SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive review (2009 Onwards)

• What - SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive
• Where - Madrid, Spain
• Price - £11,000 (est)
• Available - February 2009
• Key rivals - Ford Fiesta ECOnetic

Summary

Cost-effective eco tweaks have a big effect. The Ibiza is the joint most fuel-efficient five-door the market - and, clattery engine apart, is a grown up and mature model on the road.

• We like: Superb economy, sophisticated feel, improved refinement over old model
• We don't like: Clattery TDI engine, pattery ride quality, some shiny interior plastics cloud strong build quality

Gallery: SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive

First Impressions

It was fitting for us to get a first drive in SEAT's all-new Ibiza Ecomotive. For the past few months, we've been running the old one, with impressive real-world economy. Here, the formula is very much the same. It's a hybrid-beater in terms of fuel economy - without the complication or expense of hybrid technology.

Instead, it uses a high-efficiency 1.4-litre diesel engine, with a particulate filter. The engine electronics are altered, so it injects fuel more precisely. There are skinny low-resistance tyres, and subtle alterations to the front grille and rear spoiler, so it passes more smoothly through the air. Simple tweaks - so SEAT can sell it for, go estimates, £11,000.

This is around £7000 cheaper than a Toyota Prius. It's also over £3500 less than a MINI Cooper D, and cheaper even than the forthcoming Ford Fiesta ECOnetic. Financially, the new SEAT makes a very strong case for itself - particularly as low CO2 emissions mean it qualifies for free road tax.

It is more stylish than the old car. That was just too basic-looking. This has been given a mild sporty makeover, with a lower ride height, and body-colour door mirrors and handles. It also has the same headlights as 'Sport' models - and comes in either five-door or racy Sport Coupe three-door guise, Both cost the same estimated price.

Performance

As soon as you turn the key, you know it's a diesel engine under the bonnet. The 1.4-litre produces fewer vibrations than in our long-termer, but it remains clattery at tickover. Its gravely voice does smooth with speed, though, and it's surprisingly refined at a cruise. It's also a decent performer.

There is a lot of in-gear punch, reducing use of the easy five-speed box. The surging feel is aided by a lower kerbweight, meaning it's more vigorous than you'd expect of an eco car. Turbo punch also means it's easier to drive than weaker petrol engines, meaning you really can have you cake and eat it. Just wear ear muffs.

Ride and Handling

The suspension is a bit lower, but otherwise it's unchanged. The only difference is to the tyres. You're restricted to 14-inch wheels with weedy-looking tyres. These are inflated to an amazing 41psi, to reduce resistance. This means the ride is pattery and irritable - it's a bit like pumping up the tyres too much on a bicycle.

But they do give you lots of 'feel' for the road. Grip isn't abundant, but it's very easy to drive quickly, something well judged suspension encourages. The light steering is crisp and sharp, as well. The mechanical bits, meanwhile, will be seen in Audi's forthcoming small car - and this shows in the sophisticated feel on the move.

Interior and Equipment

Apart from bespoke seat trim (and some unusual dark brown dashboard trim), this is the same as the standard Ibiza. It's a very well assembled interior, generally built from decent quality materials. It's just that a few plastic areas, like the door cappings, are hard and shiny to the touch. This takes the gloss off things.

It feels large and commodious, front seats are pleasantly firm, and the rear seat is high-set and comfortable. There's also lots of foot space in the back - it's a viable small family car, for committed eco-seeking clans. Unlike before, air conditioning is not standard, but a £500 option. Fitting it does not alter the CO2 rating.

Economy and Safety

To get 76.3mpg from a seemingly 'conventional' car is little short of staggering. SEAT hasn't resorted to hybrid trickery, or even a stop-start function. It's just carefully honed the basic car, eking out as many economy gains as it can. In this respect, it is a car very much in tune with the times.

On a run, the official figures say it is capable of well over 90mpg. Of course, nobody will see this in real life, but high-60s wouldn't be out of the question. Which, in practice, is much better than a Toyota Prius will achieve. Our long termer is averaging 68mpg - and this one is officially more economical....

A standard diesel particulate filter means emissions of toxic diesel fumes is eliminated. SEAT also revealed it could be more economical still - it would cost more, but the maker could fit low-resistance tyres and longer gear ratios. There's no need at the moment, as it's the class-leader without. But nothing's stopping you fitting special eco tyres, for more gains!

It has a five-star EuroNCAP crash test score. There are 3 three-point belts in the rear, side airbags are standard and you can fit curtain airbags as a cost-option. However, you can't choose wider, grippier tyres. There also isn't a spare wheel. This is to save weight. Instead, SEAT fits a 'get you home' inflation kit.

The MSN Cars Verdict 4/5

A seemingly innocuous car is actually a pretty impressive model. Here is a budget-priced model, with the build integrity of an Audi. It seats five in fair comfort, performs competently on the road. Most importantly, it returns some exceptional fuel economy figures. It beats any expensive hybrid into a cocked hat.

It shows that conventional engine technology still has a lot to offer. You don't need to drive it in a special way, or fill up with special fuel. Just treat it like any other diesel. A clattery engine is a small price to pay for such economy; it's not as hyped as a hybrid, but sometimes, understated really is best...

More pictures of the SEAT Ibiza
Driven: Ford Fiesta
Driven: Seat Ibiza