Autocar FR TDi Test

[Ol' Timer]

There is a Roadtest of the Ibiza FR TDi on the Autocar website today. They seem to be pretty impressed with it, apart from outright performance and make complimentary remarks about the handling, which makes a change. I think there is at least one mistake, though, as they say 'for the first time for an FR Ibiza, it’s available as a five door'. I am sure there was a five door version of the Mk 4 FR, unless it was the petrol version only.

Here is a link to the test:
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Seat-Ibiza-2.0-TDI-CR-FR/247379/

 

[mardon]

This mag is nuts. I'm sure its going to have the same sort of handling as the petrol fr and cupra yet they said the handling wasn't great on that. Its all subjective bet it was a different reviewer.

performance.. remap will sort that!

 

[jezyg]

Interested in the battry being in the boot was this down to packaging or weight balance like BMW do on all their car's? Leon FR TDi should have its battery in the boot as well to imprive weight distribution.

 

[GazGT]

The battery in the boot got my attention too, I wonder whereabouts? Would it fit behind the spare wheel?

 

[BeezerDiesel]

The battery in the boot got my attention too, I wonder whereabouts? Would it fit behind the spare wheel?

The battery in the boot will be instead of a spare wheel (similar to a Golf R32 and Lupo GTI). It'll probably just have a can of foam instead.

 

[jc_boc]

Don't like that idea much TBH. What happens if you really wreck the tyre? All our galaxys have this foam stuff and trust me apparently it aint as easy to use and effective as most ppl would like to think.

 

[garethrobson]

I just ordered the 2.0L TDI FR...they didnt mention this to me. Im going to phone my dealer later today to find out some more info on it...

I also am a bit skeptical about not having a spare tyre, especially after my 1.4 sport SC got a flat.

 

[product]

I think there is at least one mistake, though, as they say 'for the first time for an FR Ibiza, it’s available as a five door'.

It's the first mk5 FR offered in 5dr as the UK hasn't offered the petrol in 5dr.

Probably the mag misinterpreting something SEAT told them.

 

[mardon]

Saw a 5door with a kit on in my local dealer and must say they really do look nice. In a different way to the 3 door.

 

[seat_rich]

I'm sure its going to have the same sort of handling as the petrol fr and cupra

Surely only if the engine weighs the same?

Diesels tend to be heavier even at identical capacities, never mind when comparing a 2.0TDI to a 1.4TSI.

With all that extra weight up front, I can't imagine it helping the handling...

 

[garethrobson]

From what my dealer told me, the 2 litre has a completely revamped stearing system, to cope with the extra weight of the engine. Shorter springs, better weight ditribution ETC...?

 

[knight85]

"And, just for the record, Seat says there will be no new Ibiza Cupra diesel; the last one was a bit of sales flop, apparently"

Was the last one a sales flop? Seem quite rare now and holding their value?

 

[mardon]

"And, just for the record, Seat says there will be no new Ibiza Cupra diesel; the last one was a bit of sales flop, apparently"

Was the last one a sales flop? Seem quite rare now and holding their value?

Yeah rare coz they didn't sell that well

The 1.4TSi + DSG combo is currently the heaviest engine combination. Not sure how much more the 2.0 CRTDI will weigh.

 

[knight85]

Yeah rare coz they didn't sell that well

The 1.4TSi + DSG combo is currently the heaviest engine combination. Not sure how much more the 2.0 CRTDI will weigh.

how many did they sell/make etc...

 

[garethrobson]

Btw, it does come with a spare tyre...so i have no idea where the battery will be stashed.

 

[Ibiza02]

i know i dont have a ibiza mk5 but i have a bmw , the battery is in the boot and the spare wheel (space saver) is next to it in the boot and lowered on a little lift under the car... possibly might be like that? hope this helps...

 

[jezyg]

My various E46 3 Series had the battery located under the boot floor to the side of the spare wheel and my various 1er's had the battery located in a simlar position even without a spare due to having runcraps instead

 

[thejuh]

Looks a bit like a squashed astra...

 

[garethrobson]

Looks a bit like a squashed astra...

Its the same as all other ibiza's but with a different set of bumpers..... how can the new bumpers suddenly make it look like an astra?

 

[mardon]

Looks a bit like a squashed astra...

What the new one?? Can't see that TBH.