SEAT

SEAT Ibiza Review

SEAT is currently a brand on a big mission. In the last 18 months, they’ve launched their first SUV, the Qashqai rivalling SEAT Ateca, and there’s the soon-to-arrive, all-new compact Arona SUV. On top of that, the much-acclaimed SEAT Leon hatchback had a facelift in 2017 and this summer also saw the arrival of a new SEAT Ibiza supermini.

The new SEAT Ibiza has the privilege of being the first car in the Volkswagen Group to use the all-new MQB A0 platform for small cars. That’s a big boon for the Spanish brand, and with trademark sporty SEAT styling and affordable pricing, the new Ibiza could be on to something big.

And big it is. The new SEAT Ibiza has really grown up. The styling has matured and while all the curves and angles we’ve come to associate with the SEAT Ibiza are there, this wider, lower Ibiza looks better than ever. Inside, a longer wheelbase means there is more passenger space, and this is now one of the roomiest small cars out there. A 355 litre boot tops it off.

In terms of trim, buyers can choose from the more standard S (from €14,995) and SE (from €17,335), but for more uniqueness there is an XCELLENCE model (from €18,745) with more kit, and the sporty FR (from €19,465).

Standard equipment includes Front Assist, remote central locking and touchscreen but SE cars add 15“ alloys, front fog lights, LED DRLs, rear LED lights, air con and Bluetooth.

Xcellence adds a leather pack, cruise control, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, and folding electric mirrors. FR features 17“ alloys, dark tinted rear windows, SEAT Drive Profile, and sportier styling features.

My FR trim car was finished in Desire Red with optional 18” alloy wheels added and it looked very ‘desirable’ indeed.

The interior of the new SEAT Ibiza has had a thorough makeover and the previous car’s drab slab of grey plastic has been broken up with a new interior panel that is finished in gloss black in FR trim cars. A large touchscreen with glossy black surround is the focal point in the centre of the dash. The cheap looking circular air vents have been replaced by rectangular vents that look of better quality. While hard plastics still dominate and the cloth seat material looks a little cheap, overall the quality and design has stepped up in new Ibiza.

The new SEAT Ibiza is still offered with the old 1.0-litre MPI petrol with 75hp. For perkier performance buyers can choose from the new three cylinder turbo 1.0-litre TSI petrol with 95 or 115hp.  Joining later will be a new 1.5-litre TSI 150hp four cylinder turbo petrol and 1.6-litre diesels (80 and 95hp). A DSG automatic gearbox is available paired with the new 1.0-litre 115hp engine.

My test car had the new 1.0-litre TSI with 115hp and first off for a three cylinder unit it’s remarkably smooth and refined with little vibration coming through the pedals. The turbo petrol gives faultless performance with lots of in-gear punch and 0-100kmh achieved in 9.3 seconds. This unit is naturally cheap to run as well with an average consumption of 4.7l/100km and CO2 emissions of 108g/km. The Ibiza 1.0 TSI is available from €18,065 in SE trim.

On the road, the new SEAT Ibiza is smooth and agile with nicely sharp steering and well contained body roll. The car is lacking the steering feel of the Ford Fiesta that makes it the handling star of the class, but this car is pure and sharp to drive.  The FR model has a number of driving modes including a Sport mode, but these do little to alter the driving experience. The firmer suspension of FR models makes these cars noticeably firmer over changeable Irish roads than other models in the Ibiza range.

The small car from SEAT first launched in 1984 has come a long way and while 2017 has felt like the year of the small car with numerous new models arriving here, the Ibiza is one of the best all rounders. The new SEAT Ibiza’s class leading ability boils down to the new platform, which makes this car more practical and spacious, but the drive is nigh on faultless too for a small, affordable car. The new 1.0-litre TSI is up with the best of the small turbo petrols in the segment. The SEAT Ibiza has a strong image and this new sharp suit its wearing should appeal to a variety of buyers but crucially I think we can say that the SEAT Ibiza is cool!

