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SEAT Ibiza

If you fancy the image and reliability of Volkswagen's Polo, but can't afford the prices, then check out SEAT's Ibiza. The Spanish supermini appeared a year before the last-shape Polo in 1993, and remained in the range until it was replaced by an all-new model this year. It underwent two facelifts in its nine-year life.

December 2002

If you fancy the image and reliability of Volkswagen's Polo, but can't afford the prices, then check out SEAT's Ibiza. The Spanish supermini appeared a year before the last-shape Polo in 1993, and remained in the range until it was replaced by an all-new model this year. It underwent two facelifts in its nine-year life.
Based on a Polo chassis, the Ibiza has a funkier image than the VW, proving popular with younger drivers who like the low running costs of smaller-capacity models and the sporty feel of the Cupras. The excellent VW-sourced TDI engines make the most financial sense, as they are quicker and more economical than popular petrol units.
Lots of dealer special editions are available, usually with the 1.0 or 1.4-litre petrol powerplants. Well specced versions will make great second-hand buys, but E and CL trim are too basic.
Checklist
* Clutch cables wear out, as does the self-adjusting mechanism on the input shaft. Listen for clutch slip and check the pedal doesn't bite too high.
* A few minor electrical problems are common, especially in the ignition system. Repairs aren't expensive, but breakdowns are unpredictable.
* Early cars are starting to suffer from rust, notably in the rear sills and suspension mounts. Tailgates also rot if drainage channels aren't kept clean.
* The large doors don't have rubbing strips and are susceptible to parking damage. Replacement panels are ΂£200.
* High-mileage examples can suffer suspension wear - and owners often neglect the rear dampers. Check the ride quality in the rear and be wary of excess body roll in corners.
Glass's View
The Ibiza may have a budget image, but many buyers are becoming more aware of the tie-in between Volkswagen and SEAT, says trade bible Glass's Consumer Values. This means they're no longer afraid of the sporty Spanish brand, Ibizas are in reasonable demand, although prices remain much cheaper than those of the equivalent VW models. However, early examples are starting to look a bit scruffy.
My Ibiza...
Brian Wright is a big SEAT fan. "I bought my first Ibiza because it was larger than most small cars and had surprising power from the System Porsche engine," said the 67-year-old from Lanchester, County Durham. Since then, Brian has owned a further three Ibizas and a Toledo TDI. He bought his current car last year and, despite being retired, has covered 26,000 miles since he took delivery.
"I do a lot of driving in rural areas, where there is no public transport, and I also use it for going on holiday," said Brian. He pulls a caravan and is impressed with his Ibiza's towing ability. "I bought the 110bhp diesel last year, as I knew it would have more go than the normally aspirated version I had before. I've noticed a drop in fuel consumption from 60mpg to just over 55mpg without the caravan."
Brian can only remember one breakdown in his 14 years of SEAT cars. "I had a bracket go on top of the gearbox while on holiday, but the local agent managed to fix it within hours," he added. And there's no prizes for guessing Brian's next purchase... "I quite fancy a new 130bhp Ibiza TDI," he said.

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There are certain Ibizas that we'd go out of our way to avoid, as they're not pleasant to drive. Early 1.3s fit into this category because they are coarse and unrefined, as do the perilously slow 1.0 petrols and normally aspirated diesels. Otherwise, the Ibiza is a fine buy, although some early cars aren't that well built. Later models, especially those produced after 1996, are good quality and make refined cruisers. A 1.6 SE five-door is a competent all-rounder,
as are the excellent VW turbodiesels. Performance fans would be advised to seek out a good GTi and avoid the overpowered and overpriced Cupra.


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VERDICT

    There are certain Ibizas that we'd go out of our way to avoid, as they're not pleasant to drive. Early 1.3s fit into this category because they are coarse and unrefined, as do the perilously slow 1.0 petrols and normally aspirated diesels. Otherwise, the Ibiza is a fine buy, although some early cars aren't that well built. Later models, especially those produced after 1996, are good quality and make refined cruisers. A 1.6 SE five-door is a competent all-rounder,
    as are the excellent VW turbodiesels. Performance fans would be advised to seek out a good GTi and avoid the overpowered and overpriced Cupra.


 

OTHER EXPENSES

Depreciation:2
Running costs (ppm):31-61p
Insurance groups:3-18

HISTORY

    1993: Ibiza introduced to UK with 55bhp 1.3, 75bhp 1.6 and 90bhp 1.8 petrol engines, plus 64bhp 1.9 diesel. Three trims available: CL, CLX and GLX. CLX upwards come with electric windows and a sunroof. The 115bhp 2.0 GTi appears later in the year. Alloy wheels, all-round disc brakes and electric mirrors are fitted as standard, while ABS and traction control are options. 1994: 60bhp 1.4 introduced. Performance isn't much better than 1.3, but high-speed refinement is much improved. GTi gets 1.8-litre 130bhp unit. 1995: Entry-level 45bhp 1.0-litre CL arrives. Airbags available across range. 1996: Minor facelift adds smoked rear lenses and clear front indicators. All versions get body-coloured bumpers, specs are improved and VW-sourced 90bhp TD powerplant arrives. 1997: Cupra Sport introduced with 150bhp - swift, but chassis struggles.2000: Interior and chassis revisions. Cupra 1.8 gets turbo engine from Golf. Cool and Chill special editions appear. 2001: Launch of 110bhp TDI Sport and 1.8 Cupra R. Latter is great to drive, with 180bhp engine from Audi TT, but price and insurance are steep.
 
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