SEAT Ibiza Gets 1.6-liter TDI CR 90 HP Engine

The revised Ibiza lineup will come equipped with 1.6-liter TDI CR engine in both 5-door and SC version, the Spanish car manufacturer confirmed. This is the first time SEAT's Ibiza is offered with a common rail system and, according to a press release, the company took this decision because such a configuration is capable of delivering enhanced engine performance while reducing all levels of noise, fuel consumption plus emissions.

Stepping to some official performance figures, the 1.6-liter TDI CR engine generates 90 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, with average fuel consumption reaching 4.2 l/100 (56 mpg) in combined conditions. The engine produces 109 grams of CO2 per kilometer, according to SEAT, and is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. More importantly, it fully complies with Euro 5 emission regulations that will become mandatory across the continent in 2010.

The engine will enter the the Ibiza range between the current 80 hp 1.4 TDI and 105 hp 1.9 TDI engines, replacing the 90 hp 1.9 TDI engine. Additionally, it "signals the gradual start of including the common rail system to the Ibiza range," which gives us a hint that more common rail engines are expected to be offered on Ibiza in the near future.

SEAT says the new Ibizas featuring this kind of engine will offer exactly the same standard equipment levels as the other models in the range, with every single version qualifying for Spanish incentives - buyers of the 1.6 TDI CR-equipped Ibizas will will avoid paying the registration taxes thanks to the low emission rating of this particular unit.