SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TGI FR test: the Spanish compact that combines CNG with petrol

The car world is evolving at a breakneck pace, where we can find not only numerous technological components and driver assistance systems in our car, but also new fuels. Alternatives to petrol have always attracted strong interest, and to get to know them better we decided to test the SEAT Ibiza TGI in FR trim. In other words, we got behind the wheel of the most successful compact with a very special feature: an engine capable of running on both Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and petrol.

SEAT has been working for not very long on a new type of hybrid engine, which is being applied to the León, the Ibiza and the small Mii. The Spanish brand promises to fit this type of powertrain to more models in its range, but we couldn’t wait, and the SEAT Ibiza TGI has become our faithful test companion.

To the eyes of the world it is an ordinary SEAT Ibiza

We are used to many manufacturers applying a futuristic and different design when it comes to a vehicle that relies on a fuel alternative to petrol. However, the SEAT Ibiza TGI stays true to its original design and is not only like its siblings with petrol and diesel engines, but also accepts any of the trims offered by the Spanish brand.

Thanks to this freedom, we can have our Ibiza TGI fitted with the FR trim, as is the case of the tested unit. I met it in Madrid, where the compact awaited me with a novel design yet faithful to the brand’s principles. The first thing that caught my attention is the growth SEAT has given the Ibiza, as it presents itself in this latest generation as a much wider and more imposing car.

Moreover, the front of the Spanish compact is enhanced by the FR trim, which seeks to bring out a sporty character even though it does not match the engine hidden under its bonnet. However, I would be lying if I said the set of details offered by the FR badge does not suit the Ibiza, since the chrome appears in many places giving the charismatic model a cleaner and higher-quality look.

The rear is where we can see the most novelties in the new SEAT Ibiza, as the two rear lights define a more modern and current appearance. The brand’s emblem hides the tailgate opening, and at the rear end we find two trim pieces whose job is to simulate exhaust outlets, a technique that does not quite convince but is applied on virtually every contemporary vehicle.

Another point to highlight in the styling of the new SEAT Ibiza is its angular lines, which give a sharper and cleaner look. This new design approach also helps establish a more sporty and imposing character, which stands out on the road. Overall we find a very attractive and innovative ensemble, but its similarities to the León and its new size will make it hard to tell the Ibiza apart from its bigger sibling.

A technological interior, right up to date, to satisfy its passengers

I repeat that technology is evolving hand in hand with cars, something we see reflected not only in the mechanical side, but also in the interior. A few years ago, some components we now have access to were reserved for the most exclusive and luxurious models, but today we find them in virtually every segment.

SEAT has wanted to equip this latest generation of the Ibiza with important innovations, which allow its users to access many features that, until not many years ago, could only be enjoyed in vehicles of higher segments. Alongside this wide technological arsenal, which I will describe in more depth a few lines further on, we find a layout and feel of the controls worth analysing.

The first thing that captures my attention once I have settled into the comfortable cabin of the SEAT Ibiza is its steering wheel. This wheel has a very pleasant and firm feel, a sensation enhanced by red stitching courtesy of the FR trim and by side buttons to control various functions. If we keep feeling other areas of the Spanish compact’s interior, we will quickly notice that hard plastics are scarce and, to my surprise, I can feel that SEAT has used good materials to give the latest-generation Ibiza.

The instrument panel continues to offer an analogue layout alongside a central screen that displays numerous data related to navigation, phone and CNG range among others. However, the brand also allows more adventurous customers to include the Digital Cockpit, an option available from 310 euros. But where I have truly found a significant improvement in the new Ibiza over previous generations is, without a doubt, its infotainment system.

This is integrated into an 8-inch screen that not only shows great fluidity, but also houses many functions. At first it may seem to be positioned too far away both for interacting with it and for looking at it, but nothing could be further from the truth. At the same time, it offers the possibility of connecting our smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as charging our mobile phone by induction, an extra priced at 200€.

More than enough room for four passengers

But it is time to leave the front area and focus on the rear, where we are very likely to spend a considerable number of hours. The first thing to remember is that the SEAT Ibiza has grown a lot, with dimensions of 4.059 metres long, 1.44 metres high and 1.78 metres wide. These measurements are noticeable not only from the outside but also inside, giving the car more space and, therefore, more comfort for its occupants.

The rear seats of the SEAT compact are pleasantly surprising, offering a considerable level of comfort for passengers in the side seats, but a somewhat prominent central tunnel means a third occupant will have a more cramped space. Another negative point to bear in mind in this TGI variant is its boot, since the cargo dimensions are considerably reduced due to the presence of the CNG tanks located just beneath its floor.

To be more specific, by choosing this version powered by both Compressed Natural Gas and petrol, we go from a storage space of 355 litres to 262 litres. On the other hand, we also find a greater increase in overall weight, exactly 117 kilos. But don’t be alarmed, since the 90 hp that the SEAT Ibiza TGI declares have not suffered in the attempt when asked to take us across any terrain.

A three-cylinder 1.0 TGI engine with 90 hp that can handle everything

I won’t fool you, since I too was sceptical in the weeks before meeting the SEAT Ibiza TGI on that warm day. “90 hp, three cylinders, more weight… will it move well?” Those were the doubts in my mind that caused constant hesitation; but it took no more than a couple of hours for them to vanish completely and allow me to form a fair opinion of this engine: it is more than enough to get us around in any circumstances.

Our usual Madrid-Vigo test route was the ideal situation not only to appreciate the Spaniard’s virtues on the motorway, but also to experience for myself the improvements over previous generations. The SEAT Ibiza TGI is powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder engine capable of delivering 90 hp and 160 Nm of torque, available between 1,900 rpm and 3,500 rpm, which gives us constant and sufficient power across a very favourable range of revs.

At first we might think that 90 hp is insufficient to move with ease not only the weight the Ibiza already declares, but also those extra kilos added in the TGI version. Nothing could be further from the truth. The first thing that catches my attention is the strength of the small Spanish compact which allows it to reach 120 km/h without hesitation.

It is true that on the motorway, with the air conditioning running, it was necessary to drop to fourth or third when a very steep hill appeared, but believe me, the SEAT Ibiza TGI is capable of getting along without problems, and even manages to add a certain joy to driving. Its behaviour is more reminiscent of a naturally aspirated engine than a turbo, since, although it begins delivering torque from 1,900 revs, we must work the compact up to the middle zone of the rev counter, where this model truly feels at home. This is because the 90 hp that the Ibiza TGI declares in its specification sheet is delivered between 4,500 and 5,800 rpm.

The urban environment is where the Ibiza feels most at ease, but after living with it for more than a week I can assure you that it presents itself as a very versatile car. Its steering, a little too soft for more dynamic driving, proves an ideal companion for effectively negotiating the obstacles found in the city; its safety systems also complement the Spanish compact with great skill, but a gearshift feel that is rather loose and somewhat long travel can make it difficult to select gears on some occasions.

On the other hand, and I return to the Ibiza’s power delivery, it shows certain shortcomings at low revs, meaning we sometimes have to select first gear at certain moments. This situation is quite occasional: when approaching a roundabout in second, braking slightly, we can feel the Ibiza struggling, forcing us to downshift once more; it is not a problem one cannot live with, but it may be more advisable to opt for the DSG gearbox if we are going to spend more time in the city.

Throughout my ten days with the SEAT Ibiza TGI I have received a constant question, which is no surprise, and it goes like this: “What is it like to drive a car that also uses Compressed Natural Gas as fuel?” Honestly, the differences are minimal compared with a traditional petrol SEAT Ibiza. At no point can we switch between fuels at will, as the Spanish compact always gives priority to CNG and only allows petrol to be used once the gas runs out completely; in other words, as long as there is gas in the tank, it will be the fuel the Ibiza uses.

Will we notice any change when the SEAT switches to petrol? No, the transition from CNG to petrol is imperceptible. The only way to know about the change is through the green indicator on the Ibiza’s instrument panel telling us there is still CNG in the tank, which disappears when it runs out. After trying to drive for as long as possible on Compressed Natural Gas, I have only noticed a slight loss of power, which is perceived when driving on petrol and immediately filling the gas tank and continuing on our way, but it is a sensation that quickly fades; if our Ibiza TGI runs on CNG for most of its life, it will be practically impossible to notice any significant change.

New MQB A0 platform: more dynamism and poise for the SEAT Ibiza

It is true that one of the most striking features of the SEAT Ibiza TGI is its ability to run on CNG, but the presence of a new platform obliges me to place special emphasis on its dynamic behaviour. As I mentioned a few paragraphs above, the Spanish compact has grown considerably in this latest generation, reaching dimensions very similar to those of a Volkswagen Golf MK3.

