ROAD TEST/SEAT Ibiza 1.2: Concept cars such as the Salsa and the Tango are inspiring the design of SEAT's new cars. Michael McAleer tests the new Ibiza, the first of the range to get the treatment
Not only does SEAT want to be associated with Spanish culture and passion, hence the emocion advertising campaign. But it also wants the Ibiza to be thought of as a member of the sporting supermini set, burning up the roads, and new car sales figures, across Europe.
While its predecessor may have missed the boat on such connotations, particularly in the looks department, this latest version has succeeded.
The hand of former Alfa artist/designer Walter de Silva is clearly visible. Indeed, while the front grille is nowhere near as individual as the 147, it does have certain characteristics of that stylish Italian.
De Silva, of Alfa Romeo 156 fame, is now SEAT's design chief and, along with Steve Lewis, head of exterior design, worked on the new Ibiza's lines.
The circular lamps beneath transparent covers at the front, and more elongated grille, along with the sharper wedged profile, give this latest Ibiza a more potent appearance. SEAT point towards the Salsa concept car for inspiration.
The two concept cars designed under the influence of De Silva - the Salsa and the Tango - are said to be the templates for a design overhaul of the entire Seat range in the coming years. The Ibiza is the first model to get the new-style makeover.
While there is a noticeable influence of the Salsa, we can only hope that a closer copy of this smart sporty concept car will finally make its way into production. Perhaps a racier version of the Ibiza? We can only hope.
Inside, while the steering wheel retains the sporty characteristics, and the red lighting in the dash does add that touch of raciness at night, the cluttered numbers on the speedometer are not for the short-sighted and are often difficult to read.
This excuse will not, however, prevent you from getting points on your licence. But it may be worth a try.
The handling and ride of the Ibiza are on theme with the sportier image, and the ride is firm, particularly on urban routes. In fact, it can be positively rough on temporary road surfaces.
But this all adds to the positive control and ride. According to SEAT engineers, they have improved the steering feel with the use of electro-hydraulic assistance that takes into account speed, rapid wheel turning by the driver among other indications and adjusts the steering feel accordingly.
The Ibiza is based on the popular Volkswagen supermini platform that was first introduced on the Skoda Fabia in 2000 and since then on the VW Polo.
Compared to the previous Ibiza, the interior is more roomy, with greater width, height and legroom. Overall length has increased by 77 mm and it's 58 mm wider and 19 mm taller than before.
The SEAT follows a long list of models in the supermini category that have grown up of late. Others to increase their size include the Ford Fiesta and Citroën with its C3 supermini entrant.
In the boot, a highly competitive feature in the category, the new Seat offers 17 litres more than previously, bringing it up to 267 litres. That's also 17 litres more than the Polo and seven more than the Fabia. However, it's still less with the rear seats up than the Ford Fiesta or the acclaimed Citroën C3.
One benefit of the larger boot is that the spare wheel is no longer a space saver but the same size as the standard wheels.
In the rear, three passengers can sit with relative comfort, though ideally two adults could travel in the back.
The test car we drove was the 1.2-litre 64 bhp powered low specification Stella version. It is the same engine used in the Polo and to be introduced to the Fabia range next year.
This is a nippy little town car that offers good value for money in a cost conscious market segment. It offers good room in the boot and rear seats, with ample headroom and good visibility.
For its size it can certainly hold its own, even if it does let you know its working. It proved more than up to in-town traffic and comfortable with motorway runs.
Where it dissapointed was in the significant engine noise. It would seem that SEAT needs to do some more work keeping the decibels down, and the result is that the small-engined Ibiza seems a lot cruder than it really is.
Undoubtedly, this had more to do with the factthat it's such a small if surprisingly powerful engine, than any problem that will factor in across the model range.
The engine range available includes a 1.4-litre petrol and a much-praised 1.9 TDi, offering a cracking 130 bhp. We drove this engine in the new Cordoba recently and found it very lively. In the Ibiza the performance would doubtless be just as impressive.
The specifications follow the standard SEAT format, with three versions on offer. These include the usual array of electric windows at the front and central locking as standard.
However, while you are more than prepared to sacrifice such optional extras as parking aid censors or electric mirrors in the cost conscious lower segment of the market, it's an omission to make ABS standard at only the highest specification standard. Also side airbags are not standard on any Ibiza specification package.
But, argue those who work at this level of the market, a key deciding factor for buyers is price and value for money. While not the cheapest on the market, the Ibiza does offer value for money with arguably more appealing sporty lines than many of its competitors.
With a younger market in mind, SEAT seems to have got it right. With a sharper look and the same engine sizes on offer, you can see why some may choose the Ibiza over its fellow VW small platform cousins.
FACTFILE:
ENGINE: 1,198cc 12 valve engine with 64 hp at 5,400 rpm and to a maximum torque of 112 Nm at 3,000 rpm. Five-speed transmission.
PERFORMANCE: 0-60 mph in 14.7 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph.
SPECIFICATION: Power steering, central locking, front and passenger airbags, electric windows (front)
FUEL: Urban 37.2mpg: Extra-urban 55.4 mpg. Combined 47.9 mpg.
PRICE: €13,990 to €22,840.
THE COMPETITION
Seat Ibiza 1.2 64 bhp Stella 5dr. 1,198cc; 14.7 (0-60); 99 max speed; 64 bhp; 47.9 mpg combined; €14,440
Renault Clio 1.2 16V 5dr. 1,149cc; 13 (0-60); 106 max speed; 75 bhp; 47.9 mpg combined; €14,750.
VW Polo 1.2 (65 bhp) 5dr. 1,198cc; 14.7 (0-60); 99 max speed; 65 bhp; 47.9 mpg combined. €15,310.
Skoda Fabia 1.4 Classic. 1,397; 15.4 (0-60); 101 max speed; 68 bhp; 39.2 mpg combined; €13,210.
Ford Fiesta 1.3i Finesse 5dr. 1,297cc; 15.8 (0-60); 94 max speed; 67 bhp; 45.6 mpg combined; €14,395.