SEAT Ibiza Black : WHITE ISLE BLACK OUT

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SEAT is going back to Black with its latest Ibiza special edition. Steve Walker reports.

Named after a Mediterranean clubbing Mecca and with an image built around sleek looks and an exuberant driving experience, SEAT's Ibiza is a supermini with obvious appeal for the younger car buyer. Today's range has yet to be furnished with properly sporting FR models or a barnstorming Cupra derivative but we do have an Ibiza Black special edition that might be even better suited to the needs, wants and budgets of the Ibiza's target clientele.

The Ibiza is available in practical five-door form or as a curvier, more dynamic looking three-door Sports Coupe. Given the slightly different approaches of these two body styles, you'd bank on SEAT choosing the thrusting three-door for conversion into a bespoliered Black special edition, and you'd be wrong. It's the five-door model that gets the Black treatment but while it's the less obvious choice, that shouldn't put you off. As sporty superminis go, this one looks the part. The Ibiza feels light and nimble on the road in contrast to some of the lardier superminis out there in today's market. The Black model is powered by the 1.4-litre engine which isn't packing a huge punch but makes up for it with a peppy, free-revving character. It produces its maximum power of 84bhp at 5,000rpm and peak torque is measured at 132Nm at 3,800rpm. The 12.2s 0-60mph time is not blistering but and the 108mph top speed leaves little room for concerns about its ability to keep up with traffic. The previous Ibiza's driving experience won praise from all quarters and this car continues that approach. It remains impressively composed in corners and the sharp steering makes it easy to spirit about the place. Black models feature the firmer suspension of the Sport derivatives from the standard range but even here, the ride isn't harsh and the things that shine through after a stint in an Ibiza are its poise, refinement and the overriding big car feel.

"Sporty superminis can mean big bills but SEAT can offer one with more manageable costs"

The Ibiza runs on the Volkswagen Group's latest small car platform dubbed the `agile chassis'. In Black guise, the curvy exterior lines are accentuated by the addition of lower bumpers, side skirts and a roof spoiler at the rear. The interior of the Ibiza is an upmarket affair with some nice trim finishes and good amounts of space front and rear. The sparky design of the outside isn't really carried over internally and the dash follows a more conservative feel that veers towards style rather than fashion. The colour scheme might be a little grey for some tastes but the Ibiza always feels a quality product when you spend time sat in it. The five-door Ibiza is 80mm longer than the old Ibiza's 3,970m and much bigger inside while the 292-litres of boot space is very impressive for a supermini. The car also features a wider front and rear track to give it a foursquare, planted stance on the road while the body structure is extremely rigid to enhance the driving dynamics. Based on the Sport trim level, the Ibiza Black adds a host of exterior styling accessories, 17" alloy wheels and darkened privacy glass. It also comes fittingly in Black Magic metallic paint. A small badge on the tailgate reveals the car's Black special edition status and inside, there's a generous quota of equipment as seen on the Sport. This runs to air-conditioning, sports seats, electric windows, central locking, a CD stereo with an AUX input socket and a trip computer. The Black also gets front fog lights with a cornering function and body-coloured door mirrors. The price differential between the Black special edition and the 1.4-litre Sport on which it is based is around £1,700. That's a significant sum but the styling accessories on the Black do give it a significantly more purposeful appearance and It still looks good value at under £12,500. Minimising costs is a vital part of any affordable supermini's job and the Ibiza Black rises to the challenge well with its 1.4-litre petrol engine. Average fuel economy of 45.5mpg is pretty good for a 1.4-litre supermini and emissions of 149g/km are also respectable. All Ibizas are accompanied by a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty and twelve years of anti-perforation cover which reflects SEAT's confidence of victory in the battle against rust. Major servicing is required at 20,000-mile intervals and a dose of fresh oil every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Insurance is a very reasonable group 3E. Sporty superminis can mean big bills but SEAT can offer one with more manageable costs and no lack of style in the shape of its Ibiza Black special edition. The car tacks on a full bodykit and 17" alloy wheels to the Ibiza's five-door bodystyle and with only 150 examples being offered in the UK, it comes with guaranteed exclusivity too. The 1.4-litre engine won't excite the nation's hot hatch fans too much but it's the secret of the Ibiza Black's low running costs and affordable upfront price. In the current climate, these should be the key selling points.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: SEAT Ibiza Black
PRICE: £12,345 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 3
CO2 EMISSIONS: 149g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 12.2s/ Max Speed 108mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 45.5mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags and side, seatbelt pre-tensioners, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/width/heightmm 4052/1693/1445