Seat Ibiza FR 1.5 TSI 150 hp. Test, driving experience, fuel consumption, price and equipment

The seats age with dignity and even after years they still look good. It is true that the Ibiza is not an old car, and it has recently received a facelift, but the current generation has been on the market since 2017, and according to the actual market conditions, a very long time. But is the style old? No, and many followers of the brand appreciate Kiti and its creators. The silhouette of the Ibiza is still strong, clean, very light and with many sporty accents. Sharp geometric shapes, eg at the front, with triangular-shaped dominant lights with a nice LED signature inside, a small and uncomplicated grille, and in the FR version also a sports bumper on offer. From the side, we can see several clear embossing: on the front arches and behind the wheel and on the doors. These curves are bold, clear and visually elongate the body, which is 4,059 mm long.

The back is also compact, shapely and sporty, although it is clear here that the Ibiza is not as “adult” as the Leon. Small, almost signature LED lights in the shape of a triangle are used here, as in the headlights. After the manufacturer’s mark appears the name of the model in a nice font, and on the right the version number – FR. It is this type that adds many sports accents to the look, m.in. the aforementioned front bumper and a rear bumper that mimics a diffuser with dual exhaust tips. Couldn’t you just give a good ending or two? It would look better. But this slight flaw in the appearance of the Ibiza FR does not change the fact that it is a very good city car that attracts attention, especially in the eye-catching blue color. And how is it inside?

It’s not bad, but you have to honestly admit that the quality of the selected materials, fit and construction of other components is a little disappointing. These are not flaws that need to be emphasized and stigmatized – after all, we are dealing with a car from segment B, but the competition is sometimes a little better in certain areas. In addition, you can see that Seat’s approach is open and aimed at a slightly younger customer compared to, for example, the Volkswagen Polo or, in particular, the Skoda Fabia. I really don’t like the red covers on the air vents, which look cheap during the day, and at night they are illuminated by a thin light. It is good, however, that they are, without them the interior would be very boring. Silver plating also brightens and enlivens the interior, although it’s a shame that there’s no text, not even masquerading as brushed aluminium. The steering wheel looks good, with a wreath arranged on the bottom with two leather textures – perforated where we touch often. There is also a cash flow and FR printing below. However, the whole thing looks quite good, you can feel and hear the savings under the touch of power, but the ergonomics and performance are good.

Ergonomics, however, is not in the bed. Airbags, handles, armrests, door bags are missing, and the center is exposed to a very high central tunnel. The passenger sitting in the middle will not have an easy life. Of course, there are hard plastics everywhere, even on the armrest. But again, this is part B, so such reservations are not common here, but they are common. However, a flat floor in the boot when the backrests are folded down is not common. Yes, we get an effect by raising the floor and freeing space under it (although it can be used for small things), but it definitely increases the utility value. There are also two shopping handles, rubber bands, eg a fire extinguisher or first aid kit. It is very good. Trunk capacity in the standard configuration is 355 liters, with the rear seats down – 1165 liters.

Unfortunately, we won’t see another version of the body. There is only a 5-door hatchback, so lovers of 3-door versions have an increasingly difficult life – manufacturers are removing these versions from their lineup. The fifth generation Ibiza is produced, among others, and in the Spanish factory of SEAT in Martorell, based on the common MQB A0 platform.