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SEAT goes all economical

Expert Rating: 3 out of 5

Introduction

SEAT's lean, green supermini provides 70-plus miles per gallon economy, but does the Ibiza deliver across the board?

What are its rivals?

The key rival for the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive comes from within the VW Group's own ranks in the shape of the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion. The Polo uses the same engine, platform and raft of fuel-saving measures as the Ibiza and, in its most basic form, matches the Spaniard for carbon dioxide emissions low enough to qualify for free road tax. Other competition comes from the Ford Fiesta Econetic and Vauxhall Corsa ecoFLEX, while a rapidly growing number of other supermini choices now sneak under the 120g/km carbon dioxide cut-off for cheap road tax while also returning excellent fuel consumption.

How does it drive?

The Ibiza Ecomotive drives very much like the standard 1.4-litre turbodiesel that has now been phased out in favour of the new-shape Ibiza. While the Ecomotive sticks with the previous generation body style, in three- and five-door forms, for the time being, there's a new-shape model in the pipeline. In the meantime, the Ecomotive dishes up decent comfort thanks to a good driving position with plenty of space and the rear seats can also cope with a couple of adults without any need for contortions to fit them in. The suspension is set on the firm side of the comfort equation, so it's fine if you prefer a sportier set-up but can be a chore around town where the wheels pick up on dips and ridges too readily compared to the suppleness of the latest Fiesta. SEAT has fitted the Ibiza Ecomotive with low rolling resistance tyres as part of package of measures to reduce drag and improve economy. Along with the smoother shape of the body and underside, the tyres help fuel consumption to impressive levels, yet there is not the same heavy penalty in cornering grip as there is in the VW Polo BlueMotion, which uses the same suite of economy and emissions-boosting enhancements. The SEAT's light steering also provides just enough feel on country roads to underline the Spaniard's fun side, coping well with switchback tarmac, while the car remains stable on the motorway and a cinch around town.

What's impressive?

As part of the Ecomotive improvements SEAT has wrought on the Ibiza, the engine's electronic brain has been re-programmed to help with economy and emissions. Add in new ratios for the five-speed gearbox to further reduce fuel consumption and you might expect this Ibiza to be sluggish off the mark. The truth is that it's far from that and the Ibiza is decently nippy and zesty, even if the 0-62mph of 12.8 seconds is not going to set pulses racing. More importantly, and what gets our heartbeat pounding, is the thought of 74.3mpg combined economy and carbon dioxide emissions of 99g/km. These figures mean no road tax to pay and, with a 45-litre tank of diesel, the Ibiza Ecomotive has a very achievable range of 735-miles, or more if you spend most of the time on motorways.

What's not?

A key part of the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive is its three-cylinder 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine. Yes, it's very good on economy and emissions, but it's a raucous little performer too. On any trip, whether it's around town or to the other end of the country, the engine is a constant aural companion. There's also a lot of wind noise at higher speeds, so the Ecomotive can be quite wearing on longer journeys.

Should I buy one?

For the same amount of money as the list price of the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive, you could pick from a large number of very talented superminis. Granted, few can come close to the SEAT's economy and emissions, but some offer a more comfortable, quieter drive. We like this SEAT, however, as its low fuel consumption and emissions have real world benefits you can see and feel in the wallet every day. You would have to travel quite a few miles to claw back the price difference between the SEAT and similarly equipped cheaper rivals, but the Ibiza Ecomotive makes sense for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint without diminishing the fun they have while driving.

Alisdair Suttie