We're not particularly happy with the fact that SEAT chose to give the Ibiza yet another minor update instead of bringing out a brand new model. However, the changes they've made under the bonnet are important ones.
In particular, the availability of a 1-liter turbocharged engine is precisely what the sporty supermini from Spain needed to compete with the Ford Fiesta EcoBoost. Over 50% of all Fiestas are sold with a 1-liter engine, which means the 1.0 EcoTSI could play a major role.
The engine is derived from the 3-cylinder unit found in the Mii, Up! and Citigo. However, it has a turbocharger for more power. This is the first time such an engine has been available on a SEAT, but it is already available on select VW Polo and Golf models that wear the BlueMotion badge.
The least powerful version delivers 95 PS (70 KW) and 160 Nm of torque. There is also an 110 PS model with a whopping (for this class) 200 Nm of torque. The more powerful model is available with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
To improve efficiency, the engine features technologies such as brake energy recovery and stratified direct fuel injection. However, there will also be an even more frugal engine available with the Ibiza from now on.
All previous diesel engines have been replaced by the latest 1.4 TDI, which is another 3-cylinder unit. You may remember such an engine if you are a fan of the Audi A2, but the technology has advanced hugely since those days.
If it's power you are after the Ibiza Cupra is making an all-mighty return later this year. Its old 1.4-liter engine has been replaced by a 192 PS version of the 1.8 TSI used by the bigger Leon. Not only that, but prices have dropped, and a manual gearbox is available for the first time.
It seems like a great time to be a SEAT Ibiza fan!
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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