Model tested: SEAT Ibiza FR 1.0TSI 115hp
Price: €20,185 (Range starts €14,995)
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 115hp
Torque: 200Nm
0-100km/h:  9.3 seconds
Top speed: 195km/h
Claimed Economy: 4.7l/100km
CO2 emissions:  108g/km
Motor tax: €190 per year

Caroline Kidd

by Caroline Kidd

SEAT Ibiza Review (2017)

The SEAT Ibiza is a stalwart of the SEAT brand and has been around since 1984. This summer, the fifth generation of the Ibiza supermini will arrive in Ireland. This all-new model sits on a new small car platform from the Volkswagen Group and debuts with new styling, more tech and improved driving dynamics and comfort. I travelled to Barcelona with SEAT Ireland to drive the new car.

Styling

The design of the new SEAT Ibiza is more evolutionary than revolutionary, but the Ibiza has matured with more lines and contours for an edgier and sportier look. The car has not grown in length (it’s actually 2mm shorter and 1mm lower) but it looks more elongated and elegant in the metal when compared to the previous model. There is a choice of seven body colours including Desire Red, Mystery Blue and Mystic Magenta.

Interior

Inside there is a new cabin design that is a big improvement over the outgoing model. The material quality has improved and the large expanse of grey dashboard has been broken up with a new decorative moulding that stretches the width of the cabin. A large touchscreen with glossy black surround is the focal point in the centre of the dash.

Practicality

The SEAT Ibiza is sold now as five door only. The new Ibiza is a significant 87mm wider than the car it replaces and that is immediately apparent when you sit into the driver’s seat because there is more shoulder room between you and your passenger. The rear seating space in the previous generation always felt a little on the small side but there is now 35mm more leg room for rear seat passengers and 17mm more headroom. Boot space has increased by 63 litres to 355 litres, which is excellent for this class of vehicle.

Engines

In Ireland, the new SEAT Ibiza will be available at launch with a non-turbo 1.0-litre (75hp) petrol engine and a new 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol with 95 or 115hp. Joining later will be a new 1.5-litre TSI 150hp four cylinder turbo petrol and 1.6-litre diesels (80 and 95hp). A DSG automatic gearbox is available paired with the new 1.0-litre 115hp engine. At the launch, I drove the new 1.0-litre 115hp turbo petrol engine with both a 6-speed manual and a DSG automatic gearbox. This engine is fast and nippy with 0-100kmh achieved in 9.3 seconds, and robust enough to be taken out of the city. This unit has an average consumption of 4.7l/100km and CO2 emissions are 108g/km.

On the road

The new SEAT Ibiza is the first car from the Volkswagen Group to use the new MQB A0 platform. There is now a better balance between handling and comfort, and the steering has also been improved. On the tight, twisty mountain roads of our test route around Barcelona, the new Ibiza was brilliant to drive with excellent grip and precise steering that tightens perfectly going into turns for good feel and easy positioning on the road. At motorway speeds, the Ibiza is stable, quiet and refined.

Equipment

The all-new SEAT Ibiza is available in four trim levels in Ireland: S, SE, Xcellence and FR. Entry level equipment includes Front Assist, remote central locking and touchscreen. SE cars add 15“ alloys, front fog lights, LED DRLs, rear LED lights, air con and Bluetooth. Xcellence adds a leather pack, cruise control, rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start, and folding electric mirrors. FR is the sporty one and features 17“ alloys, dark tinted rear windows, SEAT Drive Profile, and updated styling.

Pricing

Pricing for the new SEAT Ibiza starts at €14,995 for the S range, €17,335 for the SE range, €18,745 for XCELLENCE and €19,465 for the FR range. The new 1.0-litre TSI is available from €18,065. Diesel pricing is yet to be confirmed. SEAT has announced a special 3-2-1 offer on new Ibiza which provides customers with a 3 years‘ free service plan, 2% PCP and one years‘ free road tax.

Rivals

The SEAT Ibiza will be up against it this year with plenty of new competition coming from new or refreshed models like the Toyota Yaris, Renault Clio, Nissan Micra, Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio.

