Ibiza FR 1.4 EcoTSI ordered

[bcr5784]

Just got my 1.4 Eco Tsi Sports Tourer delivered today. Done a few miles today and overall I'm very impressed. The car is intended to replace both a (current model) Suzuki Swift Sport AND a 2012 Nissan Note (NTec+ diesel) - hopefully combining the fun of the Swift and the practicality and economy of the Note.

Clearly it's bound to fall a bit short in some areas - but my initial impression is that it gets very close to fulfilling its brief.

First the negative bits - because they were the first things I noticed (or already knew about) before I drove it.

1) The interior is a bit drab- the seats are fine (basic ones) but the dash, headliningg and door coverings are a bit uninspiring. It's no issue to me but some might be a bit disappointed. Both the Note and the Suzuki beat it here.

2) Some bits of kit are absent - manual rear windows, no grab handles, only one 12v point and rather limited internal storage. The Note is much better (including the above and sliding rear seats, cooled glove box, under seat storage ete etc)

But to the big positives....

1) As everyone says it is quite remarkably fast - but there is more to it than that - the engine is sweet and the car breezes along at a great rate with no apparent effort. To put that in context, my "other" car IS a Porsche (a Cayman S with 325bhp) and the Ibiza seems similarly quick below 4000/4500 revs (yes really - and it is pulling similarly high gears) - it's magic. OK at higher revs it's a different story - but drive the car at 6/7 tenths and it feels genuinely quick. On paper the Ibiza is only a bit quicker than the Suzuki - but it feels in a different league.

2) It handles and rides very well. I was a bit dubious about specifying the driver profile, but I'm pleased I did. In normal the ride is (I'd be pretty sure) better than the standard car and in sport the suspension is noticeably taughter without being harsh. In normal the steering is lighter too and I think the combination of the heavier steering in sport and softer damping in normal would be useful - but isn't an option. The Suzuki both steers and handles a bit better - but the difference isn't huge - and the Ibiza is far more fun than the Note.

3) More positives - the gearbox on the demo car I drove was a bit notchy, and noticeably less slick than the 1.2 cars I also drove. Mine is really nice (only 200 miles so far) and nicer than either the Note or Suzuki (which is a bit clunky)

4) 50mpg so far!

5) The display of next junction details in the central display is a nice touch on a relatively low priced integrated sat nav - though the lack of full post code search is poor.

Other observations. I'd like less road noise (I noticed that on the demo car too) Although the optional spare wheel is said to be a "space saver" it's actually a 185 section tyre so not (as far as I am aware) speed limited - something of a rarity these days.

The manual specifies that personal POIs (and therefore presumably speed cameras) can be input - but since it doesn't specify the format,that isn't very useful. Anyone got any info?

One final point I (like Oldbutswift) bought via Cort Vehicle Contracts - and I must admit I WAS unsure I'd done the right thing despite their great discounts. But they have been just great, very responsive, no hassle and very helpful. I can't believe a purchase via a dealer would have been any more pleasant. The car was delivered to spec on the day agreed with not the slightest hiccough.

 

[markm49uk]

Great post BCR - I came from a Merc to the Ibiza and I have to admit I don't really miss the Merc much at all. Like you say the engine is a little cracker and more than holds it's own on the motorway against the rep mobiles. It's on the country lanes though where it excels - keeping it in the sweet spot means you can make VERY rapid progress - such fun.

In terms of the full postcode entry in the SatNav - it does actually support this although its not very straight forward (or at least mine does with the technology pack). I don't use it much but seem to remember you press the town first and then an option for Postcode appears - I can pop out to the car if needs be to check this.

 

[bcr5784]

In terms of the full postcode entry in the SatNav - it does actually support this although its not very straight forward (or at least mine does with the technology pack). I don't use it much but seem to remember you press the town first and then an option for Postcode appears - I can pop out to the car if needs be to check this.

I'd appreciate it if you could walk me through how you do it. I have the technology pack too so mine should be the same.

