SEAT IBIZA
Seat’s Ibiza is one of Europe’s most popular superminis, and it’s easy to see why.
Since it was first created back in 1984, the Seat Ibiza has been a hugely popular machine across Europe. In fact, comfortably more than 5,000,000 Ibiza’s have found homes since the mid-80’s and in 2017, the firm launched an all-new version of the Ibiza that it hoped will be the best supermini money can buy – or lease, in Synergy’s case.
While being a member of the Volkswagen Group, Seat always manages to express a youthful, fun style in its cars and the sharper lines of the new Ibiza – as well as some proportional adjustments – give it a fantastic image. The new car uses a version of the Volkswagen Group’s ‘MQB’ platform that it shares with the Audi A1, and comes with a host of efficient engines developed by its parent company.
Those engines can be petrol or diesel powered, with the 1.0-litre ‘TSI’ turbo petrol unit often proving to be the most popular of the range. This engine comes in 94 and 109bhp outputs, and the more powerful of those also has the option of being fitted with the 7-speed ‘DSG’ double-clutch automatic. If you’d prefer the diesel power, then there’s just the one engine currently offered – a 1.6-litre ‘TDI’ unit with 4-cylinders and 94bhp. It certainly isn’t all that powerful, but as the Ibiza only weighs around the 1,050kg mark, it doesn’t need to be – its real benefit is the 100g/km of CO2 output and the quoted 70mpg+ combined cycle fuel efficiency.
Currently, 6 trim levels are offered for the Ibiza. Air conditioning, Bluetooth and a touchscreen infotainment system are standard on the base ‘SE’ car, but for extra luxuries and technology, you’ll have to step up to a higher level. ‘FR Sport’ comes with an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system with navgiation, climate control, DAB digital radio, a virtual cockpit, and a sportier exterior design pack.
Fun to drive, great to look at and excellent value for money on both business and personal lease deals, the Seat Ibiza is a superb little supermini that is well worthy of being considered against the Ford Fiesta, Mazda 2 and Mini.