Verdict

The SEAT Ibiza has grown-up. The new Ibiza’s confident stance and style on the outside is matched to a new found maturity on the road. There have been welcome improvements in space, comfort and refinement, and the new interior and infotainment means the Ibiza is well equipped to take the fight to the competition. While the new 1.0-litre turbo petrol tested at launch is excellent, the higher list price means it likely won’t be the default option for Irish buyers. It’s a shame, but new Ibiza looks to have the basics covered.

The new SEAT Ibiza will be in Irish dealers from late June.

Caroline Kidd

by Caroline Kidd

Seat Ibiza Review (2015)

The SEAT Ibiza has good small car provenance sharing much of its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia. But the Ibiza could be the perfect antidote to its more reserved stablemates. We loved the sporty SEAT Ibiza Cupra when we drove it. But what about the more basic Ibiza 1.0-litre petrol?

SEAT has revamped the Ibiza range. Changes are based around styling and equipment to keep the car a competitive small hatchback.

This is a very busy segment. There are lots of really good small cars out there. But are they as good looking as the Ibiza? We think the Ibiza holds the stance of a larger hatchback on the road. It’s all curves in the right places and even as a sensible, practical five door, it has a lot of character. New customisation options have been added to further enhance the Ibiza’s appeal. My test car looked great in dramatic Alor Blue with contrasting white covers on the door mirrors and a white strip around the grille.

The interior of the 2015 SEAT Ibiza

Inside the main focus has been on upgrading the materials and infotainment. The cabin has more of a modern, youthful vibe when compared to its VW Group sister cars, with a driver-focused centre console, big, circular air vents, and simple dials with sporty italicised numbers. Connectivity is now bang up to date with the addition of a touchscreen infotainment system to the centre of the dash on all models and the option of adding a Mirror Link, Apple Car Play and Android Auto package for easy integration with smartphones and access to apps.

Cabin space is about average for a car of this size but rear legroom is not the most generous in the class and some rivals do it better. There is choice in terms of body styles so a 3-door Sport Coupé kicks off the range at €13,595, the 5-door hatchback tested here starts at €14,295 and an Ibiza ST (estate) starts at €15,235. The boot space is the same in the 3 and 5-door models (292 litres), but go for the estate and that’s boosted to 430 litres!

There’s a new steering system for the Ibiza and SEAT has also reworked the suspension to improve comfort. The steering is well-weighted and the Ibiza feels quick and willing to change direction, with good body control through the corners should you want to take things a little swifter.

Driving the 2015 SEAT Ibiza

The suspension does a good job of cossetting you from the worst of the bumps and imperfections in the road surface; the Ibiza is less successful at disguising quite a bit of wind and road noise at high speeds. It doesn’t have quite the same level of big car comfort and refinement as the Volkswagen Polo. The Polo is truly exceptional in this regard. The Ibiza is cheaper and still a genuinely sweet car to drive.

SEAT has overhauled the engine line-up for the Ibiza with the addition of some new, cleaner engines. My test car had a 1.0-litre 75bhp petrol engine that’s new to the range and borrowed from the SEAT Mii city car and some other VW Group products. It does the job and it’s smooth to drive, but out of town it feels a bit flat in the higher gears. In terms of economy, it will return up to 54mpg, while motor tax costs €200 per year.

If it’s performance you’re after you’ll be wanting one of the 1.2 turbo petrols (90 or 110bhp), but availability is limited to the top level FR trim. For the best economy, there’s a new 1.4 diesel with 75bhp, returning up to 78mpg. A higher powered diesel (90bhp) is available on FR trim.

What are my options?

There are four trim levels: S, SE, Sport and FR. The five door range in S trim starts at €14,295 and standard equipment includes front electric windows and mirrors, Bluetooth and a 5” touchscreen. The SE five door range starts at €15,420 and adds additional 15” alloy wheels, trip computer and front fog lights. Five door Sport models start at €16,960 and have 16” alloys, air con, LED DRLs and leather trimmed steering wheel, and this trim also opens up the option of adding custom packs to the interior and exterior. Top spec FR trim starts at €18,910 for a five door and introduces more powerful engines, along with sporty updates to the interior and interior.

