Test Seat Ibiza FR Plus 1.6 TDI 95 HP DSG7

One of the most well-known and loved models of the Automotive market is the Seat Ibiza , which is currently the second best-selling car in Spain , behind its brother Seat León. This model for the B segment began generation in 2017 and, although we have tested it thoroughly for almost a year, now we are back to its controls to examine it.

The main reason for getting back on the Seat Ibiza is that at that time we tried it in a very basic version. It had a Reference finish and the 1.0 gasoline engine with 75 HP. Now we wanted to try the opposite side, a very equipped version -although not full equip-. That is why we opted for a unit with the FR Plus finish , several options and the mechanics 1.6 TDI 95 HP with DSG change 7-speed.

As you can imagine, in many respects both the basic unit tested several months ago and this one with FR Plus finish are identical. Therefore, in order not to repeat many concepts and details, we will focus on the differences experienced, as well as the behavior of this more dynamic variant.

​​More passionate and sporty

Aesthetic changes are obvious . Although logically the main forms are maintained, the Seat Ibiza with FR Plus finish offers a much more athletic aesthetic , with more character. Starting with the front, the Ibiza FR Plus incorporates LED headlights , a shiny black grille with FR inscription and chrome contours, as well as a specific bumper.

the bright black contrasts in this "Desire Red" bodywork feel like a glove. The bright black color appears on the grille, on the outlines of the fog lights, on the panoramic sunroof and on the exterior mirror housings.

The 18" wheels of this unit are optional and the truth is that its design with bicolor finish is very attractive, with five thin double spokes. Of course, they show too much the brake drum on the rear wheels (also in black), something I personally do not like at all.

On the rear We have a specific bumper with its lower part finished in black as a "diffuser". On the sides of this plastic piece are two chromed trims that simulate a double exhaust, although they are completely false. The actual exit of the exhaust system is hidden below the bumpers and on the left side. Although it is not the only brand that resorts to it, the truth is that it is a somewhat "shabby" solution, if I am allowed the expression.

More interior quality and more equipment

If the exterior changes markedly from the most basic to the most equipped finish, the same happens inside. The materials used in the most visible parts of the passenger compartment are different, with a more colorful appearance and a higher quality .Its operation is simple and intuitive, processing quite smoothly. The image of the reversing camera is projected on this screen.

The seats are specific in this FR Plus finish, with better upholstery quality and greater support lateral to avoid that we move in the curves when we increase the pace. Of course, they do not have lumbar support regulation and I admit to having missed it a little during a 600-kilometer round trip in a single day.

This unit of the Seat Ibiza FR Plus no brings the digital instrument cluster , the Seat Digital Cockpit. Although it is an extra dispensable, the truth is that it changes a lot and brings a very technological image to the passenger compartment, since the quality of this instrument panel seen in many vehicles of the Volkswagen Group and which is now landing on Seat is well known. Its price, for those who decide to buy it, is 310 euros , so I think it's worth it.

In terms of habitability of the front and rear seats, as well as the space in the boot not It varies in absolute respect to the unit tested months ago. Four adults of normal height can travel quite loose and the 355 liters of the trunk are enough for a car of this segment B.

Mechanical range

The Seat Ibiza is available with various gasoline and diesel mechanics , as well as a TGI mechanical option, which can work with both GNC (Compressed Natural Gas) as with gasoline. Be careful not to confuse with LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), since the number of service stations where GNC refueling is much lower, although infrastructures are gradually expanding. On the other hand, there are manual changes and also 7-speed DSG transmissions.

Currently, and with the changes made weeks ago by the change of anti-pollution regulations and the new approvals with the WLTP, the Seat Ibiza is available with diesel engines of 80, 95 and 115 HP, as well as thrusters of gasoline of 95 and 115 HP. We hope that soon the 1.5 TSI of 150 HP will be available again, which until a few days ago was positioned as the most powerful version of the Spanish model.

Engine 1.6 TDI 95 CV DSG7

This engine is a 16-valve diesel tetra-cylinder with 1,598 cc. and supercharged by turbo. According to the technical sheet, it develops its 95 CV between 2,750 and 4,600 rpm, while the maximum torque of 250 Nm is available between 1,500 and 2,600. These ranges of revolutions already make us see that it will be a very usable engine in practically all the revolution counter.

With respect to the homologated data, it seems that this configuration is capable of achieving the 180 km/h maximum speed and cover the sprint from 0 to 100 in 11.3 seconds. For its part, the mixed consumption approved in the previous NEDC cycle was 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers traveled.

Impressions at the wheel

The Seat Ibiza offers good behavior in practically all kinds of situations. In the city it is very well defended by its external dimensions, being easy to maneuver with it in narrow places or at the time of parking.This is especially noticeable when driving on express roads , as it offers a good aplomb and the feeling of security that is transmitted at high speed is similar to that of a model of top category, to the compact ones. Despite being well soundproof, some slight aerodynamic noise is filtered into the passenger compartment.

It also performs well on twisty roads . If we activate the sport driving mode, the direction gains weight and the suspensions harden slightly. The management of the engine and the DSG change also become more reactive. In this situation, the body barely tilts , because the suspension keeps the inertia well, and feels very agile.

Of course, it is no less true that, riding on broken mousetracks , and not always at a high rate, the car tends to lose slightly the line when going through some potholes . The back part moves timidly and although in just a moment it is placed again, it does not transmit all the confidence that we would like. I do not know if it is a problem of the configuration of the chassis caused, perhaps, by a possible excess of bounce, or if on the contrary the fault is of tires with very little profile .

And now let's talk about the engine response diesel 1.6 TDI 95 hp and its partnership with the DSG dual clutch shift and 7 gears. The 95 HP and 250 Nm are more than enough to move the Seat Ibiza with enough agility , both by city, as twisty roads and mountain passes, as by highway. Unless many features are required, I do not think it is necessary to opt for the 115 HP mechanics, since this 95 is very solvent.

Accelerate when you accelerate, this configuration always offers energy , although where it is most comfortable is in the middle area of ​​the revolution counter, between 2,000 and 2,500 laps. The gearbox DSG , as usual, works very well and is fast when it comes to raising and lowering gears, although somewhat more awkward when maneuvering at very low speed.

With the change in position D you tend to choose a long gear to look for tight consumption, stretching a little more in position S . We can always choose the manual mode and play with the cams to be ourselves owners of the management, although if you hurry up to the red zone will jump to a higher gear as a protection. Of course, it would not be otherwise if the cams were larger and made of a higher quality material.

Otherwise, the diesel engine is allowed to notice at idle and acceleration, which is not very pleasant because it filters a lot inside. Maintaining a stable speed and a medium engine speed, it is barely noticeable in the passenger compartment, disappearing completely if we have the audio equipment activated or if we are talking to our companions.

Regarding the consumptions , being a diesel engine of last generation and a small car, are quite good. In normal conditions we are around 5 liters of mixed consumption doing a normal driving, being possible to walk around 4.5 l/100 km if our routes are favorable or if we are quite gentle when driving .The aesthetics, the equipment and the qualities improve notably from one unit to another. Of course, the counterpart is the price, which is considerably increased both by the level of basic equipment and by the optionals that this unit assembles.

With regard to rivals , this version The Seat Ibiza is pursued mainly by the Ford Fiesta ST-Line, the Kia Rio GT Line, the Renault Clio GT Line and the Volkswagen Polo Sport.