MOTORING
Seat Ibiza FR 1.0
The Seat Ibiza has long been accepted as one of the best
cars in its category, there have been times when it has been
overshadowed by its Volkswagen and Skoda siblings but the
Ibiza has always been a good quality car, writes Bob Hickman.
The new model Ibiza really does
have a sporty look to it, I suggest
to say it has a youthful appeal,
the Ibiza has excellent safety
and economical benefits from
ownership. They have low insurance
groups, allied to impressive fuel
figures and this makes it a great buy
for the car buying public who want
something perhaps not mainstream
blue oval or Vauxhall badged.
Ibiza used to be a cheap car to buy
and run but nowadays the pricing
structure has crept up slightly, but
this is reflected in the quality of the
interior and of the fittings that have
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been utilised within the vehicle.
No corners have been cut in its
production and the vehicle does
all the items that you would accept
extremely well. It is spacious enough
for a family, well built, and what it
did use in a big way is some fun with
a capital F, especially as in my test
car the FR version.
The Ibiza is available as either a 3 or
5-door with a choice of equipment
and trim levels and a plethora
of engine options, so therefore it
appeals to those who are looking
for keen pricing, high specification,
high quality but are prepared
to fund their emotions and be
persuaded by good looks, handling
and a good performance as
opposed to the badge on the front
of the bonnet.
The interior plastic has been
improved dramatically, I do like the
new sweeping dashboard, many
years ago the plastic left a lot to
be desired, now it is a soft textured
touchy feely and the quality has
improved dramatically. All the
switchgear on the Ibiza, feels solid
and up to the standards of its bigger
sibling within the VAG stable. It is not
just the interior, the FR as the badge