The Ibiza has the stoicness and robust feel to it of its VW Group sister cars, yet rather than just feeling like a slightly cheaper imitation, there is enough Latin soul flowing through the Ibiza for it to be a car that can stand tall in the segment on its own terms.

Did you like it?

Depending on needs and budget, the engine line-up covers all bases and on the road the Ibiza is a sweet car to drive with nicely weighted steering and good body control through the bends. The interior is not the last word in luxury or refinement but it’s well-made, easy to navigate and the addition of the touchscreen infotainment on all models brings it up to date.

The SEAT Ibiza gets the thumbs up because it’s just so effortlessly cool. The Ibiza is the small car you desire for its edgy styling and fun, sporty image.  It’s not without its faults but just like the cool kid at school, you want to hang out with it and hope that some of its glow will rub off on you just by association.  It’s a well-built small car that can hold its own out on the road and this recent round of updates means that the Ibiza demands a whirl if you’re looking for a trendy and good value small car.

Read what an owner thinks of the SEAT Ibiza.

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: Seat Ibiza Sport 5-door
Price: €16,960 (Range starts at €13,595)
Engine: 1.0-litre, three cylinder petrol
Power: 75bhp
0-100km/h: 14.3 seconds
Economy: 54.3mpg
Motor Tax: €200 per year

by Caroline Kidd

SEAT Mii by Mango Review

Caroline reviews the 2015 SEAT Mii by Mango!

It’s quite fashionable these days for a car manufacturer to collaborate with a designer or fashion label on a special edition car. They tend to be either supercars for the rich and famous or small cars aimed at women.

Now SEAT, the Spanish manufacturer owned by the VW Group, has teamed up with Spanish fashion retailer Mango to produce a special edition of the SEAT Mii city car. A match made in heaven you would think.

And it is. The makeover turns the little Mii into a car that you might desire beyond its attractive pricing. You won’t just go out to buy the Mii because it’s a good, cheap small car. No now you might actually buy it because you desire it for its Glam Beige body paint, grey alloy wheels and Mii by Mango badges.

Interior of the new SEAT Mii by Mango

Inside predictably it’s a bit like sitting into a handbag with an interesting mix of surfaces and a classy palette of grey, black and beige. The material quality looks very good but a special mention needs to go to the exclusive Mii by Mango branded Alcantara trimmed seats. They look so classy and even a bit luxurious. And I haven’t even told you the price yet.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls5uF0DaHvg]

There’s air con and front electric windows for convenience, but you will probably want to upgrade to add the SEAT Touch system, which adds Bluetooth, infotainment and navigation, all controlled from a dash mounted touchscreen.

The cabin space is good considering how small the car is on the outside and at 251 litres, the boot is one of the biggest in the class.

The Seat Mii is built on the same platform as the Volkswagen up! and Skoda Citigo. I’ve reviewed the Volkswagen up! previously on this blog and it’s safe to say it’s a good car that goes above and beyond the demands of city life so the omens were always good for the Mii. The Mii shares the same 1.0-litre 75bhp petrol engine as its sister cars so that means on the road, it’s fun, it’s lively, and economical, returning up to 60mpg.

The Mii is a really good size and shape for parking and driving around town, and if you must take it out on the motorway, you’ll find it very stable, and comfortable by small car standards. If you’re belting along the motorway you will still know you’re driving a small car so you will have to put up with a bit of road noise.

The Mango makeover is purely cosmetic, and there’s nothing new or different under the skin of the Mii by Mango. So while the Mii range starts at just over €10,000 for a 3 door in entry level S trim (exceedingly good value), the Mii by Mango is at the top of the range and the most expensive with a list price of €13,595. Of course this is not going to break the bank but really the Mii by Mango is the small car you buy because you love the way it looks!

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: SEAT Mii by Mango 5-door
Price: €13,595 (Mii range starts at €10,145)
Engine: 1.0-litre, three cylinder petrol
Power: 75bhp
0-100km/h:  13.2 seconds
Economy: 60.1mpg
CO2 emissions:  108g/km
Tax band: A3 (€190 per year)

by Caroline Kidd