Seat Ibiza 1.4se
It appears things are hoting up in the SEAT camp. Their best selling car both here in the UK and worldwide has just been given a sizzling makeover. The result is the fourth generation Ibiza that Seat hope will put them at pole position in this highly competitive supermini segment
Quite a lot has changed from the outgoing model starting with the trim names that have been replaced with S, rising through to S A/C to SE and finally topping the range, Sport. Initially there will be only three petrol engines, the 70 PS 1.2 litres; 85 PS 1.4 litres and a brand new 105 PS 1.6 litre. The diesels will be along in 2009 as SEAT are waiting for new technology currently being developed in a secret location at their state of the art factory in Martorell. I would never make a good spy would I? Prices start from £8,995 for the 1.2 litres mated to the S trim that is in fact cheaper than the equalivant predecessor that cost £9,325, rising to £11,295 for the 1.6 litres on the Sport trim. The one I am focusing on is the 1.4 SE that is expected to be SEAT’s bestseller, costing £10,395
Given that SEAT’s design Director is Luc Donckerwolke, a former Lamborghini stylist it comes as no surprise that this new Ibiza is a fabulous looking car highlighted by the new Arrow Design at the front and Dynamic lines commonly known as ‘crease lines’ as seen on the SEAT siblings. However it is the colour-coded bumper that twists around the honeycomb air intakes, which incorporate the front fog lights, that really gives this new Ibiza a radiant glow. Colour coded door handles and door mirrors – electrically adjustable plus 15-inch alloys make up the finishing touches. New colours adorn the Ibiza such as Citrus Yellow that is actually more lime and should come with compulsory sunglasses, or the Emocion Red that will probably appeal to the younger drivers.
Entering the bright spacious Ibiza is a very funky two toned dashboard and lots of on board equipment all as standard. These include a height adjustable three-spoke steering wheel with remote audio buttons and cruise control, electric windows, an integrated CD radio player with and AUX IN connection for iPod or MP3 players, height adjustable front seats and air conditioning. As an optional extra, is the facility to connect a portable satnav system directly to the dashboard using a pre-installed dock thus eliminating any need for cables and the need to constantly clean the windows from suction cap marks.
Storage space is plentiful in the front from slim door pockets, a good size glove box, bottle holders and deep boxes scattered around. The shopping will fit neatly into the 292 litres of boot space. However there is a distinct lack of binnacles in the rear and not that much room. I would be surprised if three adults could sit comfortably for long.
The 1.4 litre engine at the heart of this new Ibiza was not as quick as one would have thought taking 12.2 seconds to reach 62mph and claims a top speed of 108 mph which I found a tad disappointing. The engine has been refined to produce less CO2 emissions of 149 g/km thus falling into VED band C at £120 per annum. That is good news as is the fuel consumption of 45.5 mpg on a combined cycle. The ride and handling boasts wider tracks and improvements to SEAT’s renowned Agile Chassis concept but nothing to make a song and dance over. The Ibiza features new disc brakes all round that are ventilated at the front with EBA being another optional extra. What I did like was the power assisted steering that made manoeuvring in and out of the parking bays Childs play.
Having been awarded already with five stars for passenger protection, four stars for child protection and three for pedestrian protection in the Euro NCAP ratings, the Ibiza is officially the safest car in its class. Standard across the whole range is a new driver airbag that is lighter in weight and less complicated than its predecessor, new side head thorax airbags and optional side curtain airbags. ABS is on all Ibiza’s while ESP with EBA and TCS Traction Control are more optional extras. The front seatbelts have pre-tensioners and the rear ISOFIX mountings.
Securing the Ibiza is a rolling code immobiliser and remote central locking with alarm another optional extra thus falls into insurance group 3.
Well the Ibiza did not see me sizzling with excitement nor did it leave shiveringly cold. More like a rainbow kind of feel. Beautiful to look but short lived. Watch out of the long list of optional extras that could easily spiral out of control and really send temperatures soaring.
Jackie Violet – Female First