SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDI Ecomotive

Nov 28 2009 Malcolm Robertshaw

ONE of the most recent vehicles to take the 'green route' is SEAT's latest generation of the Ibiza Ecomotive, a sporty machine which comes bearing a young and dynamic attitude while ticking all the required boxes for eco-friendliness.

Not only is the Ibiza supermini SEAT's best seller both in the UK and worldwide, but the latest Ecomotive model rates among the most economical and lowest polluting new cars currently on sale.

Despite its economy and low pollution claims, there is nothing mundane about the Ibiza Ecomotive, whether in Sports Coupe or five-door hatchback form this swish looking four-seater also comes with good quality interior fit and finish.

It may have manually adjustable door mirrors but the rest of the kit is pretty generous with standard equipment including air con, front electric windows, six-speaker MP3 compatible radio/CD player with AUX input and steering wheel mounted controls.

Also included in the standard manifest are trip computer, rev counter, remote central locking, child locks on rear doors, driver and front passenger airbags.

Although a storage pack which includes drawers under front seats does come as an optional extra, there are cupholders and some storage space while a quite respectable 292 litres of luggage area is available within a regular shaped boot.

Although perhaps a little tight for some in the rear, the Ibiza sits a couple of standard size adults comfortably in the rear.

An electronic stabilisation programme is another option as are hill hold control driver safety aids plus side curtain airbags and integrated front fogs with cornering function.

SEAT's Ibiza Ecomotive styling spells out very much the sporty look rather than the conservative carrier featuring a deep front bumper with dramatic air intake design, a bespoke grille flanked by double headlights and a high level rear spoiler designed and positioned to enhance the car's aerodynamics while, should you ever need a reminder, Ibiza badging stands out as you open the boot.

As you would expect in a car boasting sporting propensity the emphasis is on the driver within an agreeable driving environment. While instruments are angled towards the driving position, driver's seat height adjust and two-way steering wheel movement help to deliver an agreeable driving position while overall vision is good.

On the road, the 1.4-litre 78bhp VW sourced diesel engine paired with a slick switching five-speed manual gear change is all about minimising emissions and maximising fuel economy. This it achieves in spades without disappointing in the agility stakes. Urged on by a swift response to the throttle, this torquey engine delivers some serious urge with a sprightly yet supple performance.

It handles well with the lowered suspension delivering some fine torsional control while plenty of grip adds the fun factor to a decidedly punchy and nimble driving machine.

The 1.4-litre TDI Ibiza Ecomotive is capable of delivering some 76.3mpg, making it possible for a tank of diesel to cover 700 miles plus.

The economy front is further enhanced by a reduced kerb weight and, with ultra low carbon dioxide emissions of just 98g/km ensuring that the new Ibiza Ecomotive is also exempt from the road fund licence, this is certainly a green machine with a decidedly user friendly cost of ownership.

FAST FACTS

SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDI Ecomotive 5dr

Price: £12,755

Mechanical: 78bhp, 1422cc, 3cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 110mph

0-62mph: 12.9 seconds

Combined mpg: 76.3

Insurance group: 3

CO2 emissions: 96g/km

BIK rating: 15%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles