SEAT IBIZA RANGE
SEATs Ibiza Looks Like Living Up To The Marques Spanish
Alfa Romeo Claims. Andy Enright Reports
Although to many platform sharing may be more directly attributable to the myopia of the integrated transport policy than the vision of the
Volkswagen Group, it has resulted in the latest
SEAT Ibiza. Whereas the old Ibizas range of qualities failed to float the boat of British buyers, the latest model goes some way to rectifying its predecessors shortcomings.
Check one out in the metal and first impressions are that Walter da Silva, the Stylist responsible for this Ibiza, has done a good job. Perhaps SEAT were taking their proposed position as a Spanish Alfa Romeo more seriously than we at first considered when they poached the man responsible for the Alfa 147 and 156. This is certainly a car he can be proud of. If you were asked to pinpoint the differences between this generation and its predecessor it wouldnt be easy, but da Silva has kept the basics in place the cyclops grille, the chubby posterior and the high waistline but has stroked, smoothed and melded the lines into something far sleeker.
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The details are more knowing and better integrated and hes succeeded in making the car appear far smaller than it actually is, a visual trick that will appeal to many buyers. Prices range between £8,000 and £15,500. Inside youll spot a number of VW Group parts, reappearing like old faces at a school reunion. The window switches, the gear knob, the ventilation controls and so on are all sourced from that bottomless well thats disparagingly termed the VW parts bin, and are none the worse for it.
The roofline is lower than weve become used to in Polo and Fabia variants, but otherwise the cabin holds few surprises other than a rather novel textured plastic thats softly abrasive but not particularly great looking. Thats not to say that da Silva hasnt left his mark however. The dials are recessed individually into the facia in true Alfa style, giving the cabin a sportier feel.
"Compared to its predecessor, the Ibiza is a dramatic improvement."
The Ibiza has been positioned as a more dynamic alternative to the Fabia, if not as opulent as the
mini-me Passat that is the Polo. The engine choice runs to four petrol engines and four diesels. The petrol powerplants consist of a three-cylinder 1.2-litre that ekes 64bhp from the ether, a 75bhp 1.
4 and two punchy 1.8-litre 20-valve Turbo units. The 150bhp 20V T is found in the FR and the version tuned to produce 180bhp powers the Cupra. Three 1.
9-litre turbodiesels are offered in the standard range, one cranking out 100bhp, another generating a healthy 130bhp and a 160bhp alternative in the Cupra TDi. Theres also a budget 1.4-litre TDi good for 75bhp. Trim levels start with the basic 1.
2-litre Reference which is good for a CD player, electric front windows, a two way adjustable steering wheel, body coloured bumpers and a rear spoiler. While safety equipment runs to ABS with brake assist, twin front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners. Unfortunately, three-door customers will have to pay extra if they want the really useful Access-Plus front passenger
seat. Here, as the front seat is tilted, the seat cushion lifts and moves forward as the backrest folds, creating a 31cm gap from the B pillar to the back of the front seat through which rear passengers can pass.
When the front seat is pulled back, everything returns to its original position. The trim designation hierarchy in full runs from Reference through S and SX to FR and Cupra. Compared to its predecessor, the Ibiza is a dramatic improvement. Not only is it far prettier, it also utilises its cabin space better, the engine range is far more economical and the perceived quality has been ratcheted up a good few notches.
None of these factors, however, differentiate it hugely from its rivals. The 1.9 TDI diesel engines are the pick of the range if youre into smooth cruising, but are too heavy to provide much fun through corners. Not surprisingly, the 130bhp is the better choice, being not only faster but rather curiously, much quieter the 160bhp version is quicker still but you pay top dollar for the extra power.
The more agile 2.0-litre petrol car handles reasonably well but doesnt have the verve to occupy the attention span of your average press-on driver. The FR has power and poise with its turbocharged engine as well as stiffened suspension for greater handling precision but many buyers may be drawn to it primarily because of its muscular styling appendages. The Cupra takes this to another level justifying its position as the ultimate Ibiza.
Dynamic? Not in its basic forms but then, you could say the same about Fords Fiesta or Peugeots 206. SEAT may have set out to build a Spanish
Alfa Romeo and cosmetically they have certainly succeeded. A What Car? Car of The Year award in 2003 shows that the Ibiza campaigns with more than just good looks and an aggressive price tag.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: SEAT Ibiza range
PRICES: £8,000 - £15,500 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 2-16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 124-190g/km
PERFORMANCE: [TDI 130] 0-60mph 9.4s/ Max Speed 129mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [TDI 130] (urban) 42mpg / (extra urban) 67mpg / (combined) 55.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 3953/1698/1441mm
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