SEAT IBIZA HATCHBACK 2002-2006 Review
Good Points
- Comes with a sporty look
- Has sharp handling
- Powerful and responsive engines
Bad Points
- Lacks interior space
- Uncomfortable ride at low-speeds
Engines
There is a multitude of engines to choose from in the Ibiza comprising of both petrol and diesel units. The petrol engines include a 65bhp 1.2-litre, a 75bhp 1.4-litre, a 100bhp 1.4-litre, a 115bhp 2.0-litre, a 150bhp 1.8-litre FR and a 180bhp 1.8-litre Cupra.
The diesel engines include a 75bhp 1.4 TDi, a 100bhp 1.9 TDi, a 130bhp 1.9 TDi FR, a 160bhp 1.9 TDi Cupra and a 80bhp 1.4 TDi Ecomotive unit.
Performance & Economy
The entry level 1.2-litre and the smaller of the two 1.4-litre petrol engines are good around town, but they do both struggle on motorways and dual carriageways. The 100bhp 1.4 is better of the two going from 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds, but the fuel efficiency drops to 42mpg compared to the 1.2’s 47mpg. The 2.0-litre was short lived as it was only a second faster than the more powerful 1.4, but returned 6mpg less than it. The FR and Cupra units are the hot hatch models and as such offer good performance. Both models achieve the same 35mpg, but the Cupra is a second faster at 7.1 seconds to 60mph over the FR model.
The diesel engines won’t disappoint with both the 1.4-litre and 1.9-litre units feeling quick and offering plenty of pulling power. The 1.4-litre achieves 61mpg, but is the slowest diesel available at 13.5 seconds from 0-60mph. The 1.9-litre does it in 10.5 seconds with the economy dropping down to 56mpg. The FR and Cupra hot hatch units offer a good performance as well as impressive fuel efficiency. The FR is the more economical of the two at 53mpg compared to the Cupra’s 51mpg, but it is the slower of the two being a second and a half behind the Cupra’s 7.4 seconds from a standing start to 60mph.
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Introduction
The Ibiza is the sister car to the VW Polo which may come as a bit of a surprise as it is a much prettier car to look at. The handling is better too thanks to the stiffer suspension keeping the car well controlled well planted at all times even through faster corners. It comes with a wide range of engines to choose from which cope with a range of driving types. Some of these models are perfect for just nipping around town, others, such as the FR and Cupra will provide you with a sporty hot hatch experience.
Exterior & Interior
The Ibiza shares its looks with the VW Polo and the Skoda Fabia as all are built around the same platform. The driver and front passenger receive plenty of head and legroom, but due to the Ibiza’s sloping roof headroom is limited in the back seats, as is legroom. All of the seats are supportive and comfortable though making long journeys less of a chore. The boot is a decent size compared to the likes of the Ford Fiesta, but practicality is restricted by the split folding rear seats not being able to fold completely flat. The interior is well laid out as is the dash and central console with all the knobs and switches being easy to find and feel solid to the touch.
When it comes to choosing a trim avoid the entry level models as you don’t get much for you’re money. Instead go for the SX that adds climate control or the SE that comes with alloys, ABS and side airbags. The FR and Cupra models come with the best kit levels and the best overall performance. A facelift in 2006 went some way to improving its looks whilst increasing the equipment levels and giving it a better quality trim.
Drive
The Ibiza is good to drive, however, the standard models, the petrol’s in particular, aren’t as fun to drive as similar cars in their class. The steering is accurate, it has good body control in the corners and there is always plenty of grip though. The stiff suspension helps to give a poised ride, but this does impact the comfort slightly with rougher surfaces giving a slightly uncomfortable ride.
Faults & Repairs
The Ibiza is fairly reliable proving no worse off than many of its competitors with particular area standing out as being problematic. There were two recalls though in 2005 that affected the brakes and the fuel pump so make sure that any necessary work has been carried out. The electrics also need to be checked to make sure everything is working as it should. Servicing and repair costs are also no more expensive than their rivals.
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