Test Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI 110 CV What's new in it?

El Seat Ibiza has been the highest representative of the Martorell brand in the last four decades. True, now the Arona It exceeds it in annual sales volume, but the Ibiza is still by far the best-selling car in the brand's history with more than 6 million units. Yes, even more than the myth, the Seat 600.

This utility manufactured in Barcelona presented its fifth generation in 2017, already accumulating a few years. For this reason, in the second half of 2021, they updated the model with a restyling, introducing equipment improvements and slight aesthetic variations. In this case we try the Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI 110 hp with manual gearbox, one of the most interesting options.

Is it really a restyling? changes are minimal

It is not easy to find notable differences between the updated Ibiza and the pre-restyling variants. Note that this unit is configured with the trim level xcellence, the most elegant, that Seat has stopped marketing just a few days ago in this model with the aim of reducing its CO2 emissions.

What is important to mention is that all the Ibiza already have “Eco LED” lighting as standard, being Full LED in the upper finishes.

The truth is that you have to be very observant to distinguish between previous and updated versions, looking at specific details such as the design of some new wheels, the handwritten inscription of the model name on the tailgate or the new SEAT brand logo, with a matte finish in the central area and shiny on the edges.

Naturally, the outer dimensions do not change either, remaining at 4,06 meters long, 1,78 wide and 1,44 high, with a wheelbase of 2,56 meters. In case there was still any doubt, the Seat Ibiza is a clear B-segment model, where it fights with the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, VW Polo, Hyundai i20, Skoda Fabia, Opel Corsa o Ford Fiesta among others.

Inside, the improvements are noticeable, especially in technology

Quite a bit bigger is the update inside, with a much more technological style. The first thing to mention is the new 10,25-inch digital instrument cluster, which is customizable and with several display options. It is optional in the intermediate variants and standard in the superior ones.

Similarly, the touch screen integrated part of the dashboard that we have seen until now has been replaced by a floating-style one, which it reaches 9,2 inches in the most equipped variants. This higher position reduces distractions and improves visibility. By the way, it comes with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Despite the larger size and prominence of this new main screen, the Seat Ibiza maintains independent controls for the air conditioning. Quite a success, not like in the León, for instance. Just below we have a hole of wireless charging for the mobile and a pair of USB-C sockets.

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Some other new details that are incorporated in the restyling of the Seat Ibiza are, for example, the illuminated main air vents for the higher versions. It is not something really important, but they are one of those details that look good inside any car, especially at night.

To top it off, the feel and appearance of the materials are generally at a correct level. Obviously it is on a step below cars like the Volkswagen Polo, hearing some noises when pressing on certain plastics and points on the dashboard, but after all we are in a general brand utility car. In addition, there are some fluffy materials in the upper areas; You can't ask for much more in that regard.

In habitability and trunk the Ibiza is still one of the best

As you may already be imagining, as it is only a restyling and the main dimensions of the bodywork are maintained, no change in habitability. In that aspect, the Seat Ibiza is a car that meets satisfactorily, with a good use of the dimensions. The front seats are sufficient for sizes within normality and there are good storage compartments.

Here at the second row there is also a correct space. With the driver's seat adjusted to my 1,76, sitting in the back seat I have room for my legs and knees, and I can also place my feet under the seat. For the head I am not much less overwhelmed, because there is enough margin. I think that people who are 1,80 or even slightly taller can go with relative comfort here behind.

Of course, three adults will not be comfortable in the rear seats. Firstly because width is not the strong point of any of these utilities and secondly because the transmission tunnel is large and intrusive for the central occupant to place their feet.

And if we take a look at the trunk, still cubing 355 liters, which is a lot and is also easily usable for their shapes. It is not the largest in the entire category, but it is one of the most bulky and usable. Keep in mind that his older brother, the León, has a volume of 380 litres.

The engines available in the Seat Ibiza: neither diesel nor electrified

The mechanical offer of the Seat Ibiza is not too wide, since it is missing that, for example, there is a diesel option available for those customers who do many kilometers throughout the year. A pity that most brands are completely removing these options.

The most accessible engine is the 1.0 MPI three-cylinder without turbo and with 80 hp. The next step is 1.0 TSI 110 hp, which is undoubtedly the preferred option by the vast majority of Ibiza customers, being able to choose both with manual transmission and with the DSG. And so we give way to the most performance, the 1.5 hp 150 TSI, which is only combined with the 7-speed DSG.

On the other hand, the Seat Ibiza continues to offer the variant 1.0 TGI 90, which as you know resorts to NCG As fuel. It also has a fuel tank, but it is small (only 9 liters), as this version is designed to get the most out of the Compressed Natural Gas system.

It is a pity that none of the gasoline versions have some type of microhybridization, because in this way we cannot have a petrol Ibiza with the DGT Eco sticker, which is so precious in big cities. Only the natural gas variant receives it, the rest carry the C label.

At the wheel of the Seat Ibiza

The Seat Ibiza has been characterized in the last two generations for being a car very complete and versatile; that is to say, that it feels very agile to stroll, but that at the same time transmits comfort and stability both on the highway and when facing a winding road.

The 1.0 TSI engine is the ideal, without a doubt

This mechanical version is the most recommended, the most balanced. The motor 1.0 TSI gives its 110 hp at 5.500 laps, although the most interesting is his 200 Nm torque between 2.000 and 3.000 revolutions per minute. Below 1.800 rpm it feels sluggish, but right at that speed the turbo kicks in and it pushes quite happily.

