SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDI Ecomotive

Sep 12 2008 Robin Roberts

CLEAN, green and mean, the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive is a breath of fresh air in the market.

With official carbon dioxide emissions of just 99g/km, the Ibiza Ecomotive not only avoids the London Congestion Charge, but under the terms of new regime there?s no road fund licence to pay as it fits into the tax-exempt VED Band A and its company car tax rating is just 13 per cent.

The good news goes on because it can achieve a remarkable 74.3mpg on the combined cycle of EU tests.

So, you may think it?s a boring blog-mobile, but you?d be in for another surprise. Despite is parsimonious performance at the pump it delivers a lot of dynamic delights behind the wheel.

This increase in fuel efficiency compared with the already-frugal Ibiza 1.4 TDI, on which the new model is based, is thanks to a number of careful enhancements.

New software has been added to the engine?s electronic control unit, while particulate emissions are further reduced through the fitment of a diesel particulate filter. Furthermore, the gear ratios have been lengthened to stretch the fuel sipping ability.

The Ibiza Ecomotive is also more aerodynamic, with a coefficient of drag figure of 0.3, compared with 0.315 for the standard 1.4 TDI model. In addition, the wheels have been fitted with specific Dunlop tyres, whose materials and design result in less road friction.

It does move well and I found it easily keeps up with traffic in town and, so long as you carefully judge overtaking, the open road ability is good. Just once or twice I wished for more power as it laboured up long hills and I had to drop down a couple of gears to maintain progress.

That was not an effort because the powertrain is good with a light clutch, slick gearchange and responsive engine and they are matched to progressive brakes and good feedback through the electro-hydraulic steering, which has a tight turning circle for town use and parking.

Oddments space is on the small side and boot space is small as well and really suitable only for shopping or one medium sized case unless you drop the back seat.

Access to the boot and inside is fairly good, those in the back have some leg restriction but the front seats provide good room and fairly good adjustment range. There is a five door version in addition to the three door.

Ride quality is not bad for a short wheelbase car with only the worst potholes jarring the interior.

Handling is surprisingly good, safe and surefooted and well up to the 1.4?s power delivery.

Its slim roof pillars and low waistline mean good sightlines all round, while big wipers and good lights are excellent in poor conditions.

All noise levels are low.

Anyone with concerns about the way the car industry is responding to tax and environmental challenges only has to look at the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive to realise that motoring can still be very enjoyable and economical, particularly with the excellent warranty which comes as standard as well.

FAST FACTS

SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDI Ecomotive 3dr

Price : £10,995

Mechanical : 80ps, 1,422cc, 3cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 110mph

0-62mph : 12.8 secs

Combined mpg : 74.3

Insurance group : 5

C02 emissions : 99g/km

BiK rating : 13%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust