Seat Ibiza 1.5 TSI in the test

Have you ever been to the States on a Fourth of July? On the so-called Independence Day it will be difficult to avoid the confetti in red, white and blue. In short: to celebrate your own independence, you throw a lot of punch. Accordingly, 40 years ago Seat Ibiza, the first independent model after the marriage with Fiat, was able to make a little more, well, Fiesta. Because the gray mouse here is the FR Anniversary model, at least with a 150 hp top engine, independent integral seats, 18-inch rims and a few badges. Taken seriously: a completely normal Ibiza.

Okay, the FR sports suspension runs over edges and manhole covers with moderate consideration for the occupants. Because he is a real athlete, especially with the 150 hp petrol engine? No: The Seat Ibiza 1.5 TSI steers smoothly and directly, combined with the firm chassis and 215 tires. Return message? It’s going ok. The steering works fairly smoothly, gives a good feel for each of the 1,201 kilograms, but is not a corner filler. The FR remains neutral for a long time, then pushes into understeer at some point, but never entertains with the cheekiness of real small sports cars.

The precise cooperation of the turbo four-cylinder and dual-clutch transmission enables solid acceleration. The well-known 1.5 TSI responds quickly and then pushes homogeneously through the speed range with a noisy undertone. The dual-clutch transmission, which has no alternative, changes its seven gears unobtrusively and quickly, but starting off is either rough or slow. Thrifty? Goes. Minimum consumption: 5.3 l/100 km.

Inside, in addition to the space and optional seats, the versatile speedometer display is appealing. The material goods were below its modular sibling, the VW Polo. At least the hard plastic is neatly installed. You can save the lame infotainment in favor of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Positive: the simple button-based operation on the steering wheel and the air conditioning.

Further back, things get poorer: on the one hand, there is no rear lighting, and on the other hand, strangely enough, Seat does not offer a variable loading floor for the 1.5 TSI. Only a small cloth lies over the spare wheel well, and the inner loading sill is high. Things get tough at the checkout. The solution: take the manual 1.0 TSI, save around 3,500 euros and dream of a Cupra variant that deserves a comeback, especially for the anniversary.