What should I get, Ibiza FR (5dr) tdi, Cupra (3dr) TDI or Fabia VRS????

[Cupra Duper]

Hey people.

I'm currently selling my Leon Cupra R and looking for a good little run about to use day to day. So I have test drove all the small hot hatches around (all TDI). My heart was set on a BMW 123 Msport, but after test driving it I was so wrong and they are way to small for the 22k figure.

So I got it down to three cars.

1) Ibiza FR 5dr TDI 06-07 plate
2) Ibiza Cupra 3dr TDI 06-07 plate
3) Fabia VRS Limited Edition 06-07 plate

All around 10k, all have the same engine, shame tax, same MPG.

I like the look of the Cupra as its very Similar to my LCR but would really like a 5dr. Saying that, if the cupra has a lot more "up and go" then I really would consider it. Ive read a few links saying that the Ibiza Cupra has a larger turbo and different down pipe but have no idea if thats true or a load of bull.

so what do people think?

Hoping to sell my LCR with in two weeks so any help would be nice.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Elfman]

Personally i'd keep the LCR... but out of the choices i'd go for a Cupra

 

[MK8]

Is the LCR that more expensive to run over something like a 123 m sport? or even cupra tdI?

 

[Cupra Duper]

you can get 60mpg easy out of the BMW + Fabia VRS. The Leon Cupra R is doing about 30MPG. So there will be huge saving.

Saying that, my Leon was just for fun but with my new job im looking for an eco car in the week + some weekend driving, and a 2 seat TVR or Kit car for the odd weekend.

I think the new Ibiza Cupra is fantastic, just a shame they didnt do a 4/5 door version.

 

[Tom B]

Interesting, I was set on swapping my Cupra for a 123d Msport with SE suspension next year, what made you decide otherwise?

I love my Cupra, but hate the suspension. Its probably similar to the Msport stuff, far too hard. One of the lads at work is having trouble with his Fabia vRS and was considering the Cupra. I threw him the keys to mine and 10 minutes later he came back and said "if it had the vRS suspension, I'd have it!"

Oh and I've never seen 60mpg out of my Cupra in the 15 months I've had it. 48 is my max and I was really trying.

 

[keefy]

I'd say 60mpg EASY out of the BMW or the VRS is not realistic. Also, they aren't that close in the performance stakes.

50mpg EASY I would agree with. A bloke at work has the 120d and manages just about 50mpg, but nowhere near 60.
I have the 130 TDi sport (a Fabia VRS in a different costume) and manage between 55 and 58mpg in general. Most i have had out of a tank is just shy of 60mpg and the least is just over 50mpg.

I would expect you might be able to get 51-54mpg out of the Ibiza Cupra.

From your shortlist, I would say that if you can cope with 3dr go for the Cupra. But you do need a lot of room to open the doors fully!
If you can't bear this, then it comes down to personal preference between the VRS and the FR TDi. They are really the same car with some subtle differences; the main one being the softer suspension of the VRS. If you aren't buying new, then you should find the FR's for less money than the VRS's. I was going to get a VRS but found that they were about £1k more for the same age/mileage as the Sport and that swayed it for me. Well, that and the fact that all the mountain biking I do would see the white inserts on the Fabia upholstery quickly turn a nice brown colour!!

 

[Leigh15]

Agree - you won't see 60mpg out of a FR/VRS in a million years.

My FR could just about manage 58mpg on a 86 mile round commute that was all un-congested A roads and keeping it under 2000rpm

If I hit traffic or put my foot down that went out of the window.

I could squeeze 600 miles out of a vented tank on the FR but that was driving it very carefully and not really 'using' it at all. Still a lot cheaper than a LCR without a doubt though.

The PD100 Sport is worth considering too - I thought I'd be disappointed after the FR, but I'm not at all - plus in a similar commute now I'm achieving 700 miles from a vented tank which costs me about £67

 

[AndyHazza]

I've been really happy with my VRS. The best i ever managed out of mine was 58.3 i think on a reasonable motorway journey, only managed it once though! Normally on decent motorway journeys i see around 52-55. I normally see anything between 40 - 50 on my trip to work which is only 15miles, and the start of it is centre of manchester at rush hour.

