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SEAT Ibiza

SEAT Ibiza 1.4 STDI

Ever since SEAT made its debut in Britain, the Spanish brand has employed a no-nonsense policy on the cost of its cars. What's more, its cheaper models remain a cut above those of other manufacturers.

By Craig Cheetham

July 2003

Ever since SEAT made its debut in Britain, the Spanish brand has employed a no-nonsense policy on the cost of its cars. What's more, its cheaper models remain a cut above those of other manufacturers.

The current Ibiza is a case in point being fine to drive, competitively priced and built to last. But is it really as good as it seems? Judging by the latest diesel variant, we're not so sure. With a ΂£11,000 price tag, the 75bhp oil-burner isn't that cheap. It's not lacking equipment, as electric front windows, air-conditioning and a decent CD player are all included as standard, but you have to put up with a plain cabin, cheap-looking plastic wheeltrims and manually adjustable door mirrors.

The VW Group's three-cylinder turbo-diesel has been criticised for sounding clattery at tickover, and in the Ibiza the drone is too loud. Around town, you can hear the oil-burner working hard between every gearchange, making for tiresome progress. Fortunately, it is much more refined at speed and the car cruises effortlessly at the legal limit.

A 0-60mph time of 13.9 seconds doesn't sound quick, although a steady output of torque makes the newcomer feel markedly quicker than the figures suggest. When you include a combined fuel economy figure of 61mpg, the SEAT supermini seems even more attractive - until you realise you can have a VW Polo powered by the same engine for nearly ΂£100 less.

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FIRST OPINION

    There's not a lot wrong with this SEAT, but there are better cars with superior equipment for the money. The Ibiza costs more than a Fiesta TDCi LX, Nissan Micra dCi SE and Vauxhall Corsa DTi Elegance, and is dearer than the similarly equipped VW Polo TDI S. For that reason alone, it's difficult to recommend it.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Three-door version is available, priced at £10,500
    CO2 emissions 124g/km
     
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