Undoubtedly the B-segment is growing considerably in size, but this is not something that is noticeable only in interior space or storage capacity, but also in the behaviour of its leading representatives. This is something I have been able to experience for myself with the SEAT Ibiza, a vehicle that has greater poise on the road. This trait, more pronounced in this latest generation of the Spanish compact, gives us greater confidence and a more agile and dynamic driving sensation, leaving us with positive impressions behind the wheel of the Ibiza.

I must also highlight the dynamism of the Spanish compact which, although it still feels like a vehicle of its segment, one can detect certain traits that point towards higher-calibre cars. In this way, we are dealing with a much more versatile SEAT Ibiza, one that lets us travel with ease and comfort on the motorway and, at the same time, stand up to the city without fear of struggling in the attempt.

Is a car with CNG really worth it?

When I asked myself this question after meeting the SEAT Ibiza TGI, important doubts arose, since the answer may vary considerably depending on the circumstances of each user. To give you a fair conclusion, I have put myself in the shoes of a customer who does feel some benefit from a vehicle powered by CNG, and in those of another who would have no need for a car with this second fuel.

One of the most important traits is the consumption of the SEAT Ibiza TGI, as the presence of Compressed Natural Gas could save us a considerable amount of money . The Spanish compact declares a total range of 1,194 kilometres, a distance theoretically achievable by filling the 13 kilos across the two CNG tanks and the 40 litres declared for the petrol tank.

In real-world conditions we can enjoy around 280 kilometres of range on CNG, a distance easily covered under normal circumstances. This capability can be very beneficial when driving in the city since, besides the fact that Compressed Natural Gas is cheaper per kg than the price per litre of petrol, and that we can cover our urban journeys relying solely on CNG and its range, we will also enjoy the ECO label on this TGI variant of the Ibiza.

Currently, CNG in Spain has an average price of €0.975/kg, which means a price to fill the tank of approximately 13 euros. With this premise, and after running a series of calculations, we conclude that the Ibiza TGI works out 45.14% cheaper than the Ibiza TSI. This difference becomes tangible when we see that the 95 hp 1.0 TSI Ibiza requires an outlay of €5.87 per 100 km, with its homologated average consumption of 4.7 l/100 km (current average price of 95 petrol: €1.25/litre).

This same calculation can be applied to the diesel variant of the Spanish compact, with the TGI version being 31% cheaper than it. The diesel version uses a 95 hp 1.6 engine, which homologates an average consumption of 3.8 l/100 km and requires €4.64 of outlay to cover 100 km (average diesel cost: €1.22/litre). In the case of the hybrid engine at the heart of our test, which homologates 3.3 kg/100 km in CNG mode, a payment of just €3.22 will be needed to cover 100 km.

In practice these figures climb slightly, since I found it difficult to reduce the average consumption from 4.7 kg/100 km. When we rely on petrol as the main fuel for our Ibiza TGI, it is easy to obtain average motorway consumption close to 5 l/100 km, a figure that rises to 6.2 l/100 km when our main route is in the urban environment.

My conclusion is that, if our journeys will mostly be made in urban surroundings, we have a nearby petrol station with a CNG pump and we can make use of the ECO sticker’s benefits, the SEAT Ibiza TGI is a very worthwhile option. If, on the other hand, and as has been my case during the test period, we have a petrol station an hour away (the time taken to travel from Vigo to Ourense, this being the nearest town with a CNG dispenser) and the ECO label brings us no short-term benefit, it may be wiser to buy a petrol- or diesel-only version of the SEAT Ibiza.

Conclusion

After experiencing what it is like to live day to day with the SEAT Ibiza TGI and analysing its virtues and faults, both in its behaviour and when the compact runs on CNG as its source of energy, I have reached a positive conclusion

. We are dealing with a vehicle capable of offering a bold and modern design, combined with a technological interior and an engine capable of considerably reducing CO2 emissions

and delivering more than adequate performance.

With a starting price of 14,900 euros we are looking at one of the most attractive options on the market, offering a fairly complete package for an outlay that could rise if we consider other vehicles with a similar engine and standard equipment. We will also enjoy better tuning and a platform that provides more satisfying dynamic behaviour than in previous generations, as well as greater interior space.

The biggest negative point of the new SEAT Ibiza TGI lies in our personal situation and surroundings, since depending on certain factors it will be either a beneficial purchase or not. With this in mind, we will need to weigh up carefully the idea of getting the Spanish compact equipped with this engine, as it may pay off with considerable savings or simply be a car we end up running exclusively on petrol.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Ibiza14 versions · from 18,520 €