 

[markm49uk]

I'd appreciate it if you could walk me through how you do it. I have the technology pack too so mine should be the same.

https://youtu.be/ebvMxo3mMn4

 

[bcr5784]

https://youtu.be/ebvMxo3mMn4

You're a star! Even then I did have some problems - it's very picky about spaces - but got there in the end. Altogether a bit naff, I have to say - it has quite a few fancy features but gets the basics wrong. Anyway rant over, now I know that you have to stand on one leg with your finger in your left ear to get it to work I'll be fine. Thanks again.

 

[markm49uk]

You're a star! Even then I did have some problems - it's very picky about spaces - but got there in the end. Altogether a bit naff, I have to say - it has quite a few fancy features but gets the basics wrong. Anyway rant over, now I know that you have to stand on one leg with your finger in your left ear to get it to work I'll be fine. Thanks again.

yeah its a bit finicky - the touchscreen quality is not the best but that seems to be the same across the entire VW range.

Its a little convoluted - should have the numbers, alphas and space on the same entry screen to make it easier than flipping between them.

 

[Oldbutswift]

Just got my 1.4 Eco Tsi Sports Tourer delivered today. Done a few miles today and overall I'm very impressed. The car is intended to replace both a (current model) Suzuki Swift Sport AND a 2012 Nissan Note (NTec+ diesel) - hopefully combining the fun of the Swift and the practicality and economy of the Note.

Clearly it's bound to fall a bit short in some areas - but my initial impression is that it gets very close to fulfilling its brief.

First the negative bits - because they were the first things I noticed (or already knew about) before I drove it.

1) The interior is a bit drab- the seats are fine (basic ones) but the dash, headliningg and door coverings are a bit uninspiring. It's no issue to me but some might be a bit disappointed. Both the Note and the Suzuki beat it here.

2) Some bits of kit are absent - manual rear windows, no grab handles, only one 12v point and rather limited internal storage. The Note is much better (including the above and sliding rear seats, cooled glove box, under seat storage ete etc)

But to the big positives....

1) As everyone says it is quite remarkably fast - but there is more to it than that - the engine is sweet and the car breezes along at a great rate with no apparent effort. To put that in context, my "other" car IS a Porsche (a Cayman S with 325bhp) and the Ibiza seems similarly quick below 4000/4500 revs (yes really - and it is pulling similarly high gears) - it's magic. OK at higher revs it's a different story - but drive the car at 6/7 tenths and it feels genuinely quick. On paper the Ibiza is only a bit quicker than the Suzuki - but it feels in a different league.

2) It handles and rides very well. I was a bit dubious about specifying the driver profile, but I'm pleased I did. In normal the ride is (I'd be pretty sure) better than the standard car and in sport the suspension is noticeably taughter without being harsh. In normal the steering is lighter too and I think the combination of the heavier steering in sport and softer damping in normal would be useful - but isn't an option. The Suzuki both steers and handles a bit better - but the difference isn't huge - and the Ibiza is far more fun than the Note.

3) More positives - the gearbox on the demo car I drove was a bit notchy, and noticeably less slick than the 1.2 cars I also drove. Mine is really nice (only 200 miles so far) and nicer than either the Note or Suzuki (which is a bit clunky)

4) 50mpg so far!

5) The display of next junction details in the central display is a nice touch on a relatively low priced integrated sat nav - though the lack of full post code search is poor.

Other observations. I'd like less road noise (I noticed that on the demo car too) Although the optional spare wheel is said to be a "space saver" it's actually a 185 section tyre so not (as far as I am aware) speed limited - something of a rarity these days.

The manual specifies that personal POIs (and therefore presumably speed cameras) can be input - but since it doesn't specify the format,that isn't very useful. Anyone got any info?