I was really tempted by the PD160 but it was too expensive to justify it in my mind at the time. The Ibiza and the Fabia are both good cars and i'm sure you'd be happy with either

 

[dozza.13]

Cupra all the way!

Suspension is hard but depends on the roads you drive down, as to how much it will bother you! I usually see 50-55mpg in mine when driving steadily.

Compared with the others:

Cupra has larger air intake, much bigger front mount intercooler, bigger turbo and a different map, it also has 17" alloys as opposed to 16's, bigger front brake discs and AP Racing four pot calipers!

Hope that helps!

 

[Skisbp]

Try finding a screaming deal on the last of the 08 FR 5doors!

 

[Cupra Duper]

Interesting, I was set on swapping my Cupra for a 123d Msport with SE suspension next year, what made you decide otherwise?

I love my Cupra, but hate the suspension. Its probably similar to the Msport stuff, far too hard. One of the lads at work is having trouble with his Fabia vRS and was considering the Cupra. I threw him the keys to mine and 10 minutes later he came back and said "if it had the vRS suspension, I'd have it!"

Oh and I've never seen 60mpg out of my Cupra in the 15 months I've had it. 48 is my max and I was really trying.

The BMW is so small in the back and you get no boot what so ever. Its over priced, and really isnt worth the money. Saying that I hate BMW's but thought I would try the 123.

Ive not test driven the Cupra as yet, but when I test drove the FR + VRS I was getting 55-60 mpg. I know the trips can be out a few but it was never below 55. Agreed that was me driving like a lady, but if I drive the same in my LCR I get 30-36mpg.

To be honest I would get the VRS if it had elelctric windows in the back. So Im thinking the FR TDI

 

[Cupra Duper]

Cupra all the way!

Suspension is hard but depends on the roads you drive down, as to how much it will bother you! I usually see 50-55mpg in mine when driving steadily.

Compared with the others:

Cupra has larger air intake, much bigger front mount intercooler, bigger turbo and a different map, it also has 17" alloys as opposed to 16's, bigger front brake discs and AP Racing four pot calipers!

Hope that helps!

Mate that helps alot, I will test drive both and see what I think. I would like a 5 door so the Cupra will have to be special to sway me

Thanks for the info

 

[Cupra Duper]

I'd say 60mpg EASY out of the BMW or the VRS is not realistic. Also, they aren't that close in the performance stakes.

50mpg EASY I would agree with. A bloke at work has the 120d and manages just about 50mpg, but nowhere near 60.
I have the 130 TDi sport (a Fabia VRS in a different costume) and manage between 55 and 58mpg in general. Most i have had out of a tank is just shy of 60mpg and the least is just over 50mpg.

I would expect you might be able to get 51-54mpg out of the Ibiza Cupra.

From your shortlist, I would say that if you can cope with 3dr go for the Cupra. But you do need a lot of room to open the doors fully!
If you can't bear this, then it comes down to personal preference between the VRS and the FR TDi. They are really the same car with some subtle differences; the main one being the softer suspension of the VRS. If you aren't buying new, then you should find the FR's for less money than the VRS's. I was going to get a VRS but found that they were about £1k more for the same age/mileage as the Sport and that swayed it for me. Well, that and the fact that all the mountain biking I do would see the white inserts on the Fabia upholstery quickly turn a nice brown colour!!

Thanks for the help, ive not looked at the sport version, what difference is the TDI SPORT and the FR?

 

[dozza.13]

Mate that helps alot, I will test drive both and see what I think. I would like a 5 door so the Cupra will have to be special to sway me

Thanks for the info

Happy to help!

Hope you find what you are after mate!

 

[Leigh15]

Thanks for the help, ive not looked at the sport version, what difference is the TDI SPORT and the FR?

There are two sports, it depends what age you're looking at buying at.

Pre 2004 Sports have the PD130 engine that was latterly fitted to the FR, but is mated with a ridiculously long six speed gearbox. This Sport was a real sleeper as apart from bigger wheels it's indistinguishable from the other models.

When the FR was launched in 2004, the Sport was then fitted with the less powerful PD100 power plant mated to a five speed box that has the first five gears of the old six speed box. This is still geared very long though and the fifth gear is pretty much the same ratio as sixth in the revised FR gearbox. This Sport also lost climate control in lieu of semi-automatic A/C and also lost TCS. All but the latest facelift Sports also lost the trip computer.

