SEAT Ibiza FR test drive: much more than you think

We take the wheel of the SEAT Ibiza FR in its 1.6 TDI 115 CV version. A very convincing diesel that helps the Ibiza remain the king of its segment.

Getting behind the wheel of a SEAT Ibiza is synonymous with guarantee. One of the best sellers on the market, leader of its segment, it remains a benchmark thanks to a recent facelift that suits it like a glove. The Ibiza has had, has, and we are sure will continue to have, everything it needs to be the perfect city car: practical, agile, comfortable, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, if we add to the design the extra touch of our SEAT Ibiza FR, we can say it has it all.

Below, we tell you what we thought of the SEAT Ibiza FR 1.6 TDI 115 CV that we have tested over the last few days.

SEAT Ibiza FR (1.6 TDI 115 CV)

Our test unit is the 1.6 TDI 115 CV version with the FR trim. In short, a SEAT Ibiza FR with an engine we could call “domestic”, but which lacks none of the character. A unit that combines the power needed for a car of its kind with a splendid balance in consumption and which, combined with one of the best chassis in its segment, allows it to deliver more than enjoyable moments behind the wheel.

But let’s start at the beginning. Because, although it goes without saying, the new generation of the Ibiza is establishing itself as the best in its history. The new VAG Group MQB A0 platform on which the new Ibiza is built (like the VW Polo, the SEAT Arona and soon the Audi A1) has brought with it this new 1.6 TDI four-cylinder engine, which far surpasses the previous three-cylinder 1.4, and which is a great alternative within the Ibiza range in terms of solidity, dynamics and consumption. A weighty argument against the current “anti-diesel” campaign we are living through, and one that comes very close to the refinement of SEAT’s current petrol engines.

Behind the wheel

The unit fitted to this SEAT Ibiza FR pleasantly surprises from the start. Like a good diesel, it pulls strongly from low revs, it is anything but sluggish when it comes to gaining agility, and once you reach 1,500 rpm, you feel a great sense of solidity in any situation. It seems to have everything under control and at no point did it ask us to rev excessively, almost without needing to exceed 2,500 rpm. A range (1,500 to 2,500) that offers everything necessary on the road with very modest consumption. Indeed, it is really easy to reach averages around 4 l/100 km in favourable traffic conditions, without losing driving dynamics.

Thanks to these conditions, the SEAT Ibiza FR gave us a wonderful day-to-day experience both in terms of driving feel and fuel efficiency. After more than 500 kilometres covered, combining all kinds of driving situations, our average consumption was just 5.2 litres per 100. A stroke of efficiency genius, considering the typical traffic jams of the Madrid capital during the working day… and the moments of fun behind the wheel at the weekend.

And this new Ibiza copes admirably in all kinds of situations. The balance of its engine is a strong reason to opt for this 116 CV diesel. And combined with the chassis adjustments that the letters FR bring, we have experienced some very enjoyable moments behind the wheel. It doesn’t feel like a diesel when you let your right foot loose and exceed 4,500 rpm before reaching the cut-off. Although you will rarely need such high revs in normal situations. And you won’t need them because the 6-speed manual gearbox is really well calibrated and will allow you to play with the gears according to what the road demands without going crazy shifting up and down.

Sporty accent with FR badging

We spoke earlier about what the FR badge adds to the dynamic character of our car. Let’s start where it hurts: the wallet. Comparing the 1.6 TDI 115 CV Ibiza in Style trim with the same unit, but with the FR accent, we see a difference of €1,700. Starting from, the cheapest option is available from €17,150, while the SEAT Ibiza FR has a starting price of €18,850. Is the difference worth it? Honestly, I vote yes. Partly for aesthetic reasons, a very pleasant sporty touch to the eye, but especially for the extra dynamic appeal the FR version brings.

The real reason to spend a little more when buying an Ibiza and opting for the FR version lies in its equipment. These specific adjustments mean the SEAT Ibiza FR has a firmer suspension and sits 15 mm lower than standard, giving the steering a more direct feel. That is, with the FR you will enjoy driving more without that sporty character costing you ride comfort. In addition, the available driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport and Individual) adapt the car’s response (engine and steering) to what you feel like.

If we opt for the Sport mode, you’ll feel like you’re driving a car from a higher segment. You can be more generous than you should with your right foot, because the Ibiza’s stability won’t be compromised. The steering is very precise, there’s no body roll from a chassis that could almost make you think you’re driving a SEAT León, and cornering is excellent. It feels like we’re on rails, and you can press the accelerator without fear of leaving the line. We’re not talking about a sports car and we don’t come close to the previous or next Cupra, but we can enjoy a level of driving within reach of very few models in its segment.

Moreover, the finish and interior equipment add their part to complete the package of this SEAT Ibiza FR. Starting with the interior, with more sporty seats that hold and support you laterally far better than the basic ones in other Ibizas, and the red details and stitching on the steering wheel, upholstery and seats. On the outside, the Ibiza’s bodywork includes a special front grille, sharper front and rear light clusters, and chrome rear diffusers for a more sporty rear end. A complete package that makes the FR an excellent product inside and out.

Which Ibiza should I buy?

If you are interested in buying a SEAT Ibiza, we’ll try to help you with your choice. Today, the Ibiza is one of the best sellers on the market. It has always had plenty of arguments in its favour, but the new generation has given it fresh momentum thanks to an update that suits it wonderfully. We are talking about a city car with a range of engines for every taste, offering a good starting price (without being the cheapest in its segment), and with an aesthetic that has always been a hit with young and not-so-young buyers alike. Furthermore, the new VAG Group platform has managed to noticeably increase rear seat space and offers a 355-litre boot, which makes it the most spacious city car (tied on boot capacity with the Suzuki Baleno).

The equipment levels are divided into Reference Plus, Style, Xcellence and FR. The first of these, the cheapest, gives us a fairly competitive starting price, and we would have a 1.0 SEAT Ibiza 75 CV with 5-speed manual gearbox and Start/Stop for €11,860. A sufficient option, with a simple engine but with the warranty of SEAT’s three-cylinder petrol engine, which works wonderfully. Between this starting price and the €22,950 of our SEAT Ibiza FR (€18,200 starting price plus the FR Plus pack, 18″ alloy wheels, SEAT Full LED headlights, parking sensor pack and rear-view camera, Beats Audio system and several other extras) there are plenty of options to find your perfect Ibiza.

Starting with the TSI, the new Ibiza offers the petrol version of its three-cylinder engine in three power outputs (75, 90 and 115 CV); as well as the larger 1.5-litre displacement developing 150 CV maximum power. Moving to the diesel, we find the 1.6 TDI, available in 80, 95 and 115 CV outputs. Finally, and as a big novelty of this Ibiza generation, there are the CNG versions; a very worthwhile option that we already explained at the time and which incorporates a compressed natural gas tank for an “eco” drive in combination with the 90 CV three-cylinder petrol unit (1.0 TGI).

Which one should we go for? The current market trend advises us to look warily at diesel and, although the 1.6 TDI 115 CV version we tested seemed to us a very serious option, a very similar engine is available to us in petrol form. Therefore, our recommendation for tighter budgets is to look at the 1.0 TSI 95 CV. A great engine with a convincing starting price that will respond satisfactorily in every aspect of day-to-day life. If you’re thinking of higher figures, there are two more powerful options to consider.

But with the TSI’s 95 CV you won’t be missing anything. With very balanced consumption and from €12,500 in its Reference Plus version with 5-speed manual gearbox. That said, you can opt for the more technologically equipped Xcellence version for a fuller Ibiza from €15,300. Meanwhile, the FR version is only available with the 115 CV petrol engines with various gearbox combinations, starting from €15,910 with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which is also a very recommendable option.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackSEAT Ibiza14 versions · from 18,520 €