SEAT Ibiza Cupra TDI
Todays diesel engines seem to be braking down barriers with all the regularity of a 25-stone high hurdler. Once upon a time, smoky, clattering diesel power could just about be stomached by big mileage drivers like cabbies and sales reps because of the associated fuel savings. Now its finding its way into luxury saloons, prestige convertibles and hot hatchbacks. Buyers in the know are choosing modern diesels in preference over their petrol alternatives for reasons of performance and power delivery as well as emissions and economy.
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SEAT are demonstrably not ones to underestimate the diesel engines appeal in the modern marketplace. From launch, their Ibiza supermini was available with a solid range of the Volkswagen Groups accomplished TDI direct injection engines but it was still a surprise when the fire-breathing Cupra models were announced and the diesel was actually priced at a premium over the petrol model. The pricing balance was then redressed with both cars competing for custom on a level playing field but today its back with the TDI in the ascendancy, something which speaks volumes for how far diesel technology has come. Its the Cupra TDI were examining here with its 1.
9-litre TDI engine tuned to deliver a 158bhp shove in the back. The car might be down on power when compared to the 177bhp Ibiza Cupra 20V Turbo but many will prefer the characteristics of its power delivery. As tends to be the case with diesel engines, the Cupras TDI unit yields huge quantities of torque from very low down in the rev range. The maximum output is 330Nm a mind-boggling amount for a car of this size and it hits home at a lowly 1,900rpm.
The Cupra 20V T can only muster 220Nm at 2,000rpm and the difference can instantly be felt once youve strapped yourself into the diesel.
"The car might be down on power when compared to the 177bhp Ibiza Cupra 20V T but many will prefer the characteristics of its power delivery."
In real world driving, the TDI is a markedly more flexible performer. Theres brutal acceleration available in higher gears and at lower engine speeds than in the petrol model, which must be revved far harder for optimum performance to be extracted. The Cupra TDI hits its maximum power output at 3,750rpm whereas a Cupra 20V T driver must let the needle rise to around 5,500rpm before its really giving its all. The great thing about the TDI is that, despite its sporting pedigree, it can be a very relaxed car to drive.
That monstrous torque reservoir keeps gear changes to a minimum because the accelerations always there bubbling under the surface and the car picks up strongly almost regardless of speed or ratio. The petrol Cupra has more of that traditional free-revving hot hatch character, it feels sportier and its marginally quicker over the ubiquitous 0-60mph sprint (7.3s instead of the TDIs 7.6) but the diesel has a strong and different appeal.
Not least amongst its abilities are CO2 emissions of 146g/km and fuel consumption that will blow any petrol-powered car of vaguely similar performance into the weeds. The Ibiza Cupra TDI (like the warm hatch Ibiza FR TDI 130) comes with a six-speed transmission and that extra cog produces more relaxed cursing while aiding fuel economy. Otherwise, the diesel Cupra comes identically equipped to its petrol Cupra counterpart. The stiffened sports suspension sharpens up the ride and standard traction control ensures all that power is put to good use.
SEAT have done a grand job of minimising body roll in the Ibiza and as a result, the Cupra is brimming with balance and poise through the bends. The steering isnt as communicative as youll find in some performance hatchbacks but its fast enough to ensure the driver always feels well in control and the upgraded brakes also inspire confidence. The Cupra is given a big injection of attitude by its deep bumpers, rear spoiler and 17" alloy wheels. Then theres the chromed grille frame and the fog lights at the front as well as the Cupra branding on the tailgate. Within, there are sports seats plus tactile leather coverings on steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake cover. Safety wise, the Ibiza Cupra TDI is very well specified.
ABS, brake assist and ESP stability control all combine with the aforementioned traction control to prevent any unintentional interfaces with the scenery. All three rear passengers get three-point belts, there are front airbags, side airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners all as standard. Other niceties include climate control, a six speaker CD stereo, aluminium pedals and four grab handles which, in this car, are more useful than you might imagine. Overall, the Ibiza is amongst the most pleasingly styled superminis, the model of today carries the effects of a facelift which edged the car closer to its newer SEAT stalemates on aesthetic grounds.
The small front grille is framed between the wide headlight apertures and the window line rises toward the back of the car rounding into a shallow rear windscreen for a squat, powerful effect. As with all modern SEATs, the Ibiza displays its name centrally on its tailgate, below the large SEAT badge which doubles as the boot release. Inside, those VW Group fixtures and fittings are very much in evidence and the overall quality is impressive. Legroom in the back is not class-leading but it is adequate and the same goes for the boot.
Extra cargo space can be freed-up by folding the split rear bench. Ten or even five years ago, the idea of a performance hatchback with a diesel engine would have been a massive turn off to buyers but people are coming round to the idea and so they should. The Ibiza Cupra TDI is right up with the quickest superminis around, petrol or diesel, and thats just looking at the performance figures. In real world driving conditions its more impressive still.
Then theres the little matter of its miserly fuel consumption and low emissions. Other hot hatches including the petrol Cupra have more of the raw, buzz-box appeal thats essential to the genre but the TDIs blend of blistering performance, smooth, accessible power and low running costs provides a more sensible option. Its just a question of whether sensible is something hot hatch buyers want.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: SEAT Ibiza Cupra TDI
PRICES: £15,595 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 146g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.6s/ Max Speed 136mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 53mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS, TCS, ESP seatbelt pre-tensioners
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 3953/1698/1441mm
