SEAT Ibiza Review

[vc_single_image image=”47085″ img_size=”article-image”]The fourth generation SEAT Ibiza is a much smarter supermini than the SEAT Ibiza 2012. It’s more green-minded, and comes with more hi-tech, too. These changes simply had to be made if the SEAT Ibiza was to keep up with the competition that it was in danger of losing sight of.

The fact that the SEAT Ibiza was falling behind the competition is hard to believe. After all, the Spanish brand is known for injecting new cars with massive helpings of flair, creativity and imagination. A new car represents a chance for SEAT to do something different, to be bold and artistic. For one reason or another, the SEAT Ibiza MK3 flagged a little; it was less touched by creative hands, and more touched by tired ones. It didn’t sparkle. It lacked the vibrant energy we associate with SEAT. ‘Ibiza’ was no longer a rocking party island, but a retirement home. The SEAT Ibiza is much improved. The swagger, the joie d’vivre is back. Let’s take a closer look at what the SEAT Ibiza offers.[vc_single_image image=”47086″ img_size=”article-image”]

Lust for Life

What has always set the SEAT Ibiza apart from the crowd – the Volkswagen Polo’s and Skoda Fabia’s of this world – is that they all drive like a SEAT Ibiza Sport Coupe. They have that dynamism, that lust for life, that sportiness that the Polo or Fabia can’t match. Strange when you think how similar they are in terms of the underpinnings.

SEAT Ibiza models that generate more than 100bhp come with XDS electronic differential lock, a system which gets the power down rapidly when coming out of tricky corners. This system dials out understeer before propelling you from the bend. The TSI petrol units all come with XDS, and the version sure to be most popular with consumers – the 1.2-litre 105PS variant – races to 60mph from rest in 9.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 120mph. Not bad when you also throw in good running cost numbers.

The 140PS 1.4TSI unit comes with ACT cylinder deactivation technology which is found in the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive and is designed to make the car greener. Other engines in the range include the 1.6-litre diesel unit, as well as the 2.0 TDI FR that accelerates to 60mph from rest in 8.2 seconds en route to 130mph.[vc_single_image image=”47087″ img_size=”article-image”]

Smarter

In terms of looks, the 2012 SEAT Ibiza MK4 was almost there – just not quite. For this reason, no fundamental changes were needed for the 2015 SEAT Ibiza, just a few minor tweaks to smarten things up. These include smarter headlights and grille. Inside, black plastic remains on the display, though there are now dashes of soft-touch finishes to be found which really spruce and smart up proceedings. The steering wheel and instrument graphics have benefited the most. The swooping roofline is still in evidence, though, so taller people might find comfort a little sparse, whilst body styles include five-door hatch, three-door SC or ST estate.

Final Thoughts

SEAT Ibiza deals start at £10,000 and rise to £17,000. Used SEAT Ibiza will invariably be a little cheaper. If you want to upgrade from the three-door SC model to the five-door, you’ll need a £500 premium. To then upgrade from the five-door to the ST estate, you’ll need an extra £700. Other options include the SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra and the SEAT Ibiza Sport Coupe. These kinds of SEAT Ibiza finance offers are something worth considering.

All SEAT Ibiza 2015 models include as standard – front electric windows, tinted glass, remote control locking, a height adjustable driver’s seat, as well as a court speak CD stereo. In terms of running costs, the best of the lot is the 1.2-litre diesel TDI which comes with a Diesel Particulate Filter for a premium of £5,000 in the guise of the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive. The 1.2-litre petrol unit, without DPF, returns figures of 52.3mpg and 125g/km which is standard for a supermini of this size.

SEAT simply had to get the SEAT Ibiza just right. After all, it’s the brand’s best seller in a market dominated by the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. The Ibiza is a staple point of the brand’s repertoire, having been first introduced 25 years ago. They surely couldn’t get it wrong this time, right? Right. The 2015 SEAT Ibiza is sharp, sexy, and is imbued with that joyful Spanish spirit that makes driving their cars so much fun. Enduring and always appealing.

If you want to get hold of the new SEAT Ibiza, don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our SEAT Ibiza lease and finance deals..[vc_single_image image=”47088″ img_size=”article-image”]