Tuesday 8th April 2014

New SEAT Ibiza FR launched

Out go the DSG and a regular 1.4, in come a manual and cylinder deactivation

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It was nearly two years ago when PH first tried the VW Polo Blue GT, an innovative little warm hatch with that alluring combination of parsimony and performance; 62mph in less than eight seconds and over 60mpg combined. But cylinder deactivation didn't come cheap in 2012, and is no more affordable now; at £17,500 it was more expensive than the faster Fabia vRS and your VW dealer will currently ask £17,695 for the most basic 3-door Polo Blue GT.

Cheaper, quicker, cleaner; sounds good!

Step forward SEAT and its new Ibiza FR ACT (Active Cylinder Technology). Powered by the same 140hp 1.4 as the Polo, the Ibiza too is capable of over 60mpg (well, 60.1) and a 7.8-second dash to 62mph, but it starts at £15,320 for the 3-door hatch. And moreover, an ST estate is available too for practicality, parsimony and performance.

The FR ACT replaces the old FR 1.4 with fuel economy improving by 12.2mpg and emissions dropping by 30g/km. This is despite the old car running with a DSG and the new FR being manual only. A win-win combination, surely?

Furthermore, the new FR will cost less than the outgoing model despite the additional tech. Both hatch models and the estate are £1,015 less at RRP than the old 150hp car. An FR Edition model also joins the range in the two hatch variants, adding red calipers, red seatbelts, titanium coloured wheels, climate control and tinted rear windows for £600.

The latest Ibiza Cupra is available to order now with deliveries commencing in June. Will the Cupra now follow the Polo GTI's lead and get a manual too?

 

[renaultgeek]

great, except it's an ibiza?

[Cupramax]

renaultgeek said:

great, except it's an ibiza?

This??? Ad shows ibiza but says Leon

[steveb8189]

renaultgeek said:

great, except it's an ibiza?

Don't have to be a SEATgeek to spot that

[James1972]

Why no DSG even as an option -even better claimed CO2's ? Too many failures / waranty claims on the dry DSG box ?

[McAndy]

The article said:

FR ACT (Active Cylinder Deactivation)

S.A.L.

(SEAT Acronym Fail.)

[mike-r]

I can imagine the marketing meeting when coming up with 'Active Cylinder Deactivation'.

"'Deactivation' sounds too negative... let's put Active back in!"

[Rutter]

renaultgeek said:

great, except it's an ibiza?

Is it not an Alhambra?

[JackReacher]

Ironically, the Leon doesn't get the ACT engine despite being the newer model. Presumably to give the A3 and Golf an additional selling point over it, but it's odd VAG let the Ibiza have it and not the Leon.

[Matt Bird]

renaultgeek said:

great, except it's an ibiza?

Eurgh, sorry! Silly SEAT mix-up, I've been sent to study the product catalogue this afternoon. Mistake changed now, then off to drive that Mii MPV this evening.

Apologies guys, not really good enough.


Matt

[Matt Bird]

McAndy said:

S.A.L.

(SEAT Acronym Fail.)

That's writer fail actually. It's Active Cylinder Technology. I'll spend the rest of the week making tea, probably best.

[McAndy]

Matt Bird said:

That's writer fail actually. It's Active Cylinder Technology. I'll spend the rest of the week making tea, probably best.

White, no sugar please.

[va1o]

Nice to see this has finally come out, as it first appears in the price list 2/3 months ago but haven't been any sign since of cars reaching dealers. Seems like a good car for the money, the new engine is a great drive.