Born in 1984, the name Ibiza it practically needs no introduction. Arguably one of SEAT's best-known models and one of the best-sellers in the B-segment, the Spanish SUV has already reached five generations, and for some years now, two acronyms have become synonymous with Ibiza: TDI and FR.
Now, after more than thirty years on the market, the Ibiza is back in charge with a fifth generation that even had the right to debut the MQB A0 compact platform from the Volkswagen Group. And to ensure that success continues, the Spanish brand continued to bet on the acronyms TDI and FR. To find out if these still do their “magic”, we tested the Ibiza 1.6 TDI FR.
Aesthetically, the Ibiza maintains the family feel, it's even relatively easy to mistake it not only for the Leon but also for post-restyling previous generation units (when you look at it from the front). Even so, the Spanish model presents itself with a sober look and, above all, with a posture that even allows it to disguise the segment to which it belongs.
Inside the SEAT Ibiza
Once inside the Ibiza, it is not difficult to see that this is a product from a Volkswagen Group brand. Well done in terms of ergonomics, the cabin of the Ibiza has a good build/assembly quality, with only a pity the predominance of hard plastics.
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Also in the Ibiza's cabin, the highlight is the good steering wheel that the FR version brings, much better than that found in other versions; for seats with a specific decoration and very comfortable on long journeys; and also for the infotainment system that is easy and intuitive to use.
In addition to being simple to use, the infotainment system has always welcome physical controls.
As for space, the Ibiza uses the MQB A0 platform to comfortably transport four adults and offer one of the largest luggage compartments in the segment with a total of 355 l, a value practically identical to the 358 l presented by the Mazda Mazda3 as well. bigger, and from a thread above!
With a capacity of 355 l, the Ibiza's trunk is one of the largest in the B-segment.
At the wheel of the SEAT Ibiza
When we sit behind the wheel of the Ibiza, the good ergonomics that, as a rule, characterizes the Volkswagen Group (and therefore SEAT) models comes back to the fore, as we find all the controls “at hand to seed” and reveals if very easy to find a good driving position.
Already underway, the FR version has an adaptive suspension that features slightly firmer damping and lower-profile tires. Even so, the Ibiza proves to be comfortable, with a solid tread, high stability and a posture that brings it closer to models from a segment above.
In dynamic terms, the Spanish utility vehicle proves to be competent and efficient and with high levels of grip, but not much fun. If it's true that all of this ends up helping those who want to go fast without getting scared, the fact remains that there are proposals that end up captivating more in this type of driving, even in the case of cars like the Mazda CX-3, from “pants rolled up” .
As for the engine, the unit that we were able to test had the 1.6 TDI in the 95 hp version associated with the seven-speed DSG gearbox. Without being a sprinter by nature, the engine proves to be capable of giving quite acceptable rhythms to the Ibiza. The DSG box, on the other hand, reveals all the qualities that have already been recognized for it, allowing it to be very easy to use.
Endowed with traditional driving modes, the differences between them are discreet, with the more “sports” modes allowing for a greater increase in rpm while the Eco mode favors earlier gear changes, all to reduce consumption.
Speaking of consumption, in a calm driving it is possible to reach very low values, in the house of 4.1 l/100 km , and if you're in a bit of a hurry, this Ibiza TDI FR offers consumption at home 5.9 l/100 km.
Is the car right for me?
Having reached its fifth generation, the Ibiza continues to present the same arguments that made it a reference. Practical, dynamically competent, robust and economical, in this FR TDI version, the Ibiza is the ideal option for those who want an SUV with a “spicy” look but don't give up on good consumption or need to travel many kilometers.
Equipped with equipment such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist system, the Spanish model even reveals a rugged “rib” that allows it to devour kilometers — and he believes that in this test we did a lot with it — in an economical and safe way.
Taking into account the arguments that the Ibiza that we have tested, the truth is that the acronyms FR and TDI continue to be synonymous with a slightly more “special” Ibiza, although in this case they are no longer synonymous with the performance levels of yesteryear .
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