More than 30 years later, the Ibiza is there for the curves. And SEAT too. In 2016, the company achieved the best financial results in its history, with an operating profit of 143 million euros. And we can point the finger at some «guilty» for these results… the new generation of Leon and the new Ateca. The arrival of the new generation of SEAT Ibiza should help consolidate this growth.
The new SEAT Ibiza has what it takes to remain a sales success. Why? That's what we'll try to find out in the next few lines.
Shall we look at it?
Before I tell you what the first sensations were behind the wheel of the new SEAT Ibiza, it's worth taking a closer look at it. It's an Ibiza, no doubt about it. The “DNA” of the brand is very evident on all surfaces. At the front, the triangular Full LED headlamps and iconic daylights make the new Ibiza immediately recognizable. The bonnet and chrome grille recall the Leon – not least because, as we'll see later, the Ibiza is more “grown up” and has approached the dimensions of its “older brother”. Similarities with Leon may not suit everyone.
Looking at the profile of the Ibiza, the four wheels placed at the ends of the body stand out, making its appearance more dynamic and sporty. The longer wheelbase and the glazed surface line accentuate the model's dimensions, while the widened waistline running the entire length of the bodywork – combining sharp lines with smooth surfaces – lends a more striking and three-dimensional presence to the whole.
The rear body section is closest to the previous generation. The single-body taillights surround the car, integrating the widening of the mudguards, and the striking lines of the trunk and bumpers give it a more robust appearance. The FR version brings details that underline the sporty character, such as the two tailpipes integrated in the diffuser or the sporty front grille. The XCellence level, in turn, receives the chrome details that emphasize a more refined and sophisticated presence.
Lets go in.
Inside, the good impression remains. The new SEAT Ibiza is bigger, more space and the build quality has also improved.
Although the brand constantly targets the younger audience, I am convinced that the dimensions of this Ibiza will allow it to even assume family functions. In the suitcase for Barcelona there was no room for a child seat, but when I try it out in Portugal I promise to take the test (remember me, please!). The width in the passenger compartment, for example, has grown 55 mm for the driver and 16 mm for the passenger, while in the rear seat legroom has increased by 35 mm and for the head by 17 mm. The seats are now 42mm wider.
Ok, let's go to less abstract numbers… if before a passenger with 1.75 meters was a little snug in the back seat, now, in the new Ibiza, it can travel more comfortably. I took the test (I'm 1.74m), and it's proven. You can't cross your legs and open a newspaper, but there's room to take a long trip comfortably and even more importantly… without constantly stopping at those expensive highway stores. “A croquette and a coffee? It's €3.60, please.” Say whaaat!?!?!
The driving position is correct, the seats are comfortable and well supported. I just didn't like the wheel rim diameter - eventually it will be a matter of habit.
The trunk also grew 63 liters, reaching a total volume of 355 liters – a benchmark in the class. The loading plane is also lower and we have to take our hats off to the brand for that. It is not always easy to combine design solutions with practical aspects. SEAT did it.
And the build quality? Strict, no doubt. Within the segment, the new SEAT Ibiza is one of the models that uses the best materials and the assembly is nothing to owe, even to models from the segment above. Be careful Leon...
I also liked the position of all the controls and instruments, oriented towards the driver and without requiring us to take our eyes off the road to control functions as basic as the air conditioning. Another detail that I liked (I even said thank you out loud!) was the presence of physical buttons to control the radio – there are models that exaggerate the touch screen functions, this is not the case. And speaking of the Full Link connectivity system (with an 8-inch screen), it must be said that the system is very simple and intuitive to use.
Integration with smartphones is assured in all versions – in the more equipped versions there is even a wireless charging “carpet”, which thanks to an induction charging system eliminates the cables that we constantly lose (we shouldn't be alone in this…). Continuing with the theme of connectivity, SEAT is determined to become one of the brands at the forefront in this matter and in the development of new mobility solutions with the Connected Car concept. The new SEAT Ibiza is another step in this direction.
At the wheel
The driving position is correct, the seats are comfortable and well supported. I just didn't like the diameter of the steering wheel rim – eventually it will be a matter of habit. On the other hand, the feel of the steering, gearbox (in versions with manual gearbox) and pedals is just right.
We have to talk about the "elephant in the room": there won't be a Cupra version.
The truth is that I couldn't have started my driving shift with a better version to explore the potential of the new Ibiza “to the full”. I'm naturally talking about the new 150hp SEAT Ibiza FR 1.5 TSI with DSG7 box. Still within the city of Barcelona and in a calm atmosphere, it was already possible to notice the services of the new MQB A0 platform – Ibiza had the honor of debuting this new platform from the Volkswagen Group. The new Ibiza feels solid in the way it faces all types of floors. And it is thanks to this structural strength that the suspension manages to play its role so well.
Another of the important points is the C-EPS steering (Column Electric Power System) with electromechanical assistance, which proudly plays its role in transmitting feedback to the driver. The front suspension is a McPherson type and at the rear is a semi-rigid axle. In addition, the FR versions offer an option of a set of shock absorbers with electronic control that allows the choice of two settings from the cabin (Normal and Sport). I strongly advise this option if you opt for the FR version.
In "normal" mode, driving comfort stands out, in "sport" mode the Ibiza FR takes on a new character and we've become a good partner for a mountain section.
Dual personality?
From Ibiza FR I jumped directly to his “brother” Ibiza XCellence. In terms of equipment, these two versions simultaneously occupy the top of the Ibiza range.
In the Ibiza XCellence, the sportier posture of the Ibiza FR gives way to a more refined posture. Differences that are noticeable on the outside (design), inside (equipment) and posture on the road (tailored suspensions for greater comfort and higher profile tires). The curved sharpness of the XCellence is less, but the feeling of comfort on board is greater. We can talk about an Ibiza with a dual personality… it's up to you to choose the version that best meets your needs.
I can't believe I'm going to write this but… I chose XCellence. Or maybe it's the proximity of 32-year-olds speaking the loudest. The 115 hp 1.0 TSI version runs well and spends little. We easily print very animated rhythms in this version. The Diesel versions remained to be tested, which, given the growing competence of the new gasoline engines, make less and less sense. Just do the math.
the engines
I'm not going to tell you about the sensations behind the wheel of the Diesel versions, because as I said, I only drive the petrol versions. But there are engines for all tastes and budgets. Starting with the 1.0 engine with 75 hp proposed for a nice 15,355 euros. Although for 600 euros more, SEAT proposes a much more interesting engine, the 1.0 TSI with 95 hp. In my opinion, the competent chassis of the Ibiza deserves an engine with more «soul» and the 75 hp atmospheric engine must miss it. A perception that lacks contact with the model in Portuguese lands.
Diesel versions start at 20,073 euros (Reference 1.6 TDI of 95hp) and go up to 23,894 euros (FR 1.6 TDI of 115hp). You can consult the full price list here.
Let's go to the "elephant in the room"? It is true. There will be no Cupra version. I had already read this news on some international websites, but I had to confront SEAT officials with the question: will there be a new SEAT Ibiza Cupra or not? The answer was a resounding “no”. It wasn't a “let's think”, “let's ponder”, none of that… it was a round “no”. Why? Because according to those responsible for SEAT, the performance level of the FR version is already quite high. Launching a Cupra version of the current Ibiza would force it to surpass 200 hp. And if that happened, we would enter into an escalation of values that, according to the brand, few customers are willing to pay.
It's a shame, because the competence of the FR version leaves us thinking: “And how would the Ibiza be in a Cupra version”. We won't know the answer...
