SEAT Ibiza FR Black Edition 1.0 TSI: 'I test drove the current Seat Ibiza - it is sensible and fuss-free'

You will pay £26,000 for it, which sounds a hefty sum for a small car until you compare it with rival electric vehicles and suddenly – with only a very few exceptions - it seems very affordable.

It is the antidote to the electric frenzy. Sadly, many of our younger motorists won’t be able to handle it for they tend to learn in EVs these days which are automatic by default.

Changing gear is as foreign to them as double declutching is to me.

The motoring world is changing and even an eternal optimist like me can see problems ahead so lets enjoy burning petrol and changing gear when we see fit while we still can.

This SEAT Ibiza may be among the last of its type, a tribute to the simplicity of motoring so we should enjoy it while we can.

SEATs, like all Volkswagen group products, are designed not to offend or date.

That sounds obvious but how often have you jumped out of a car and cursed it because the sat-nav wouldn’t work properly or the seats wouldn’t adjust. Not with a VW Group, I bet. These cars are built to sooth not seethe.

I liked the Ibiza for those reasons. It is sensible and fuss-free and after 41 years in the making, SEAT know what we like probably better than we know ourselves.

Since its introduction in 1984, Ibiza has brought continuous innovation. The brand’s iconic model was a turning point for the company’s success and has sold over six million models over five generations.

Ibiza has delivered great value for the youngest customers, providing the latest technologies and innovations in a vehicle accessible to all.

Through each generation of the SEAT Ibiza, new concepts have been brought to the market and energized the brand’s growth. All that and a boot of 355 litres.

It famously doesn’t date. While flashier models have lines and swoops which come and go with fashion a 10-year-old Ibiza looks remarkably like a brand new one.

The new one will be better equipped and more efficient but it will still look like an Ibiza.

This, I must mention, is the outgoing model. A spanking new version is en route which will no doubt promise to be marginally quicker, lighter, better equipped and prettier but this generation five will be a bargain in the dealerships.

SEAT is already making plans for new versions.

It has revised the Ibiza supermini and Arona SUV to help keep them looking fresh against the competition.

The Spanish firm has become rather quiet in recent years, investing money in its sporty sub-brand Cupra. However, this fresh pair of new models show there is still life in the old brand.

Both models receive a new hexagonal front grille design, slimmer LED headlights, an updated front bumper, fresh alloy wheels and new paint colours.

At the back, the Ibiza also gains a new rear bumper, while both cars get model-specific lettering on their tailgates.

Inside, both also get new materials and a darker headliner, while there is a new optional Seat six-speaker sound system with a subwoofer and 300-watt amplifier.

Under the bonnet, the Ibiza and Arona come with mild-hybrid petrol engines. The first is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged unit that is available with two power outputs of 94bhp and 113bhp.

The Arona is also available with a punchier 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 148bhp and is mated to a standard seven-speed automatic transmission.

Markus Haupt, CEO of Seat, said: “The Seat Ibiza and Arona are true success stories, fundamental to our line-up and the brand’s growth.

"With refreshed exterior and enhanced interior, we’re boosting their value and appeal even further. We’re preparing both models for the future, with upcoming EU7 compliance and the introduction of mild-hybrid powertrains.”

Prices and specifications for the UK market will be revealed soon, with both cars expected to go on sale next year.

The current Ibiza is a prize winner, though. It took home the award for Best Small Car at the Business Motoring Awards 2022.

It clinched the win thanks to a multitude of new technology introduced as standard, competitive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), strong residual values, and SEAT’s own experience in delivering bespoke SME solutions.

In its eighth year, the Business Motoring Awards are judged by independent experts from within the SME and business sector that accounted for six million businesses in 2021.

As the brand’s longest running model, the Ibiza remains at the forefront of the supermini class, due to its low TCO, dynamic driving characteristics, and generous specification; features that make the SEAT Ibiza one of the safest and most connected vehicles in its class. For SMEs, it means Ibiza delivers exceptional levels of convenience and user-friendliness.

The latest SEAT Ibiza’s roster of technology now includes an all-new 9.2-inch infotainment system (8.25-inch on SE trim cars) with wireless smartphone mirroring, SEAT Connect and natural voice recognition, as well as a raft of assistive safety systems, such as Travel Assist semi-autonomous driving and Traffic Sign Recognition.

SMEs will also find the Ibiza’s competitive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) appealing, ranging from just 24.2p/mile to 30.5p/mile (three years/60,000 miles, excluding fuel cost). Thanks to its low running costs and strong residual values (up to 44.5% after three years/60,000 miles), the Ibiza helps businesses to reduce monthly costs without having to compromise.

SEAT has a wealth of experience in supplying vehicles to SMEs and has tailored its offering to meet their specific needs. The brand has developed its own fleet and company car website to provide a wide variety of tools such as the ability to calculate total cost of ownership as well as giving users crucial information including P11D values, emissions and fuel consumption figures and BIK ratings.

In addition to the online support, SEAT also offers a unique four-day test drive to ensure SME decision makers have plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the car and make an informed decision. And, as valued SEAT contract hire customers, SMEs benefit from SEAT Driverline, which provides breakdown and recovery help and assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

SEAT Ibiza FR Black Edition 1.0 TSI: £26,460; 1.0 litre petrol engine generating 115ps; Top speed 123mph and 0 to 60mph in 9.9 seconds; 51.4mpg average; Emissions 127g/km; Insurance group 15E