Seat Car Launches

THE World Cup, a four yearly occurence that brings together the soccer playing nations in an opportunity for sportsmanship on the field and violent hand to hand combat off it.

English hopes spring eternal despite a forward line of two orthopaedic patients, the captain of someone’s school team and a man on stilts.

We have, at least, survived the national disgrace stages thanks to a victory over Paraguay and dehydration before dispatching the world renowned Trinidad and Winibago.

On then to the losing on penalties stage, which is usually preceded by the key player sending off incident. It is normally expected that all will culminate in a large party on the streets of Rio.

And all this has got what to do with cars? Well it’s a huge boost for the roof-mounted flag industry for a start. Then there is sponsorship. Hyundai is one of the main contributors and have enlisted Peter Crouch to stand by a Santa Fe to show how tall he is. Actually if, heaven forbid, someone should whack him in the top of the head with a fire axe he would make a damn fine clothes prop.

South Korea may be no-hopers on the pitch but Hyundai have got behind a few defences with this one.

You would, for instance, have thought that VW would give its very Jurgens to support the World Cup on German soil. That’s without consideration for how many other countries VAG has an interest in.

Currently driving a Skoda Octavia Rs? VW solid to the core. It may be made in a country where celebrity chef shows are all about interesting ways to cook cabbage and potatoes, but like the Czech Republic, you would be mad to ignore its potential. Bought a Passat recently? Own goal.

Then there is the Italian connection with the ownership of Bugatti and Lamborghini and while we would thank you not to mention it, the English, our very own Bentley.

For goodness sake, it was only in 2003 that a man with a big moustache stopped hammering out old style Beetles in a Mexican mountain blacksmiths.

If German football is a question of ordered power then the Spanish game is one of style, all soft curves and lightness of foot. Imagine if the commissions for the Brandenburg Gate and Gaudi’s Cathedral had been swapped. The Germans would have got an archway of egg boxes and squids while the Spanish enjoyed 40 kilomters of good motorway and a sturdy tower block.

SEAT combines the two and adds the pricing of cheap holiday beer. The 20-valve 1.8 litre 160PS Ibiza Cupra, for instance, is £15,300. I have had some fun over the years at VW’s expense, the Golf R32 springs to mind, and this was another bellylaugh.

I was a season ticket holder of the old model. It was hard, charmingly hooligan and a positive boost to dental practices everywhere.

The new Cupra is pleasingly rounded. Redesign has produced more subtle lines although there is still a clodhopping badge-cum-hatch handle.

It has the pace we used to love Michael Owen for at 7.5 seconds to 60mph.

I suppose a list of equipment wold be handy but there is little point. It would not be a long list and, anyway this is not one to buy to push buttons. Family car? Only if your family is called Dave and he buys the beers.

Cupra is about taking corners better than Steven Gerrard, the firepower of Argentina and, because VW is behind the moving bits, it’s not Wayne Rooney’s foot. It won’t break.

How German is it? Well the brochure shows two nudists running away from a TDi.

Of course, by the time some of you read this the Englanders’ 2006 invasion of Germany may be kaput. In which case I would suggest switching allegiance to the Spanish It’s not a bad idea if you are hunting a value-for-money hot hatch, either.

SEAT is the car company renowned for offering the quality of a Volkswagen for the price of a Fiat, which is why sales are so buoyant.

As a member of the giant VW group, the former Spanish motor manufacturer has a reputation to maintain – and it starts with the Ibiza priced from £8,995.

SEATs are generally based on Volkswagen platforms, as is the case with the Ibiza supermini, which oozes the same feeling of robustness as a Polo and drives and handles just as well.

Petrol engines are the 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 litre units with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions plus diesel options of 1.4 and 1.9 litres.

In the case of the Ibiza 1.9 TDI Sport there is economy of 60mpg and a top speed just shy of 110mph.

Every model in the range comes with a choice of three or five doors and the CO2 rating is as low as 98g/km in the case of the 1.4-litre diesel.

The larger Leon range starts with the 1.4-litre petrol-powered model at £15,285, rising to £18,235 for the two-litre turbodiesel.

A five-door hatchback, the Leon also comes with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines plus high EuroNCAP safety scores.

Taller than the Leon is the Altea hatchback, which competes against mid-range MPVs and comes with the option of an extended XL version.

Prices range from £13,545 for the entry-level 1.6 Reference to £19,830 for the 2.0 TDI 170 Freetrack.

Yet another SEAT hatchback is the Toledo, which is based on the Altea. There are two turbodiesel models on offer, the 1.9 TDI at £15,025 and the 2.0 TDI costing £16,835.

SEAT also offers a compact executive model in the guise of the Exeo saloon, which is based on the previous generation Audi A4.

