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SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive vs Ford Fiesta ECOnetic

SEAT’s Ibiza Ecomotive meets Ford’s Fiesta ECOnetic in battle for green honours

SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive Vs. Ford Firsta ECOnetic

November 2009

In the golden age of motoring, stopping to fill up with petrol was a pleasure. Your local garage would be manned by a cheery attendant, who would greet you with a wave and do the honours.

Stopping was all part of the journey, rather than an irritating delay.

It simply doesn’t compare to the modern experience, where filling up is a grimy and expensive chore. Self-service pumps, queues and costly debit card transactions are now the order of the day – so it’s no surprise motoring has lost its romantic appeal.

Help is at hand in the form of the latest generation of eco models. And the green superminis we put to the test here claim to return impressive economy, as well as reduce forecourt visits at a stroke. Both the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive and Ford Fiesta ECOnetic should be able to deliver 76mpg, and emit only 98g/km of CO2.

The Ford has proven to be the smash hit of 2009. It has dominated the best sellers’ chart, and was the first car this year to top more than 100,000 sales. Can the fuel-sipping Spaniard beat it in the eco stakes?

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

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6 Comments

What's the answer then?

There is no comparison test and no result! Another AE waste of time so it seems.

By thorntonjames on 24 November, 2009, 4:09pm

the fiesta is the winner for me.it has more style and performance than the seat.the seat has a 3 cylinder engine which is getting a bit out of date and it is underpowerd too. the ford has 4 cylinders and it is more quiet.if i had the choice between these two i will go for the fiesta.

By charles1313 on 24 November, 2009, 6:41pm

As usual you favour the Ford. It seems to me that Ford Rules OK at Autocar. You have even called the Ford the Firsta in your title, which is sums things up really. Perhaps you should not waste readers time by doing a comparison since everything you write is always biased toward the Ford. Personally I would always favour a SEAT over any Ford. Overall they are better value, hold their value much better, and personally I hate the styling of the Fiesta at the back end. It really looks as though someone has squashed it. Incidentally, pehaps you should actually bother to show a comparison on the price of each of these cars - quite a crucial point really.

By Debbie312 on 24 November, 2009, 10:54pm

Once again the majestic Fiesta is praised over all else! I can understand the biased for a car so ingrained in British culture but really! I drive fiesta's on a regular basis and this "great handling" I keep hearing about is never present. The car wallows around corners and lack of supportive driving seats gives a feeling of seasickness. For a small car it’s ok but not as good as the Ibiza and some other smaller cars.

Looks wise, the Peugeot like bulging panels remind me of a skinny gut in a sumo suit, all padding and no real presence. Take a three door Ibiza in its coupe style and sit it next to a frock wearing Fiesta and if you prefer the fiesta then you probably watch strictly come dancing for the glittery sequined dresses.

Now to the “Eco” test… well yes, the gear ratios on the Ibiza are lengthened and the spec is lower to as its whole mandate is biased towards saving fuel. But if its spec that’s missing from the eco version, just pay £200 more and get the 1.6 tdi cr sport. 16” Alloys, electric windows, electric wing mirrors, sports seats, sports suspension, aux in, mp3, 60/40 split rear seats, front “cornering” fog lights…. The list goes on and on. Fair enough it will cost a whopping £35 to tax a year and “only” returns 64mpg combined but its still over a grand cheaper than the ford and wont depreciate faster than a Maybach! And what a punchy, quiet engine!

Really. Its no contest, fair enough people who don’t know cars will always go to a known brand like ford, but spend I little bit more time and you can find some real gems lurking round the next corner…

By Paddy1979 on 26 November, 2009, 11:22am

Paddy1979 remeber that Fiesta is a German car....

By miki123 on 26 November, 2009, 9:59pm

Paddy1979 - are you really talking about the new Fiesta - and not the old one? I've got a petrol one and it's the most refined & fun small car I've ever driven! It really has a quality feel to it. It looks great. And I dig the inside dash...

By manners on 27 November, 2009, 8:24pm

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Full Car Reviews

SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive Vs. Ford Firsta ECOnetic

1st Ford Fiesta ECOnetic

Does supermini class leader work as well in green guise?
SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive Vs. Ford Firsta ECOnetic

2nd SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive

All-new model puts maximum mpg at top of priority list
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

These superminis show just how much can be achieved without resorting to complicated and futuristic fuel-saving technology. Simple measures like revised gearing and optimised engines deliver impressive economy, without sacrificing practicality. And neither car carries much of a premium over standard versions.

The SEAT is clearly the cheaper and more economical choice, although the trade-off is a more compromised driving experience. And we think the price you pay behind the wheel is simply too high considering the narrow green advantage the Ibiza has at the pumps.

If you want an eco model without sacrificing anything, the Fiesta is the car for you. It’s a cracking all-rounder that disguises its green tweaks incredibly well. Yes, it looks expensive, but we think the more flexible engine and refined performance are worth the extra.

1st:
Ford Fiesta

Another win for the all-conquering Ford. It’s more efficient than a regular Fiesta model, but no less enjoyable to drive and own – making it the perfect compromise. We think that its price premium is worth paying.

2nd:
SEAT Ibiza

The SEAT is the economy leader in this pairing, but there’s more to this test than pure efficiency. Despite its bargain price, the Ibiza Ecomotive’s driving experience has too many flaws for the car to take victory.

 
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