Seat Ibiza Ecomotive (2009) CAR review

Less than a year after it launched the first Ibiza Ecomotive Seat is back with a second-generation environmentally friendly Spanish supermini. And rather than an end-of-life run-out like the first car, the new Seat Ibiza Ecomotive is here to stay for the next few years.

Compared with the old car the all-important fuel economy and CO2 figures are improved, from 74.3mpg and 99g/km CO2 to 76.3mpg 98g/km. That latter figure puts it on par with the Ford Fiesta Econetic as the least polluting car on sale (not counting electric cars) until the 85.6mpg and 88g/km Smart ForTwo CDI arrives in 2009.

Is this new Seat Ibiza Ecomotive an all-new car?

Yes. The Ibiza, in old-shape guise, was the canny way to a Polo Bluemotion. It was economical, but dated and uncouth. This new one, with underpinnings destined for the forthcoming VW Polo and Audi A1, is much more appealing. Not least because you’re now paying circa £11k for a thoroughly contemporary supermini. And one that's even more economical.

I hear it’s Ferdinand Piech’s dream ‘three-litre car’, finally in production?

Sort of – that’s the irrelevant extra-urban consumption figure, equivalent to 94.1mpg. Few will see this. But still, the Ibiza Ecomotive is one of the most fuel efficient cars you can currently buy – and doesn’t resort to fancy, expensive hybrid tech to achieve it.

Instead, it’s the familiar recipe of skinny tyres (inflated to 42psi!), aero changes, a tweaked turbo boost profile and a more basic level of kit. Even air-con is a £500 option, though it's claimed not to change to CO2 figure.

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