW (125 horsepower) and 295 Nm (217 pound-feet). This pushed the SEAT 1.6 TDI’s 0 to 100 km/h time down 10.2 seconds and it runs €1,399 for the TDI model. This also pushes the SEAT’s top speed up to 194 km/h, a full 6 km/h increase.

JE Designs is also working on other modifications to make the SEAT Ibiza a more performance-friendly car. We’ll update you as more information comes out.

Conclusion

We are not huge fans of body kits, as they are usually way too gaudy and add unnecessary weight to a car. Fortunately, JE Design has done a good job keeping this kit simple and offering mild performance upgrades to help offset the additional weight. We definitely approve of this custom kit, despite its relatively high total price.