Firstly, I may have already told you this, but I have always loved the little Ibiza, mainly because not only did I used to own one in FR trim – but also because for me it’s just a brilliant little hot hatch. There you go, review done!
Ok, not quite. Although, if you just happen to be looking for a great car that has everything thrown in for a decent price – then look no further than the Seat Ibiza FR.
So, let’s quickly move on with this weeks review of the newly updated Ibiza FR before I give up and decide to go out for a drive instead.
Power and Efficiency:
The Ibiza FR I currently have on test is powered by a 95PS, 1.0 TSi petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a respectable top speed of around113mph. It also has no less than 175Nm of torque, plus a 0-62 time of 10.9 seconds. Fuel consumption is also very good. Without going economy crazy, I did manage a combined figure of around 50mpg.
On the road:
I like the way the Ibiza handles – it feels well balanced, and so it should as its designed to be a proper little hot hatch. Also, when the road gets twisty it’s more than capable of holding its own. The steering also feels light and agile. It’s no exaggeration for me to say that I think the new Ibiza is a proper little racer. Yes, 95PS is not a lot, but it feels fun to drive and it sticks firmly to the road ahead which has always been the case with the Ibiza. To be honest, I was a little worried that it may have lost some of its fun factors, but I needn’t have worried – because it’s just as much fun as it’s always been.
Equipment, Safety and Technology
Inside: As with all Seat’s, the interior is of a good standard – but, as I have said many times, Seat is a part of VW group, so it will last till the end of time. The seating does feel a tad hard but it was in FR trim so it’s a little sportier. But, saying that, even after a long journey I still felt very relaxed. As for all the dials and switches – they are laid out very well and nothing looks awkwardly out of place or fussy.
Some of the standard equipment on the FR trim includes; electronic traction control, front assist, drivers airbag, passengers airbag with de-activation switch, Isofix preparation, front and rear side curtain airbags, air conditioning, front electric windows with one-touch on two windows, power steering: electric speed-proportional, sports seats, sports suspension, twin exhaust pipes and cruise control.
Plus it doesn’t stop there either – you also get; a DAB radio and a large 8” glass touchscreen to control Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link. There are of course loads more features, but I will let the salesman explain about that in even more detail.
To sum up:
I’m going to give the Ibiza five stars in this test (which is rare for me and a first for 2018), not only because I like it a lot, but because I believe it’s worth it. Next time you’re out and about looking for a new sporty little hatch, try out the fantastic little Ibiza first. I promise you, its fun, fun, fun.
Price: from £16,015 By Anthony Yates