One final point I (like Oldbutswift) bought via Cort Vehicle Contracts - and I must admit I WAS unsure I'd done the right thing despite their great discounts. But they have been just great, very responsive, no hassle and very helpful. I can't believe a purchase via a dealer would have been any more pleasant. The car was delivered to spec on the day agreed with not the slightest hiccough.[/QUOTE
Good post,thanks.
Yes,I was very happy also with the service provided by Cort.
I've now done 1000 miles so just about used to most aspects of the car.
I have to disagree about the general appearance and quality of the dash which I think is superior to my Suzuki,there are plenty of silver touches to lift it.As expected the lower plastics are not great but average fo this class of car.
When I first looked at the exterior I was impressed by the quality of the paint finish and also noted that the brake calipers and hubs of the brake discs were anodised silver....so no unsightly rust there in 12 months time.
The Swift is a well balanced little car,so slightly better handling,but the damping was a bit soft so could get caught out.The Ibiza is still a good handling/steering car,better than the Fabia vRS 1.4 I had.I think the addition of a Whiteline rear anti roll bar would make it just about perfect.
It's quite stiff although with a high ride height and the low profile tyres on the 17" wheels can thump a bit on potholes,but nothing abnormal.
I agree performance is very strong,well into the warm hatch league,but majoring on torque with no kick at the top end,but it's not a Cupra or an ST is it.
Gear change is really nice,and lower gearing would give it even better acceleration,but at the expense of economy...which to date is mid forties.
Optional xenon lights are good,but a bit low on dip...I'll look into that one.
Overall very happy with the car,all I hoped it would be.
The only buyers remorse bit is that with four adults it's cramped,and wife and I are not very tall,so should I have gone for A Leon? Well that would have cost a lot more,so I'll stick with the Ibiza and it's not often that there will be four adults in it.
An excellent start

 

[markm49uk]

Good to hear oldbutswift. VW really got a winner on their hands with the 1.4 EcoTSI thats for sure - I'm not going back to diesel now I've had this engine.

 

[MattH345]

Anyone updated the headunit software? I'm hoping it will fix my problem of the iphone connecting and disconnecting constantly if i plug it in as it is starting up. Cant work out which file I need from the SEAT website

http://www.seat.com/owners/your-seat/navigation.html

Also could people check what version they have? Mine is 0245

Thanks

 

[bcr5784]

Anyone updated the headunit software? I'm hoping it will fix my problem of the iphone connecting and disconnecting constantly if i plug it in as it is starting up. Cant work out which file I need from the SEAT website

http://www.seat.com/owners/your-seat/navigation.html

Also could people check what version they have? Mine is 0245

Thanks

I suspect this won't be much help - mine, built july this year is 0635, and there doesn't appear to be an update for that.

Another couple of thoughts on mine now it's done another 1000 miles.

1) Recommended tyre pressures of 2.8 and 2.6 bar seem very high (2.9 and 3.1 for a full load even more so) However there is a comfort setting .3 bar lower and having tried it I think it does give a noticeably better ride and with the suspension set to Sport is a very good compromise 2 up. There is a bit of understeer, so I might try a slightly higher front tyre pressures. I see that Oldbutswift thinks a rear arb might be a good idea. Unfortunately with a full load in the boot it really needs the high rear tyre pressures to give it decent straight line stability at high speeds, so I suspect an arb might make it too nervous for comfort fully laden.

2) Checked indicated economy (upper forties mostly) looks a couple of mpg high relative to brim to brim calcs.

3) Although lag as such is rarely obtrusive, throttle response both on and off the gas is pretty "lazy" suggesting a heavy flywheel - which smooth pulling from 1000rpm would confirm. That, and handling which benefits from a smooth driving style, does define the character of the car - it's not the fun terrier, straining at the leash that our previous "chuckable" Swift Sport was. That's good and bad depending on your mood and what you are using the car for.

4) Having now done a couple of 300+ mile trips I find the front seats very comfortable. As Oldbut Swift says space in the back isn't great - I'd say 4 adults of around 5ft 8" would be fine but any larger group might feel cramped. It actually suits me fine - everyone who is likely to travel in the car is smallish, and so a good boot is more important to us - but the compromise won't work for everyone.

5) Anyone find Android Auto useful? While the built in sat nav has its foibles, having learned to accommodate them I'm not tempted to use Google maps instead and can't find other apps which seem useful to me.

 

[Oldbutswift]

I suspect this won't be much help - mine, built july this year is 0635, and there doesn't appear to be an update for that.

Another couple of thoughts on mine now it's done another 1000 miles.

1) Recommended tyre pressures of 2.8 and 2.6 bar seem very high (2.9 and 3.1 for a full load even more so) However there is a comfort setting .3 bar lower and having tried it I think it does give a noticeably better ride and with the suspension set to Sport is a very good compromise 2 up. There is a bit of understeer, so I might try a slightly higher front tyre pressures. I see that Oldbutswift thinks a rear arb might be a good idea. Unfortunately with a full load in the boot it really needs the high rear tyre pressures to give it decent straight line stability at high speeds, so I suspect an arb might make it too nervous for comfort fully laden.

