Skip advert
Advertisement

SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive

A taste of eco cars to come from the Spanish firm

With an all-new Ibiza just round the corner, the outgoing model is on its last legs. But that doesn’t mean it’s lagged behind in the green race. SEAT’s new ECOmotive variant is one of only two cars eligible for the Group A tax band – the other being VW’s Polo Bluemotion. An ECOmotive version of the next Ibiza is also coming.

The current supermini uses the VW Group’s three-cylinder diesel engine, as seen in the Fabia GreenLine and Polo Bluemotion. Thanks to a revised ECU and diesel particulate filter, plus improved aerodynamics, it achieves impressive 99g/km emissions. Another benefit is claimed economy of 74.3mpg – identical to the Polo’s.

Unlike the VW, the SEAT has steel wheels with low-drag hubcaps rather than alloys. They do nothing to hide the car’s age, giving a low-rent look to match its dated cabin.

As with all Ibizas, the ECOmotive delivers a surprisingly sporty driving experience. Its powerplant is characterful, and in-gear pace is better than you might expect from a 79bhp unit.

But while the ultra-low-drag tyres are great for economy, they offer significantly less grip than conventional rubber in the wet. Steer the SEAT into a damp corner, and it’s easy to run out of traction at the front or rear.

In its favour, the £11,000 Ibiza is significantly cheaper than the Polo Bluemotion. The door mirrors are still manually operated, but air-con is standard and there’s even cruise control.

So while this Ibiza isn’t as good to own as the more practical, better-driving Skoda Fabia, it demonstrates we can expect plenty more from ECOmotive models in future – including an eco Leon this summer with 119g/km CO2 emissions.

Details

Price: £10,995
Model tested: Ibiza Ecomotive

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025