The new-style Seat Ibiza. Picture by Ashley Vaughan.
ROADTEST FACT FILE
Car...Seat Ibiza
Model...SE 1.4i five door
Mpg (comb cycle)...47.9mpg
CO2...139g/km
Price...£12,365
Loaned by Snows Seat, Newport
WHEN the news reached the CP offices a new-style Seat Ibiza was available for a road test, I put up my hand faster than a child in a classroom.
The reason is I already own a Seat Ibiza. I bought her six years ago and, although a few IW vandals don’t like her very much, I love her dearly (yes it’s a girl, though she doesn’t have a name).
So I wanted to see how much the Ibiza has evolved in that short space of time. This new version is a he and, unlike mine, he would have a name if I ever decided to get an upgrade.
My pet name for him would be Luther — after the late soul legend Luther Vandross — because he is one smooth operator.
Luther is a very lovely car for the money, with a quiet, smooth ride which tames even the roughest Island roads.
With sleek lines on the outside and high-spec comfort inside, there is a sense of luxury which belies the excellent price tag. There are acres of space in the boot, while the back seats have plenty of leg room, ensuring a comfortable ride for your passengers.
From the drivers’ perspective, the visibility is excellent and the rear parking sensors which came with this model made parking a breeze.
As well as a vastly improved suspension from my Ibiza, Luther’s handling of the Island’s corners was exceptional, while braking was smooth and not harsh.
Visually, I really liked the new dashboard, with sporty dials and a handy gear-shift display, recommending when to move up and down the gears to make your journey as fuel-efficient as possible.
I found myself looking for excuses to drive Luther as much as possible, and was sad to drop him back at Snows.
Just like Luther’s biggest hit, driving this car every day, would be Never Too Much!