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New Ibiza looking sharp

2015 Seat Ibiza Connect
2015 Seat Ibiza Connect

Seat’s baby Ibiza has been refreshed for 2015 with some clever new tech and a subtle makeover.

Seat’s Ibiza has done a sterling job of bringing buyers into the brand in what is a cut-throat sector of the market. It’s also managed to look youthful and sharp despite having been around since 2008.

Now it’s time for the Ibiza’s second facelift however, and it’s on the receiving end of plenty of new kit.

The outside gets a mild makeover while inside there’s new materials and a re-sculpted dashboard which help up the quality feel alongside greater personalisation options and increased technology.

There’s also some new engines to choose from and tweaked suspension aimed at improving the ride quality.

It’s a sign of confidence from Seat that they have chosen to change so little of the Ibiza’s exterior. Compared to the 2012 model the exterior is distinguished only by LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights and some new alloy wheel options, but otherwise it’s the same attractive shape.

2015 Seat Ibiza Connect
2015 Seat Ibiza Connect

It’s the bold lines that make it stand out from its more conservative rivals and it’s still the best looking car in the class, which no doubt helps its youthful image.

Small cars certainly aren’t as small as they used to be but the Ibiza strikes a good balance between a compact exterior and a cabin that is usefully sized.

In the front there’s a good driving position, legroom and headroom are good enough even for taller folk and it’s not a narrow cabin either. In the back it’s fine for kids and you can squeeze adults in there too, but three across the back requires a degree of intimacy.

Boot space remains at 292 litres which isn’t the outright biggest in the class but it’s a good shape and can cope with reasonable demands.

The pick of the new engine line up is 1.0-litre three cylinder, which is now available in turbocharged form with two power outputs, but the larger 1.2 TFSI tested here is still an excellent device even in the lower 89bhp form.

Quiet and torquey, it behaves much like a larger capacity engine and there’s very little to betray the fact that it is turbocharged. It delivers some impressive numbers too; 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds and 57.6mpg combined too.

Elsewhere the Ibiza switches to electric power steering, and while that does mean the steering is light and a little less feelsome than before it only takes one corner to realise it is pleasingly accurate and makes it a fun car to drive.

The retuned suspension smoothes out bigger road imperfections well also.

2015 Seat Ibiza Connect
2015 Seat Ibiza Connect

In this Connect model you get the full infotainment experience with Apple Car Play or MirrorLink depending on your choice of smartphone, which seamlessly displays a select number of your phone apps on screen.

The upgraded speaker system for a modest £155 is a worthwhile investment too.

Even though the Connect model isn’t at the top of the Ibiza tree it’s still generously equipped. The key element is the five-inch infotainment system including navigation and DAB, but there’s also 16in alloy wheels, aluminium sill trims and tasteful cloth seating.

All Ibizas get air conditioning, a version of the touchscreen, a USB port, Bluetooth and air conditioning too.

The Ibiza is an ideal car for the younger generation with its impressive kit list and smart exterior, but its appeal is much broader than that. It’s a cinch to drive and is a doddle park so it would suit older folks too, and there’s enough space in the rear for two children in comfort.

The other big plus point is the range of very frugal petrol engines, some of which manage to break the crucial 100g/km barrier.

THE FACTS

Model: Seat Ibiza Connect 1.2 TSI five-door

Price: £14,620

Engine: 1.2-litre unit producing 89bhp and 118lb/ft of torque

Performance: Top speed 114mph, 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds

Economy: 57.6mpg combined

CO2 rating: 116g/km