In March 1988, four years after the unveiling of the SEAT Ibiza, the Ibiza SXI went on sale as the sporting top-of-the-range version of the first-generation Ibiza and so, the forerunner of the 1996 SEAT Ibiza CUPRA, the very first CUPRA.

The "X" stood for the hydraulic dual cross circuit braking system, an important active safety feature, together with the front ventilated disc brakes and an improved front axle geometry.

For its part, the "I" indicated the engine's electronic injection fuel system. Developed by SEAT's engineers at the Martorell Technical Centre, thanks to the new fuelling system the SEAT System Porsche engine went from 85 HP in the Ibiza 1.5 GLX (the top of the range until then) to 100 HP in the new SXI. So the Ibiza SXI had a top speed of nearly 185 km/h, a quite respectable figure at the time.

Thus, SEAT rejoined the hot hatch segment, where performance and high finishing prevailed, taking over from the much-missed SEAT Fura Crono.

In line with its character, the cosmetic changes enhanced the appeal of the Ibiza SXI. On the outside, it was fitted with fog lights and a larger front spoiler, as well as black extensions on the wheel arches; side mouldings and sills, and small wings at the end of the roof and under the rear window. The grill was also different, with four horizontal slats instead of seven and painted in body colour, a feature incorporated the following year in the restyling of the entire Ibiza line-up.

In addition, two red lines adorned the front and rear bumpers and side panels, along with the "SXI" logos also in red on the pillar, grill and rear end. Finally, the available colours (European Blue, Tornado Red and Black) rounded off the aggressive and attractive look of the Ibiza SXI.

The sporting allure continued inside, with new, more enveloping seats and a new steering wheel. In addition, the red details in the cabin, such as the SEAT logo on the steering wheel, highlighted the model's character. The equipment was also very rich, with electric windows, central locking, two exterior mirrors and oil pressure gauge.

However, the injection engine was not an absolute novelty in the SEAT family, as it had been released eight months before in the Malaga Injection, the highest model of SEAT's line-up in the late '80s. Actually the Ibiza SXI not only shared the engine with the Malaga Injection but also the seats and steering wheel. And the rubber, as the SXI was launched with 165/65 tyres before inheriting the Malaga's 185/60, both with 14-inch alloy wheels.

In mid-1989, the Ibiza's 5-door body also received the 1.5 injection engine, in a version initially called Ibiza Injection (as the Malaga), before getting the hot SXI acronym in 1991. That year the Ibiza range underwent an eye-catching restyling, in the style of the new SEAT Toledo. For 1992, the last full year of the Ibiza I, the Ibiza Sport Line was unveiled, powered by the 1675cc, 105 HP SEAT System Porsche engine evolution. However, the SXI was still powered by the 100 HP 1.5 unit, until it was discontinued in September 1992.

This pristine red-coloured Ibiza SXI from early 1988 is part of the SEAT HISTÓRICOS' Collection, as a forerunner of the future CUPRA models in the new SEAT. The Ibiza SXI from the Collection has taken part in a number of historic events, most recently as part of the SEAT stand in Italy's 2019 Padova Auto e Moto d'Epoca, one of the most important European classic car shows.