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SEAT Ibiza FR (2009-2017) review

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Parkers overall rating: 4 out of 54.0

At a glance

Price new £13,995 - £18,570
Used prices £1,188 - £8,839
Road tax cost £0 - £210
Insurance group 12 - 24
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 436 - 732 miles
View full specs for a specific version

Available fuel types

Petrol

Diesel

Pros & cons

PROS
  • Sporty image
  • Affordable running costs
  • Characterful turbocharged petrol engine
  • Neat handling
  • Economical TDI available
CONS
  • Petrol only available with a sequential automatic gearbox

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

Sitting between the standard Ibiza range and the high performance Cupra is the FR model. It has similarly sporty styling to the Cupra with large bumpers and 17-inch alloys, but unlike the quickest model, the FR is available with both three and five doors, making it more practical for family buyers. It’s available with the same twin charged 1.4 TSI engine and although power is reduced to 150bhp (compared to 180bhp in the Cupra) it still pulls strongly from low revs. It’s good to drive too with stiffened sports suspension and sharp steering, but what may surprise many is the lack of a manual gearbox on the petrol. Instead it only available with a sequential DSG gearbox which isn’t quite as enjoyable to use as a manual. However, in 2010 an impressively economical TDI version was added to the line-up which uses a slick six-speed manual gearbox.