Seat Ibiza 1999 - 2002 1.4 Stats
Top speed 98 mph
0-60mph 15.1 seconds
Economy: 42.8 mpg
NCAP 3 stars
Why Buy: It’s a Volkswagen Polo but cheaper and missing the prestigious badge. It is cheap to run (insurance, fuel and servicing) though and very easy to live with. There is a surprising amount of room inside.
Equipment: Some of the basic models are very sparsely equipped, but a driver’s airbag and immobilser are standard. Sport model has air conditioning and TDi models all have ABS brakes.
Driving: Not a very sporty drive, but it is nicely composed which means it won’t frighten you or feel wayward. The ride is firm and it hardly rolls at all when cornering.
Marketplace: Not a huge number around and the good news is that you should find very tidy family owned examples.
Best Buys: The 1.9 TDi is the one to go for, which is a VW engine of course, that can be very economical. The Cupras are excellent hot hatches at a very affordable price.
Sum Up: Here is an overlooked supermini that is every bit as a capable as a VW Polo.
Words: James Ruppert