What they said when the Seat Ibiza was new… (Oct 29 2002)
SEAT'S ritzy Ibiza had it all to prove when the latest generation of models hit the road in late spring.
The cars joined a supermini scene already top heavy with tantalising new arrivals.
With an all-new Ford Fiesta battling for supremacy along with the likes of Citroen's chic little C3, a new look Volkswagen Polo and a masterpiece of packaging in the shape of the Honda Jazz, SEAT needed to dance to its own individual tune.
Most of the plaudits at the time centered round the SEAT's 'splash of the Med' style, its larger size, more sporty interior and generous levels of spec.
But for my money the big deal was all to do with the once dreaded D word ... diesel.
Not only did a new 130bhp turbocharged unit provide Ibiza with the most powerful diesel engine in its segment, but another magnificent unit, the 100bhp TDi from the Skoda Fabia, also joined the oil burning line-up.
Described by the VW-owned Spanish company as "a true technological jewel" it uses an advanced electronically controlled pump injector system providing loads of pulling power allied to fine performance.
If there's a criticism then it's that the power is delivered with a sudden rush. The engine also sounds quite noisy at pottering-round-town speeds.
But then when you have the sort of kick this car provides, along with an average fuel consumption of around 55mpg, those are fairly minor inconveniences.
Where the Ibiza also scores is with its ride and handling, and it's what they call an 'agile chassis' that makes the difference.
It combines special suspension settings with a computer programme that adjusts power steering assistance depending on how fast the steering wheel is turned and driving speed.
The result is more precise roadholding, sharper handling and quicker steering with better feedback to the driver.
With upwards of 2.7 million cars sold since its 1984 debut - more than 100,000 of them in the UK - the Ibiza is SEAT's all-time best seller.
And the latest model with its style, safety features and decent equipment level should continue the trend.
On the negative side, the Spanish company's once trademark reputation for outstanding value for money has taken a bit of a dent, in the case of the test car at least. At £12,495 on the road it's more expensive if livelier than the equivalent Fiesta, Clio or Fabia, though cheaper than the Polo.
As a bigger car than its predecessor, the latest Ibiza offers plenty of usable interior space and has a large, deep boot.
Standard kit includes twin airbags, electric front windows with one-touch function, eight-speaker CD sound system, immobiliser, remote central locking and body colour rear spoiler.
The test car's SE spec adds the likes of side airbags, ABS, traction control, air-con, alarm, rear electric windows, leather steering wheel and on-board computer.
Words: Mike Torpey
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