SEAT Ibiza ECOmotive driven

The sporty SEAT Ibiza has just turned green – and there’s not a hybrid drive­train or electric motor in sight.

Instead, the Spanish flier relies on diesel power combined with some aero­dynamic tweaks and a weight-losing diet. And the result is nearly 75mpg!

But as SEAT has built its reputation on hot hatches, are fans of the brand ready for an environmental evolution of the Ibiza? Auto Express got behind the wheel exclusively to find out.

Badged ECOmotive, the newcomer is based on the standard Ibiza 1.4 TDI, and borrows technology from parent firm Volkswagen’s Polo BlueMotion. The most obvious is the five-speed gear­box, which has extra-long ratios.

Under the skin, there’s also a particulate filter and an exhaust gas recirculation system, which make the Ibiza one of the cleanest-running cars on sale, with a CO2 output of 99g/km.

Unlike the Polo, exterior modifi­cations aren’t obvious. In fact, the ECOmotive looks like any other Ibiza. However, a closer inspection reveals skinny, low-rolling-resistance tyres fit­ted to 14-inch steel wheels covered with aerodynamic trims. This change reduces both drag and weight.

Climb aboard, and you’ll find further evidence of the diet. The electric adjustment on the door mirrors is ditched in favour of a manual set-up, and the air-con has been removed. In the rear, a single bench seat replaces the split-fold layout of the TDI.

As a result of these changes, the ECO­motive weighs 1,119kg, which is 22kg less than the standard car. Yet the equipment list is still reasonable, there’s plenty of space and the Ibiza is comfortable, too. It’s just a pity the plastics used on the dashboard are so hard and shiny; they take the edge off an otherwise solid interior.

Out on the road, the ECOmotive impresses. The three-cylinder engine is noisy but characterful, providing the Ibiza with a good turn of speed. Better still, with a healthy 195Nm of torque, an extra-tall fifth gear and a supple ride, the newcomer makes a swift and refined motorway companion.

That doesn’t mean it’s out of its depth in corners. Even with narrow tyres, the Seat is fun to drive, thanks to accurate steering and a great chassis. And with a list price of £10,500, plus emissions so low that it’s exempt from road tax, this Ibiza is as kind to your wallet as it is to the planet.

Rival: VW Polo BlueMotion
The small VW donates mechanical parts to the Ibiza, but has a higher-quality interior. However, it’s not as fun to drive as the SEAT, and will set you back nearly £12,000.