Diesel engines have not had an easy life for the past two years. This year was particularly severe, with many “dark clouds” hanging over the future.
Uncertainties about its future are reflected in the sales tables, where the sale of diesel engines has declined across Europe. It is in this state of affairs that we got to know the new SEAT Ibiza 1.6 TDI.
Why Diesel?
Considering the drop in sales and the uncertainties about its future, it's definitely “the” question. Antonio Valdivieso, Director of Product Communications at SEAT responded shortly.
Why Diesel? It's still relevant.
Although sales are declining, they still represent a considerable share of SEAT Ibiza sales in Europe. In Portugal, in 2016, 37% of all Ibiza sold were Diesel. And in the rest of Europe we find quotas ranging from 17% in Ireland to 43% in Italy — the latter even means a 1% increase in quota between 2015 and 2016.
One cannot simply ignore such impressive sales volume. What's more, diesel engines still have a role to play in meeting the EU's CO2 emission targets — hybrids and electrics simply don't sell in enough volume to make up for the absence of diesel engines.
And speaking of sales…
Good news for SEAT in 2017 as they are having a fantastic year. Sales are increasing, as are profits — 12.3% between January and September, compared to 2016, translating into 154 million euros. In the last month of November alone, sales rose 18.7%, and in the year to date, 14.7%, compared to 2016. In absolute terms, SEAT sold 435 500 cars.SEAT Ibiza is one of the candidates for the World Car Awards 2018
At the wheel
The 1.6 TDI that equips the Ibiza is an old acquaintance. The sound is not the most captivating, but far from being annoying — the Ibiza turned out to be well built and soundproofed. We had the opportunity to try out the more powerful version, the FR with 115 hp and six-speed manual gearbox. Only from 1500 rpm does the engine truly “wake up”, precisely when the 250 Nm of maximum torque appears, which is maintained up to 2600 rpm.
Of course, medium speeds are the engine's comfort zone. Performances are acceptable — 10 sec from 0 to 100 km/h — but where the 1.6 TDI really felt “at home” was on the highway. Undoubtedly the recommended option for those who travel many kilometers.
The Ibiza continues to amaze with its maturity — stable and robust. The route taken took us to some mountain roads and Ibiza was not intimidated. The chassis is really very good: precise and efficient, without sacrificing comfort.
Two power levels
The SEAT Ibiza 1.6 TDI will be available in Portugal with two power levels, 95 and 115 hp, and three possible transmissions. The 95 hp can be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG (dual clutch). The 115 hp comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox.
To comply with all standards (Euro6), the 1.6 TDI already comes with a selective reduction catalyst (SCR), so it includes an AdBlue tank, located on the right side of the vehicle, with a refueling point near the fuel nozzle. At the moment, the engine is certified for the NEDC cycle, but the brand guarantees that it will be certified for the strictest WLTP and RDE test cycles, which everyone will have to comply with from September 1, 2018.
Prices for Portugal
The SEAT Ibiza 1.6 TDI is already available in Portugal in a 95 hp version with manual gearbox. The seven-speed DSG gearbox as well as the 115 hp version will arrive later, in late January or early February 2018.
| Version | Speed Box | Power (hp) | CO2 emissions (g/km) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6TDI CR REFERENCE | 5 speed manual | 95 | 99 | €20,373 |
| 1.6TDI CR STYLE | 5 speed manual | 95 | 99 | €22,073 |
| 1.6TDI CR STYLE | DSG 7 speed | 95 | 99 | €23,473 |
| 1.6TDI CR XCELLENCE | 5 speed manual | 95 | 99 | €23 573 |
| 1.6TDI CR XCELLENCE | DSG 7 speed | 95 | 99 | €24,973 |
| 1.6TDI CR XCELLENCE | 6 speed manual. | 115 | 102 | €24,194 |
| 1.6TDI CR FR | DSG 7 speed | 95 | 99 | €25,068 |
| 1.6TDI CR FR | 6 speed manual. | 115 | 102 | €24,194 |