COTY 2016
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Combining German mechanicals with Spanish styling flair, the Seat Ibiza is both fun and practical. The Ibiza is one of the most fun options in the compact hatch market, and this latest version upholds its reputation by delivering a more engaging driving experience than its rivals. Having German DNA also means that the Ibiza's build is of commendable quality.
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  • The Ibiza is really easy and fun to drive, it can zip in and out of traffic with ease. And it doesn't cost a bomb to run. The fuel economy on this thing is great.
    It's perfect for a family of four, five would be pushing it a bit. The reat seats can get a bit squeezy for three people.
    Other than that, it's a practical car for a small family.
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  • I test drove the Ibiza on Sunday during their launch event, and a SE by the name of Jerry attended to me.
    First impressions of the car was good: it looks like a slightly smaller Leon, and that is no bad thing given how sharp its bigger sibling looks. The doors have 2 distinct character lines which give the car a bit of attitude when viewed from the side profile. It is certainly a refreshing change from the boxy and somewhat-boring Polo on which it shares its underpinnings with.
    The car was amazingly fun to drive, and the SE encouraged me to floor the gas to have a feel of the car. I was impressed with it's pick-up and near-instant turbo kick-in, and how it handed very tidily around the corners with almost no body roll. However, the tyres that came with the car were lousy ones that did not do its handling any justice. Had he not already told me about the Ibiza's displacement, I wouldn't have guessed the engine was a simple 1.0l three-potter that was smaller than an A4 piece of paper. Contrary to what the UK reviews say, I opined the car felt very stable even when going over bumps and road imperfections.
    There are some hard plastics that adorn the top of the instrument cluster and door panels, but I suppose it's forgivable for a sub $100k car. The front door panels are nicely padded though, and the whole car felt like it would last a full COE with nary a rattle. Rear space was a tad cramped, but it is a supermini after all. The Honda Jazz and Nissan Note may have more space, but they are certainly not as engaging to drive nor as solidly made.
    Features-wise, it is equipped with bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, auto wipers and lights (on Style Plus), 4 airbags, front and rear parking sensors (quite redundant for a car of this size), auto start/stop, and digital climate control. I had to use a physical key to enter the car and start the engine, though, and that is a rarity these days - most cars have a keyless system with a push-start button.
    Overall, I would highly recommend this car as it does seem like a much better buy than the 1.2l Polo - you pay lower road tax on the Ibiza but it has more power than the Polo (110hp Vs. 105hp). Having 200Nm of torque from just 2000rpm is a treat, too.
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The Seat Ibiza may be the new kid on the block, but it's managed to fight its way to the top of the compact hatchback segment thanks to its great design, modern and comfortable cabin, as well as a punchy yet frugal powertrain.

Staying true to Ibiza's lively spirit, the car's stylish and distinctive sharp lines create a strong road presence, which allows it to stand out from the crowd. Seat is the youthful, fun arm of the Volkwagen Group and this is obvious in the exuberant styling of the Ibiza. The Ibiza isn't as stodgy as the Polo, yet has a more mature vibe compared to the Mazda2.

Inside, the Ibiza's cabin is a comfortable place to inhabit for a family of four. Its interior is also of higher quality compared to its segment rivals, thanks to the use of premium materials, as well as centre console-mounted controls that are clean and pleasingly driver-centric. And, a cargo capacity of 292 litres ensures enough space for grocery runs and bags for short holidays.

More importantly, the Ibiza's punchy, turbocharged 1.0-litre lump may be small in displacement, but churns 109bhp and 200Nm of torque. It takes just 9.3 seconds to complete the century sprint and in corners, is also no slouch. Thanks to its easy and fun-to-drive nature, the Ibiza has proven itself as one of the most engaging city compacts today. Plus, it also manages to remain frugal, clocking an average fuel economy reading of 15.8km/L.

If you've just started working, begun a family or just want a compact hatch to get around, the Seat Ibiza makes a great choice.