At a time when a lot is said about alternative fuels, SEAT turned from words to deeds and bet on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). This bet resulted in a complete range of models that use CNG, which includes this SEAT Ibiza TGI.
Aesthetically, it is practically impossible to distinguish the SEAT Ibiza TGI from its petrol and diesel “brothers”. Thus, abroad, the only thing that gives him away is the acronym “TGI” through which SEAT informs passersby that this Ibiza is not quite like the others.
Inside, the differences are limited to the instrument panel, where there are now two fuel level indicators: one for CNG, the other for gasoline. Otherwise, everything remains the same, with the ergonomics being in very good plan, an infotainment system proving to be easy and intuitive to use and the build quality not deserving of repairs.
In terms of habitability, although the installation of the three CNG tanks did not affect the space available for passengers, the same did not happen with the luggage compartment, which saw its capacity drop from 355 liters to 262 liters.
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At the wheel of the SEAT Ibiza TGI
Once at the controls of the Ibiza TGI, good ergonomics comes back to the fore, with all the controls appearing “at your fingertips”. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy, with only the steering wheel deserving of repair — the rim is too thin and the material used in this Xcellence version doesn't feel as pleasant as that of the FR versions.
The interior of the Ibiza continues to set the benchmark for ease of use.
Ongoing, the tricylindrical with 1.0 l capacity, 90 hp and 160 Nm of torque is more than enough to move the Ibiza without any problems, with a well-scaled six-speed manual gearbox to avoid the usual lack of power. of small engines at low rpm.
Dynamically, the Ibiza continues to be guided by efficiency and safety. In terms of comfort, the adoption of tires with a slightly higher profile in this Xcellence variant compared to those used in the FR version turns out to be right, as these ensure a good comfort/behavior ratio.
As for consumption, I can only talk to you about CNG consumption, as I was able to walk using this fuel alone. Thus, on open roads and highways, the averages were around 4 kg/100 km, while in cities they rose to 5.7 kg/100 km.
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Best of all, when it's time to restock, just seven euros were enough to replace half the capacity of the CNG deposit (the price is 1,084 €/kg). In other words, with an amount of around 15 euros we can certify this Ibiza to travel around 360 km.
Is the car right for me?
The answer to the title question is simple: yea . CNG is a good option, but it would be even better if there were more filling stations. After having driven long kilometers behind the wheel of the SEAT Ibiza TGI, the best compliment I can give you is that it's an Ibiza like any other. On no occasion did I realize that I was behind the wheel of a… GNC model.
To the qualities already recognized by the Ibiza as a reference habitable space (even if the luggage compartment has lost some capacity), a safe handling and a good overall robustness, this CNG version adds a lower cost of use than the Diesel version (and a also lower acquisition cost).
That said, if you are looking for a well behaved, well equipped, comfortable, spacious and that is much cheaper to use, the SEAT Ibiza TGI can (and should) be part of your list of options.
It is a pity that the country that proudly sees its capital as the “European Green Capital 2020” continues to have a very deficient CNG supply network, which amounts to 10 stations (nine more are planned), of which the Sado down there is not one to sample.
Where can I supply CNG?