In fact, to carry out a relatively happy driving, it is not necessary to take it very high in revolutions, but to prevent it from falling below 2.000. Obviously, if we want maximum performance to overtake, for example, we already have to raise it to the top, although the difference in delivery is not huge.

Probably the only downside to this mechanic is that vibrates a little at idleThese vibrations reach the seat and the steering wheel when the engine is cold. Similarly, it also tends to jerk when starting from a stop on a hill, but this is quite common with these supercharged three-cylinder engines.

Then, on fast roads, it offers decent recoveries and It is not noisy or conveys the feeling of being "forced". In fact, it seems to feel very comfortable at relatively high speeds. And speaking of driving at high speeds, on the highway not too much aerodynamic noise reaches the passenger compartment, always bearing in mind that it is a B-segment car.

The chassis and its balance

But it's not just a good engine, you have to have a good chassis. In this aspect, the Seat Ibiza uses the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform, shared with the Polo and the Fabia, among others.

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It may not be as much fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta, but it strikes that balance between high-tempo agility and on-road poise in return. He defends surprisingly well in both circumstances. It is comfortable, stable and at the same time agile.

The only reprehensible thing is that the gut feeling. of the direction does not end up living up to what you can expect from a Seat, which always have a good touch. And beware, compared to many of its rivals, it is not one of the least informative. Of course, that greater steering assistance can always be modified with the driving modes available in the higher versions.

In the city, of course, it moves very well between traffic with this engine and the suspension works effectively when it comes to "eating" the potholes, manhole covers and usual bumps in Spanish towns. To maneuver there are no problems either because visibility is good, and even better if, as in our case, you have parking sensors and a rear camera.

How much does the 110 hp Seat Ibiza TSI spend

We are ending this driving section talking about consumption. During our one week test we have obtained a average of 6,5 liters every 100 kilometers, practicing completely normal driving on most routes and combining city, motorway and two-way roads.

En road trips at a legal pace (at 120 km/h) it is normal for the trip computer to reflect average speeds 6 liters. For its part, in the city it always depends on its orography and the rush we are in, but it is common to be between 7 and 7,5 l/100 km. Logically where we are going to consume the least is on flat roads or ring roads, where it will slightly exceed 5 litres.

Conclusions after testing the Seat Ibiza "restyling"

We are ending our test with the Seat Ibiza restyling, tested with this mechanics so demanded and balanced for the Spanish utility. Is the Ibiza a good buy? From my point of view, it is one of the cars with the best price-product ratio of the category, of segment B.

It has a good driving dynamics, it is comfortable, it is well insulated, its interior space is good and the trunk is one of the most generous in the category. In addition, it is already a myth of the Spanish roads for its almost 40 years for sale.

Now there is details that I don't like. For example, that in this restyling its exterior aesthetics have not changed practically anything, although it is true that it still looks fresh.

The biggest drawback I see is that no mild hybrid petrol engines, which would give it the DGT Eco label. A fairly important failure that can make Seat lose some sales. It is also not good news that there is not a single diesel option, although the brand has already made it clear that the demand for these propellants was already negligible in recent times for the Ibiza.

Equipment Seat Ibiza 2022

Reference

Eco LED Headlights
Unintentional Lane Change Assist
automatic city braking
Fatigue detector
Speed limiter
4 airbags
Third generation Seat Connect
8,25 inch touch screen with bluetooth
automatic high beams
Power folding mirrors
Air Conditioning
15-inch steel wheels
Multifunction steering wheel
Three rear head restraints

Reference Plus (adds)

cruise control
rear parking sensors
Fog lights
Electric rear windows
40:60 split folding rear seats

Style (add to Reference)

Full LED headlights and LED taillights
cruise control
Fog lights with cornering function
Wireless Full Link
15-inch alloy wheels
Leather steering wheel and gear lever
40:60 split rear seats

Style Plus (adds)

Dual zone automatic climate control
Heated mirrors
Rain and light sensor
Rear electric windows
Front and rear parking sensors
Reversing camera

FR (add to Style)

Driving modes
Specific suspension FR
Dual zone automatic climate control
Anti-glare interior mirror
Rain and light sensor
Rear windows
rear parking sensors
front armrest
16-inch alloy wheels (17 with TGI engine and 1.5 TSI 150)
FR specific bumpers
Mirrors and window frames in black
Interior vents in burgundy color
Indoor ambient lighting
FR multifunction steering wheel
headlining in black
front armrest
Double trunk bottom and net

FR Plus (adds)

9,2-inch screen with browser
Wireless Full Link
Front, rear and rear camera sensors
illuminated aerators
10,25 inch digital box
darkened glasses
Adaptive cruise control
lane keeping system
jam assistant
Recognition of traffic signs
Keyless entry and start
Wireless charger

Prices Seat Ibiza 2022

These are the official prices depending on the brand.

Motor	Gears	Finish	Price
Motor	Gears	Finish	Price
IPM 80	Manual	Reference	€16.620
IPM 80	Manual	Reference More	€16.820
IPM 80	Manual	Style	€18.350
IPM 80	Manual	StylePlus	€18.550
TSI 110	Manual	Style	€20.210
TSI 110	Manual	StylePlus	€20.410
TSI 110	Manual	FR	€22.360
TSI 110	Manual	RF Plus	€22.410
TSI 150	DSG	FR	€27.410
TSI 150	DSG	RF Plus	€27.462
TGI 90	Manual	Reference	€20.300
TGI 90	Manual	Reference More	€20.500
TGI 90	Manual	Style	€21.420
TGI 90	Manual	StylePlus	€21.620
TGI 90	Manual	FR	€24.020
TGI 90	Manual	RF Plus	€24.070