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SEAT Ibiza 1.2 TSI

Does the addition of a small turbocharger improve SEAT's sporty city runabout? Auto Express took a drive to find out

SEAT Ibiza 1.2 TSI front track

By Mark Nichol

May 2011

  • Rating:

This new small engine aims to make a big impression on SEAT’s Ibiza. On paper, the 1.2-litre TSI unit sounds weedy, but thanks to a turbocharger, it develops 104bhp – that’s 20bhp more than the 1.4-litre petrol version of the supermini, and the same as the 1.6-litre TDI diesel.

The powerplant has recently featured in the Leon hatch, so in the smaller Ibiza it makes a lot of sense, especially with combined fuel economy of 55.4mpg.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the SEAT Ibiza

 

With peak torque of 175Nm arriving at only 1,550rpm, it’s flexible. But this version of the Ibiza is no hot hatch rival – as with a diesel, it’s at its best when pulling from low revs. Still, it’s faster than the 1.6-litre petrol it replaces, and also over 10mpg more economical, thanks to the added benefit of stop-start technology.

These qualities make the 1.2 TSI more appealing than the gruff diesel, plus the Ibiza’s usual charms remain. It’s neatly designed, well built and has plenty of space. And while the firm low-speed ride and flawed motorway comfort can grate, this is still one of the best superminis on the road.

For an alternative review of the latest Seat Ibiza visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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4 Comments

so why 3 stars then

By cosworth28 on 12 May, 2011, 8:08pm

You took the words right out of my mouth...

Cosworth28, you nailed it :-

(1) quote: "...this is still one of the best superminis on the road";
(2) rating: 3 stars;
(3) Review credibility: a big fat ZERO.

By FloatingVoter on 13 May, 2011, 2:45pm

I agree

maybe SEAT dont slip autoexpress any cash to endorse thier products any more? thats how WHAT HI FI do it!

By fastpep1 on 13 May, 2011, 7:05pm

AUTOEXPRESS IS DISGRACEFUL

AE quote: " ... one of the best superminis on the road ... ". But rated 3 Stars by AE. No response from AE to my comment (above). I don't even drive one of these, but what am I meant to think? AE, get your act together before we start buying "What Car"!

By FloatingVoter on 2 June, 2011, 8:38pm

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Pictures

SEAT Ibiza 1.2 TSI front track
SEAT Ibiza 1.2 TSI rear
SEAT Ibiza 1.2 TSI interior
SEAT Ibiza 1.2 TSI engine

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FIRST OPINION

    The new TSI engine has genuine character, and it gives the SEAT a decent turn of speed whether around town or on the motorway. Yet if all you really want is a runaround, you should ask yourself if the TSI is £2,000 better than the basic, non-turbo 1.2-litre model. There’s no doubt it’s a good all-rounder, and worthy of serious thought over a diesel version of the supermini – but we think you can find all the Ibiza you’ll need without spending this much. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £13,490
    Engine: 1.2-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
    Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 104bhp/175Nm
    0-62mph: 9.8 seconds
    Top speed: 118mph
    Economy: 55.4mpg
    CO2: 119g/km
    Equipment: Alloy wheels, air-conditioning, electric windows, cruise control, CD player
    On sale: Now
     
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