The conventional four-door saloon with front wheel drive comes with prices from £17,735 for the two-litre TDI, rising to £21,335 for the 170bhp version, which achieves a combination of 50mpg economy and 140mph performance.

Finally, there is the Alhambra, which like other models in the SEAT range, comes in efficiency-enhancing Ecomotive guise.

This enables it to achieve economy of 47mpg and a low CO2 figure of just 159g/km.

Alhambra prices start at £16,345, which is surprisingly low for such an accomplished seven-SEAT MPV, rising to £21,270 for the two-litre turbodiesel version with luxurious Stylance trim and equipment.

SEAT’S up and coming new Ibiza is bigger all round than the old one, and closely based on the Bocanegra concept revealed at the Geneva show.

It has been designed by the same man who penned the Lamborghini Gallardo and follows the lead of the svelte Leon in slick, shapely styling.

This is the third Ibiza since VW took over the Spanish company and is no longer based on the Polo, but a completely new car.

Engines will be pretty much the same as those in the existing car to start with.

The smallest is a 69bhp three-cylinder 1.2, followed by an 85bhp 1.4 and a 100bhp 1.6.

Diesels won’t be available until 2009 but then there will probably be 1.4, 1.9 and 2.0 units with 80, 105 and 140bhp.

The group’s eonomical and powerful TSI turbocharged petrol engines will also probably be introduced in 2009.

Even the five-door is said to have fine road manners thanks to SEAT’S new so-called Agile Chassis.

Interior

The Bocanegra concept’s interior does not seem to have been watered down much apparently and insiders say there’s been a major focus on trim quality.

The company believes that just because a car is cheaper it does not have to be inferior.

FAST FACTS

SEAT Ibiza 1.4

Price: Under £10,000

Mechanical: 85bhp, 1,390cc, 4 cyl petrol driving front wheels via 5 speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 110mph

0-62mph: 12secs

Combined mpg: 40+

Insurance group: 4

CO2 emissions: N/A

BIK: N/A

Warranty: 3 years, 60,000miles, 3 years paint, 12 years anti-rust, 2 years breakdown.

Marks: Looks like a 9/10

Main Rival: New Ford Fiesta

More Seat Ibiza Information

More Seat Ibiza Information

More Seat Ibiza Information

More Seat Ibiza Information

STILL in your teens, strapped for cash and wary of those frightening insurance premiums – which car do you go for?

Is it a cheap one, a car guaranteed to return optimum fuel economy, something trendy, practical or a model with that extra bit of punch?

Priorities vary, but the combination of its parts and attractions makes the SEAT Ibiza a car that ticks all the boxes.

In fact everything from youthful appeal and technology to safety systems and pricing comes together in the latest generation of the popular supermini.

There’s a wide range of engines, including a trio of diesels, but the best value comes with the entry level 1.2-litre petrol version.

Far from being the slouch a 64PS powerplant might suggest, this Ibiza is spirited and feels far quicker than its official performance figures of 0-60 in 14.2 seconds suggest.

It can flit in and out of traffic easily, hold its own in the outside lane of the motorway and completes the job with adequate comfort.

Its handling is positive, making winding country lanes fun to negotiate, and there is an easy gearshift. Even the driving position is among the best in any small car, and thanks to average economy of 47mpg, you are not forever on the lookout for filling stations.

Inside, things are crisp and modern. The facia is of a soft touch plastic, while the switches have a typical Volkswagen – SEAT is owned by VW – quality to them.

There’s also ample legroom for a tall driver, while reasonable space in the back means rear passengers can travel in comparative comfort, the scooped out front SEATbacks making for better knee space.

The boot is nothing special, though load space can be extended via the 60/40 split and fold rear SEATs.

Standard safety features include ABS, front airbags, collapsible steering column and brakes that snap out of the way in a collision. There’s also a four-star Euro NCAP crash test rating and a low group three insurance banding.

All models are well equipped with air-con, CD player, immobiliser, remote central locking, electric front windows, power steering and rear spoiler included as standard.

Expect to pay around £2,750 for a 2002/52 Ibiza 1.2 Reference model or £3,500 for the same model year 1.4 SE.

CONSIDERING it has been on the market for the best part of a decade, the Peugeot 206′s attractive styling has barely dated.

The little Pug retains a freshness many of its newer rivals find it difficult to match. There’s that feline glint from the headlights, the unmistakable grooved bonnet and slinky supermodel shape – in all, a car that bridges the age gap.

A choice of eight-valve 1.1, 1.4, 1.6 and two-litre petrol units, plus a quartet of diesels – 1.4, 1.6, 1.9D and more powerful 2.0 HDi – are available in a variety of trim levels.

Whichever version you may favour, the 206 is basically a nicely poised car that handles confidently and offers ample performance.

Even the most basic models are well kitted out. Power steering, driver’s airbag, immobiliser, and adjustable steering wheel are standard throughout – while the higher spec cars add air-con, CD player, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows and mirrors.

