A thoroughly modern supermini
SEAT has been one of the success stories of recent years, bringing out, with the help of partner company VW, a range of attractive, reliable and economical models .
We’re due for a SEAT foray into the SUV market over the coming years to capitalise on this success, but in the meantime the company’s popular hatchbacks haven’t been neglected.
A new version of the sporty little Ibiza, for example, arrived last year.
When SEAT took the covers off the new model at the Barcelona Motor Show, they announced it as one of the “best and most multi-faceted offerings in its class, with a raft of innovative technologies, new engines and equipment options, plus additional safety systems and, above all, a completely new connectivity and infotainment line-up”.
Alongside improved efficiency, quality and safety levels, the emphasis for the new model was bringing it right up to date in terms of technology and connectivity.
It’s an understandable move, given that the Ibiza, SEAT’s most successful model with more than five million sold globally over the last 30 years, has an exceptionally young customer base, with its share of young female buyers well above average as well.
So with every car in the hatchback sector upping the ante as far as phone/ car connectivity is concerned, the Ibiza is brought bang up to date.
The new MediaSystem plus and satellite navigation system can be enhanced with a MirrorLink function which provides seamless smart- phone integration into the car infotainment system.
Mobile phone functions and a wide range of apps can be used inside the car, while the company has also developed its own app, called SEAT DriveApp, which means that whatever smartphone you use - Apple, android or whatever - you are as one with your Ibiza.
The Ibiza is powered by a completely new generation of petrol and TDI engines, including a 1.0-litre and a 1.4 Eco TSI.
The Ibiza has always been popular for its sporty, chunky looks, so the company haven’t felt the need to change things too much.
The five-door, three-door SC (Sport Coupé) and the ST (Sport Tourer) all get new headlights with LED daytime running lights, new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheel de- signs and two new paint colours, Moonstone Silver and Chilli Red.
But it’s inside the cabin where the company have concentrated, because previous Ibiza interiors tended to suffer in comparison with many rivals.
So the cabin has been significantly upgraded
The plastics are softer to the touch - it’s out with most of the scratchy surfaces - while the controls, gauges and dials and knobs are also easier to use and there’s a much improved satnav media system too.
My 1.4 FR Red Edition test car, with its gleaming red and silver alloys, contrasting red wing mirrors and red flashes inside the cabin, wasn’t as jarring on the eye as you might have feared.
The Ibiza is in direct opposition to the popular Golf and Polo so it has to be on top of its game to compete.
As far as practicality is concerned, there’s plenty of room inside.
I drove the five-door version and there was enough room for four normal-size adults.
The boot’s a good size too, easily enough for a family’s normal needs.
The Ibiza is an incredibly easy car to get along with. The sporty FR version I drove was more of a warm hatch than a speed machine, so was still a comfortable all-rounder in all situations.
The suspension is set as a balance between improved handling and comfort and it succeeds.
The ride is smooth around town, absorbing all that our north east road surfaces can throw at it, and equally adept on longer motorway runs. It’s also a smooth runner. The 1.4 litre petrol engine is quiet, although at higher speeds there is some wind noise and road rumble coming through into the cabin.
The 1.4 petrol engine is sharp and versatile and performs admirably in everyday situations.
The Ibiza’s quick off the mark and nips out into the traffic with little effort. On longer runs it settles effortlessly into cruising mode, and you can easily forget you’re in a little hatchback as the miles slip by.
The funky FR Red Edition I drove had a top quality sound system, the fullon Apple car- play /Android system, sensors and bluetooth stuff. There’s also plenty of safety equipment on board.
The Ibiza’s a really easy car to drive, looks great, has a much improved interior and is a well-priced hatch.