2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The new Ibiza can again have an important say in the concert of modern small cars and does not have to shy away from any comparison. But he is not convincing in all respects.
By Martin Woldt
This new Ibiza is actually an icebreaker. Apart from the Smart and perhaps the Kia Rio, it is the first small car to break a long-lamented taboo in the segment and not primarily earn a few extra euros with the ESP skid blocker, but instead consistently bring the safety system into series production for all model variants. That basically makes him likeable. So far, the sling blocker cost 525 euros extra. Now you get ESP with hill start assist and tire pressure control included. It has just received five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test, so the newcomer doesn't have to shy away from any comparison.
On a new platform
ESP for all models in the standard equipment is not yet available even with the group brothers Polo and Fabia. The Ibiza also has the new VW A0 platform ahead of both. Among other things, it ensures that the small car is traveling on a lane that is about three centimeters wider. With our first driving impressions, the cornering behavior with good directional stability convinced. Only the steering was a bit too light in the hands for our taste at higher speeds. Which was possibly due to the chassis, because you can also opt for a sporty version that is equipped with stiffer springs and dampers. The desired sportiness should be expressed in a little more work at the wheel. The comfort version always gives you the feeling: it's better to follow up again.
Generous trunk
The new platform increases the Ibiza by ten centimeters to 4.05 meters. That is five centimeters more than the Corsa and thirteen more than the Polo has between the bumpers. That almost results in a segment peak value for the congestion volume. The 292 liters (Skoda Fabia: 300 liters, the upcoming Ford Fiesta: 295 liters) are 25 more than its predecessor. A pleasant side effect: the headrests no longer have to be removed when folding down the rear seat. However, the space in the interior has not become luxurious. But with a normal stature, two adults also have enough space on the back seat, at least in width, to strap a child seat between them. The headroom is different, because of the sloping roof line it soon becomes uncomfortable for body sizes from 1.75 meters. Seat showed a good feeling for zeitgeist in the cockpit. For an extra 50 euros, there will in future be an interface for mobile navigation devices, free of cable clutter on the dashboard. Initially only for a certain Tomtom edition, but others are to follow.
Lack of commitment
But the car is not so consistently modern in all respects. Although it is already quite sporty, you measure this 85 PS version a little too quickly against the speedy acceleration values that can be achieved, only to find that this is not without consequences. Because as convincing as this Seat is on the one hand: stylish shape and good equipment, when you refuel you wait for a commitment that the car has understood the signs of the times in this sensitive area too. Well, 7.5 liters on 100 kilometers of motorway burned on a day of hard work for the air conditioning, with outside temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius. This is not the case with city consumption: the 8.6 liters in a car that has been slimmed down to less than 1,000 kilograms are more likely to be explained by brand policy and are well above the standard values determined on the test bench.
Thirsty model
They only prove that the VW Group could not bring themselves to equip an otherwise very modern car with the most modern units. So this difficult to criticize Ibiza has an unnecessary brake on fun. Because, on the one hand, it is fairly easy to drive, lies well on the road and can also refer to dignified spatial conditions. Yes, in the second row the sky hangs a little low for adults. And 85 hp is safe enough for a car in pronounced short and medium-haul operation. But the sluggish torque does not require the gears to be extended sparingly. And the absence of a sixth warns that even a little more than 120 km / h motorway speed is actually too fast for the thrifty driver. Although the engine is only now perking up. But also his thirst.
Prices from 11,490 euros
That's a bit of a shame for the Ibiza, which doesn't have to shy away from comparison with others. But here in the league of 4-meter cars the decision is made as to how much individual mobility we can still afford. Entry-level price for the Ibiza 1.2 with 70 hp including an early bird discount of 300 euros (should be possible until the end of September) at 12,190 euros. The three-door sports coupé, which will be launched in late summer, is available from 11,490 euros. The 105 diesel is called with 17,660 euros. The 85-horsepower gasoline engine controlled by us is on the list for 14,960 euros.