The interior reveals some neat styling tricks like the concealed storage pit under the front passenger SEAT, a large glovebox with multi-purpose lid and door bins wide enough to hold a drinks can.

All 206s are user-friendly with comfortable SEATs, well-arranged dash and surprisingly decent space for four adults. You get a large flat boot, plus split/fold rear SEATs and a folding front passenger SEAT, which allows a long load-through.

Peugeot 206 models are not only popular with private buyers, but also the fleets – so there are plenty to choose from.

You should be able to pick up a three-door 1.1 Style model on a 2002/52 plate for around £2,750 or the same model year 1.4 LX for £3,150.

THE VERDICT

MODEL: SEAT Ibiza.

DRIVING: A marvellous runaround car with perfect driving position and lively engines.

PERFORMANCE: Plenty of punch across the range – even entry level 1.2 feels spirited.

ECONOMY: Bags of it – 1.2 will return 47mpg, diesels more than 50mpg.

SAFETY: ABS, front airbags, collapsible steering column and snap away brakes.

WHAT’S HOT: Trendy style, excellent economy, low insurance, cheap to buy.

WHAT’S NOT: Space tight in the back, no rear stowage.

RECOMMENDED BUY: Ibiza 1.2 Reference.

STAR RATING (out of five): * * * * *

MODEL: Peugeot 206.

DRIVING: Quick and refined with good handling and ride quality.

PERFORMANCE: Lively in most cases without being really sharp. 1.9 diesel feels sluggish.

ECONOMY: Reasonable to run, service and insure. Diesels will return at least 57mpg.

SAFETY: Power steering, airbags and central locking on most models.

WHAT’S HOT: Space, equipment, refined ride, positive handling.

WHAT’S NOT: Slightly awkward driving position.

RECOMMENDED BUY: 1.1 Style three-door.

STAR RATING (out of five): * * * *

SPANISH car maker SEAT has unveiled a completely new Ibiza supermini and says there will also be new saloon and estate models for the family sector in coming months.

The latest incarnation of the Ibiza is bigger than the current car and has sharp looks penned by former Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke.

SEAT, which is part of the giant Volkswagen group together with Audi and Lamborghini, says that the new five-door hatchback model is just one of several versions of the enlarged supermini due to arrive during the next few months.

Thy will boast a variety of new features including a seven-speed automatic/sequential manual gearbox, hill start assist, front fog lights with side illumination for cornering and combined aux-in/USB connectivity for all manner of music devices.

Longer than the current model – the new Ibiza is 4.05m versus the existing car’s 3.97m – it has more rear SEAT legroom and a larger boot which, at 292 litres with the rear SEATs in place is claimed o be the largest in the supermini class.

The front-wheel drive newcomer will initially offer three petrol engines comprising a 1.2-litre three cylinder, a 1.4-litre four cylinder and a 1.6-litre four cylinder unit generating 102bhp.

They will be mated as standard to a five-speed manual gearbox and all will have a CO2 figure under 160 g/km.

A range of direct-injection turbodiesel models will follow but at this stage the company says it is not releasing any more information.

FOR more than two decades, SEAT has been producing cars dedicated to the ‘Balearic Beat’ with the Ibiza having established itself as a firm favourite with holidaymakers and folks back home since 1985.

However, time moves on and now there’s an all-new, sportily styled SEAT Ibiza, the latest generation of the model which, in recent times, has become firmly established as the Spanish car maker’s best seller.

The look of the new Ibiza five-door is distinctly dynamic, its sporting style is highlighted by the design of the nose while the eye-shaped headlights which flank the neat-looking radiator grille are set lower to help emphasise the arrowhead effect which is a major characteristic of this new car.

Also helping to promote the aggressively dynamic look of the Ibiza are robust rear shoulders and mildly flared front wheel arches plus a striking shoulder line that rises above the rear wheel arches bestowing a much stronger look to the rear of the car.

There’s a first for this new Ibiza as it sits on parent company Volkswagen’s new small car platform, underpinnings which are also destined to partner the next VW Polo and Audi’s A1.

The new Ibiza is more than four and a half inches longer overall than the outgoing model and has more than an inch wider tracking front and rear. That has helped the newcomer adopt a much more planted stance helping to deliver more precise and composed handling.

The extra dimensions have also translated into a cabin which, while perhaps still a little tight in the rear, sits two sizeable adults with ease in the back SEATs and an eight per cent boost in boot space over the outgoing model provides an extra 25-litres of stowage space realising a quite respectable 292-litres of luggage area.

Fit and finish is good with plenty of good quality tactile plastic and fabrics while functionality and design have come together agreeably to deliver a driver-friendly dashboard. The centre console is neatly set out with sound system controls sensibly placed above the climate control buttons while there is also a dock for a TomTom sat nav system.

