SEAT Ibiza Cupra (2009-2017) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 44 - 47 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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The Cupra proves that running a performance hatch needn’t be expensive. Economy is a very impressive 44mpg while respectable emission levels mean annual road tax is reasonable. Insurance is affordable too – the Cupra is group 14 which is lower than the previous Ibiza Cupra models and also better than alternatives like the Corsa VXR and Renaultsport Clio.

Add to that competitively priced servicing from SEAT dealers and the sporty Ibiza makes plenty of sense.

Although the Cupra uses a turbocharged and supercharged engine, its small size means it’s impressively efficient for a car with 180bhp. Emissions are 148g/km of CO2 while average fuel economy is 44mpg.

Many of the components in the Ibiza are used in other cars, such as the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo, so they are well developed and shouldn’t cause any major problems. The TSI engine has also been well proven in other models in the Volkswagen Group range.