Nicholas reviews the Seat Ibiza. Read his other car reviews. Ed
This is the Seat Ibiza, a sharp suited supermini which costs £12,250 – not including the discounts Seat are currently offering for the 1.4 SE (like the one featured here).
Seat are owned by Volkswagen and their trademark eye for quality is added to Spanish passion to make a compelling addition to the competitive supermini market.
Only thing is there isn’t a lot of Spanish passion within this plain, grey cabin. A few flashes of colour wouldn’t go amiss, although there can be no complaints about the solid materials used. Also don’t feel like you’re missing out if you drive an Ibiza without the steering-wheel mounted stereo controls, which are a mere 3 inches away from the stereo itself.
Design is sharp and well-proportioned
There can be no disappointment with the way the car looks though. Even in practical 5-door spec the design is sharp and well-proportioned, with creased edges like a piece of origami, although the 3-door models in Snow’s brand new Seat showroom are much more handsome.
This is another little car that is more refined and comfy than you might expect, although it doesn’t isolate you from the road as well as a Honda Jazz. It also doesn’t bore as much as a Jazz, even if overly light controls and a lack of steering feel means the Seat Ibiza can’t come close to being as fun to drive as a Mazda 2. You steer and the car resolutely follows, although without the keenness promised by the sporty styling.
Range of models
The 1.4 engine tested provides an adequate 84 bhp, giving 0-60mph in 12.2 seconds and 45.5mpg through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The diesels in the range are excellent and Seat also produces an estate version of the Ibiza that makes a very good looking family car indeed. The advantage of paying no VAT on new Seat’s is a generous one too.
Summary
Overall, this is not as sporty as Seat would like you too think, but with good looks, an airy cabin and the benefit of VW engineering, the Ibiza is none the worse for its refinement. 7/10
Thanks to Snows Garage, Forest Road, for the loan of the vehicle.
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