This great-looking, ultra-economical addition to the new SEAT Ibiza range stands out by virtue of its exceptional fuel consumption and emission figures, and its generous standard equipment roster. Little green giant The newcomer becomes the only model on the market to feature both air conditioning and an 80 PS turbodiesel engine producing emissions of just 98 g/km. Available in both 5dr and SportCoupé (SC) versions, the new generation Ibiza Ecomotive features SEAT’s familiar 80 PS 1.4 TDI powerplant, with the added environmental benefit that comes from a standard-fit DPF diesel particulate filter. Like its predecessor, the new Ecomotive limits key emissions to below 100 g/km, but also further improves fuel consumption, in this case to more than 76 mpg (combined)*. Updated engine software contributes to these impressive results while revised gear ratios, as well as the car’s overall dimensions, all contribute to the Ecomotive’s class-leading environmental performance. Key CO2 emission levels, at 98 g/km, compare with 114 g/km for the standard version. Thanks to the efficient DPF technology, the vast majority of soot particles emitted by the diesel engine are filtered out. The engine control unit continuously checks the state of the maintenance-free filter, activating regeneration in order to burn off the accumulated soot particles when required. Gear ratios have again been carefully revised to maximise the opportunity for economical driving with special attention paid to third, fourth and fifth. The idea, naturally, is to allow the engine to spend as much time as possible operating in its most fuel efficient rev range. Add the beneficial effects of new low rolling resistance 175/70 tyres, which provide less surface friction, and 14” steel wheels with aerodynamically efficient wheel trims, and the new Ecomotive’s green credentials are clear. Slippery customer Vehicle aerodynamics have obviously been carefully scrutinised in the SEAT engineers’ relentless quest to reduce fuel consumption and improve emissions figures. Thus, this new Ibiza variant features a newly-designed front grille and new rear spoiler. Wind resistance is cut and fuel economy boosted as a result. The car’s slightly reduced width (compared with the outgoing Ibiza Ecomotive) also has a streamlining effect. The car’s maximum weight has also been reduced through the careful choice of equipment and by eliminating certain options, and working on the base model to keep it comfortably within the engineers’ desired weight range. Economy meets luxury The new Ibiza Ecomotive is equipped with the same comfort and safety features as the rest of the Ibiza range in ‘S’ trim level, with the addition of exclusive new seat upholstery, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, and double parabolic headlights. Standard equipment is generous and features among other things, ABS, driver and passenger airbags, head-thorax airbag, MP3 audio equipment plus Aux-in and six speakers, electro-hydraulic power steering, 175/70 tyres on 14” steel wheels, anti-theft roof aerial, steering column audio controls, air-recirculation and pollen filter, remote controlled central locking, front seatbelt reminder, rear seat Isofix anchoring points and Top Tether preparation, height adjustable driver and passenger seat, and three height adjustable rear head restraints. Depending on market, an extensive variety of options is also available on the new generation Ibiza Ecomotive, bringing ‘big car’ comforts such as rear parking sensors, cruise control, air conditioning, and cornering fog lights, among others. UK prices and precise specification details will be announced closer to the new model’s launch during the first half of next year. NB: All figures related to performance, consumption and emissions are pending homologation. |