As you would expect in a car with sporty propensity, the emphasis is on the driver with instruments angled toward the driving position which has also been lowered to improve driver headroom.

There are three trim levels, S, SE and Sport, three petrol engines, 1.2-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre, while further additions of a brace of diesels are due in 2009.

I have just tried out the 1.4-litre in SE form which SEAT expects to be the most popular version.

Paired with a smooth-shifting five-speed manual gearchange the 84bhp 16-valver spins very sweetly, a quietly smooth operator that will take you from 0-62mph in an acceptable 12.2 seconds while offering 45mpg over the combined driving cycle.

The new Ibiza delivers a comfortable ride in all parts and thanks to grippy traction there is excellent agility through tight bends. It exhibits sharp reactions to input from the steering wheel and body movements are nicely controlled.

It’s competitively priced from £8,995 for the 1.2 S and £10,395 for the 1.4 SE, topping out at £11,295 for the 1.6-litre Ibiza Sport.

More Seat Ibiza Information

More Seat Ibiza Information

More Seat Ibiza Information

GREEN credentials are so often sought after now and with plenty of reason.

But few cars can claim the low, low emissions of the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive, which gains free access to the London congestion charge area and almost free road tax by having just 99 grammes per kilometre of carbon dioxide emissions.

That’s the kind of level all the car makers will be aiming at before too long, because of the rising price of fuel.

Not only does this 1.4 supermini have low emissions, it will also average 74 miles per gallon, driven carefully, and that is most definitely not to be sneezed at.

Performance is still fair, without ever being a great deal of fun, and the economy is achieved by longer gearing, which means a bit more gearchanging is necessary.

The ride is good and the handling secure and accomplished despite some roll but the main drawback is the noise.

The engine is agricultural and lack of sound proofing to save weight means all that noise gets through.

Interior

Despite its lowly credentials, it still comes with aircon, electric front windows, remote locking and the security of deadlocks.

The steering is adjustable for rake and reach and there is also height adjustment for the driver’s SEAT.

FAST FACTS

SEAT Ibiza 1.4 TDI Ecomotive 5dr

Price: £11,625

Mechanical: 80bhp, 1,422cc, 3cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed: 110mph

0-62mph: 12.8 secs

Combined mpg: 74.3

Insurance group: 5

CO2 emissions: 99g/km

BiK rating: 18%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust

Marks: 8/10

Main Rival: VW Polo BlueMotion

SPORTY Spanish brand SEAT is shrugging off the cooling effects of the credit crunch as it gears up for a sizzling September.

Buoyed by the recent launch of its most important new model of recent times, the all-new SEAT Ibiza five door, the firm is looking to buck the trend and make the imminent change to the ’58 number plate prefix a bumper month.

Key to the Spaniards’ ambitious outlook is this new supermini. Fresh from the wheels up, and sporting all manner of ‘big car’ features once the preserve only of executive models, the new five-door sports sharp style and even sharper pricing.

Penned by ex-Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke the svelte supermini can accommodate up to five adults, while at 292 litres (SEATs up) its boot is among the largest in the class.

Naturally, every new Ibiza five door model arrives with an impressive array of comfort, style and safety features included. Even entry-level S 1.2 versions include the likes of a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel; height adjustable driver’s SEAT; speed-sensitive electrohydraulic power steering; electric front windows; driver, front passenger and head-thorax front side airbags; ABS braking; remote central locking and six-speaker FM/AM RDS radio with MP3-compatible CD player.

And there’s great news on insurance groups, with the new Ibiza five-door boasting competitive ratings ranging from Group 2 for the frugal S 1.2 to just Group 5 for the lively Sport 1.6.

Prices are competitive and start at £8,995 and it’s easy to see why SEAT is expecting a surge of interest in its newcomer.

Meanwhile, car buyers looking for the same stunning value on something a little larger, should look no further than the perennially popular SEAT Leon.

In the run-up to September anyone purchasing a Leon 1.9 TDI, in newly-launched EmociÌ_n spec, will be able to upgrade to the superior Stylance level for free. That means a whole host of additional features, including dual zone climate control, electric front and rear windows and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. It represents a saving of £900.

A special edition Leon EmociÌ_n 1.6, with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, integrated fog lights and a host of other appealing features including an MP3 compatible CD player is available at £13,250.

Tempting offers are also available across the Altea range – the Altea, Altea XL and Altea Freetrack 4.

Then there’s the supremely spacious and very highly-specced seven-SEAT Alhambra which is available in 2.0 TDI Stylance guise for just £19,995 – a saving of £1,500.

And finally, attractive deals are still available on Sportrider and Freerider variants of the outgoing Ibiza. These cars have plenty of extras and represent good value for money.

IBIZA

SEAT IBIZA For Sale