Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

The Spanish car maker and the little engine that could

Singapore — Entry to Seat ownership begins with the car tested here, the Ibiza 1.0 EcoTSI 110hp DSG. From the moniker, even the most casual observer can work out that this little hatchback is powered by a 1-litre engine that makes 110hp and is fitted with Volkswagen’s direct shift gearbox twin-clutch automated transmission.

Singapore — Entry to Seat ownership begins with the car tested here, the Ibiza 1.0 EcoTSI 110hp DSG. From the moniker, even the most casual observer can work out that this little hatchback is powered by a 1-litre engine that makes 110hp and is fitted with Volkswagen’s direct shift gearbox twin-clutch automated transmission.

In addition to this, just about all the car’s components are sourced from parent company Volkswagen, which speaks volumes about the engineering behind this Spanish-designed car. Interestingly, Volkswagen is yet to release models in Singapore with the 999cc, three-cylinder turbocharged powerplant, so the new Ibiza is something of a unique proposition here.

 

PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT

 

Despite its diminutive displacement, the Ibiza’s motor is capable of making 110hp. That’s 10hp more than the 1.2-litre turbocharged engine used in the Volkswagen Polo, which is based on a similar platform.

Making do with one less cylinder might suggest that the Ibiza’s powerplant might not be as smooth as the four-cylinder unit in the Polo. But it is so smooth that its occupants would be hard-pressed to guess if this car had an odd or even number of cylinders under the bonnet.

Off the line, the combination of the turbocharged engine paired with an automated twin-clutch gearbox easily makes the Ibiza one of the liveliest cars in its class when compared with rivals like the Mazda 2, Honda Jazz 1.3, Ford Fiesta and the VW Polo as well.

The engine is also a relatively quiet unit, making itself heard only under extreme acceleration. This however, is unlikely to be a common occurrence as it produces plenty of torque at low engine revs.

We’ll stop short of calling the Ibiza quick, but it does take off from a standstill briskly with no hint of lethargy, unlike some of its normally aspirated competitors that need to build up a head of steam before they can really get going.

 

VIEW FROM THE INSIDE

 

Although the quality of materials in the Seat’s cabin may be slightly below the likes of its parent company’s products, there is plenty to keep you from noticing that you are in an entry-level model.

While factory-fitted leather seats are absent, the Ibiza offers cruise control and a Bluetooth-enabled infotainment head unit that has an SD card slot but no CD player. Perhaps it is more a sign of the times rather than budgetary constraints that this car does without a CD player.

Otherwise, a remote locking system and one-touch power windows all around make the prospect of living with the Ibiza something to look forward to rather than loathe.

 

 

SEAT IBIZA 1.0 ECO TSI 110HP, DSG

 

Engine: 999cc, 3-cylinder turbocharged, 110hp, 200Nm

Performance: 197kmh (limited), 0-100km/h: 9.3s, 4.4L/100km

Price: Approximately S$100,500 as tested

Available: Now

PROS: Surprisingly refined and zippy

CONS: Slight compromise in build quality

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.