SEAT Ibiza Review
Published: 2nd July 2006
SEAT Ibiza
FR stands for Formula Racing and this particular Ibiza is speedy, taking 8.4 seconds to get from zero to 62mph and from there the top speed of 134mph isn’t far away. Where permitted, of course.
Both the petrol and diesel FR's have manual transmissions; 5-speed for the petrol and 6-speed for the diesel. In fact, the only Ibiza format with an automatic gearbox is the 1.4 Stylance.
Personally, I’d much rather enjoy the notchy gearchange. First gear is quite long, which is great for quick getaways and, at the opposite end of the scale, stop/start town traffic. There is, however, plenty of power and torque available in all gears, making for fast overtakes. Even at motorway speeds, in top gear, it requires only a squeeze on the accelerator pedal to achieve the desired effect. The Ibiza FR is another of those cars whose acceleration is more exhilarating than breathtaking.
If you want frugality as well as the fun, then it is best to go for the diesel. Fuel consumption figures for the 1.9 TDI are 40.9 mpg for the urban cycle, 64.2 mpg for the extra-urban and the combined works out as 53.3 mpg. Whereas, the 1.8’s figures are posted as 25.9 mpg, 46.3 mpg and 35.8 mpg for the same respective cycles.
Despite its sporty pretensions the FR’s ride is surprisingly
smooth. This is due to the combination of soft springs and stiffer
shock-absorbers, together with flexible, suspension mountings. Even
on the harshest part of the test route, the FR coped almost serenely
with the uneven surfaces.
I enjoyed the positive steering and there is always plenty of feedback
through the steering wheel. It inspires confidence because you know
that the car is going to go where you point it. Add the taut chassis
and you get a satisfying feeling of safe, solidity.
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