There are other differences, but that's the important stuff IMO.

 

[Cupra Duper]

There are two sports, it depends what age you're looking at buying at.

Pre 2004 Sports have the PD130 engine that was latterly fitted to the FR, but is mated with a ridiculously long six speed gearbox. This Sport was a real sleeper as apart from bigger wheels it's indistinguishable from the other models.

When the FR was launched in 2004, the Sport was then fitted with the less powerful PD100 power plant mated to a five speed box that has the first five gears of the old six speed box. This is still geared very long though and the fifth gear is pretty much the same ratio as sixth in the revised FR gearbox. This Sport also lost climate control in lieu of semi-automatic A/C and also lost TCS. All but the latest facelift Sports also lost the trip computer.

There are other differences, but that's the important stuff IMO.

I would look at 06-07 plate cars. Found a good FR from a dealer thats just over 11k, only done 6k on the clock and is late 2007. I know I would get a deal on it, so if i got 10k for my cupra I wouldnt have to put much down.

Will look at the sports tho, things I would like the car to have, is sporty seats. Like the FR and Cupra. Good steering wheel etc. Even if its only used for station trips I would like it to have a good resale value and sport TDI will keep the value

 

[keefy]

Leigh15 missed out the fact that the older Sports also being available as 100bhp.......the range (diesel) used to be Sport 100, Sport 130 and Cupra 160. The 100 and 130 looked the same and I think had the same spec apart from the engine/gearbox (and whether you had just a red 'i' or a red 'di' on your badge). When Seat introduced the FR, the range became Sport 100, FR 130 and Cupra 160.

Can't say I have noticed the 130 Sport gearbox being ridiculously long......Leigh15 do you mean just the 6th gear? I find it's useable 60mph+ (sometimes even as low as 55mph).

If you are looking at spending £11k or so, you won't really be looking at the old Sport as they can be had for a lot less (mine is an 03 and I got it in Sept 06 with 24k on the clock for £7500). The FR can be had with iPod connector and stereo controls too, plus it will have the newer bumpers and stuff.......
Might be worth looking at the new Sport (100bhp) if you are after economy. They are still fairly nippy and return a bit better mpg. I was gonna go for one until I drove the 130.

 

[Leigh15]

Leigh15 missed out the fact that the older Sports also being available as 100bhp.......the range (diesel) used to be Sport 100, Sport 130 and Cupra 160. The 100 and 130 looked the same and I think had the same spec apart from the engine/gearbox (and whether you had just a red 'i' or a red 'di' on your badge). When Seat introduced the FR, the range became Sport 100, FR 130 and Cupra 160.

Can't say I have noticed the 130 Sport gearbox being ridiculously long......Leigh15 do you mean just the 6th gear? I find it's useable 60mph+ (sometimes even as low as 55mph).

If you are looking at spending £11k or so, you won't really be looking at the old Sport as they can be had for a lot less (mine is an 03 and I got it in Sept 06 with 24k on the clock for £7500). The FR can be had with iPod connector and stereo controls too, plus it will have the newer bumpers and stuff.......
Might be worth looking at the new Sport (100bhp) if you are after economy. They are still fairly nippy and return a bit better mpg. I was gonna go for one until I drove the 130.

The pre 2004 PD100 was badged SE not Sport. Also, the Cupra wasn't available until after the FR was launched

The gearing is very long compared to the FR - don't know if you've ever driven one - it's quite noticeably longer - I'd compare the fifth gear on my PD100 Sport (which is your box minus 6th) to sixth gear on the FR (revised gearbox) if that makes sense. Sixth on the FR is good from 50mph and can be selected at 45mph in good situations

 

[Cupra Duper]

I like the Idea of the controls on the steering wheel plus ipod adapter, so think it will be the FR or late cupra.

If anyone is interested here is my cupra R

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/612223.htm

 

[Leigh15]

The steering wheel controls were a standard fit item on the FR from late 2005 IIRC, so you should be able to pick one up with those no problem.

The iPod adaptor was a customer option, so won't be so easy to get hold of, but can be retrofitted easily