2) Checked indicated economy (upper forties mostly) looks a couple of mpg high relative to brim to brim calcs.

3) Although lag as such is rarely obtrusive, throttle response both on and off the gas is pretty "lazy" suggesting a heavy flywheel - which smooth pulling from 1000rpm would confirm. That, and handling which benefits from a smooth driving style, does define the character of the car - it's not the fun terrier, straining at the leash that our previous "chuckable" Swift Sport was. That's good and bad depending on your mood and what you are using the car for.

4) Having now done a couple of 300+ mile trips I find the front seats very comfortable. As Oldbut Swift says space in the back isn't great - I'd say 4 adults of around 5ft 8" would be fine but any larger group might feel cramped. It actually suits me fine - everyone who is likely to travel in the car is smallish, and so a good boot is more important to us - but the compromise won't work for everyone.

5) Anyone find Android Auto useful? While the built in sat nav has its foibles, having learned to accommodate them I'm not tempted to use Google maps instead and can't find other apps which seem useful to me.

This would appear to be the rear arb to fit:
https://www.dpmperformance.co.uk/ca...tdi-14-14t-si-14tdi-16-16tdi-19tdi-20tdi-0608

I fitted one to the Fabia 1.4 vRS that I had and it did cut down the understeer and make it more neutral.I also had Eibach springs,but the Skoda felt altogether softer than the Ibiza and,although the Ibiza sits quite high,it seems the springs and dampers are stiff enough,especially if in the sport setting.

 

[Oldbutswift]

Now coming up to nearly 2000 miles and I'm pleased to note that no oil appears to have been used.
On the subject of tyre pressures I didn't even consider the high settings,I just went for the comfort settings.My theory is that the high settings are the ones used to boost the fuel consumption figures in the official tests and therefore they give them as an option,sort of self justification.
Not really had chance to play around with different pressures but it's considered acceptable to go +/_ about 10% on the manufacturer figures.So I'll try front minus 3/4 psi and rear increased by same amount...this should reduce understeer.
No faults yet and still happy with the car.

 

[bcr5784]

You might well be right about the high pressures. That said you certainly need the high pressures in the back when fully laden to stop oversteer. I'd have thought that higher rear pressures and lower fronts (within modest limits) as you suggest would increase understeer not reduce it - so I'd be interested to hear your findings.

 

[Oldbutswift]

You might well be right about the high pressures. That said you certainly need the high pressures in the back when fully laden to stop oversteer. I'd have thought that higher rear pressures and lower fronts (within modest limits) as you suggest would increase understeer not reduce it - so I'd be interested to hear your findings.

I think I've got it the right way round.
Bear in mind that fitting a REAR arb at the back, where there was none before,reduces understeer,i.e makes the back end more lively and the car turns sharper into corners.
So generally speaking anything that increases roll stiffness at the back promotes oversteer and at the front,understeer.
I'm no expert and other factors such as camber and toe angles play a part.
With tyre pressures there is only so far you can go because very soft the tyres will roll onto the edges and lose grip and too hard you are reducing the contact patch and losing grip.
Anyway,I'm generally satisfied with the way the Ibiza drives so I doubt if I'll bother fitting the rear arb as I did to the Fabia (that was a very popular mod to that car).

EDIT It is complex re tyre pressure...now I'm really confused!!!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1047380

 

[bcr5784]

I think I've got it the right way round.
Bear in mind that fitting a REAR arb at the back, where there was none before,reduces understeer,i.e makes the back end more lively and the car turns sharper into corners.
So generally speaking anything that increases roll stiffness at the back promotes oversteer and at the front,understeer.
I'm no expert and other factors such as camber and toe angles play a part.
With tyre pressures there is only so far you can go because very soft the tyres will roll onto the edges and lose grip and too hard you are reducing the contact patch and losing grip.
Anyway,I'm generally satisfied with the way the Ibiza drives so I doubt if I'll bother fitting the rear arb as I did to the Fabia (that was a very popular mod to that car).

EDIT It is complex re tyre pressure...now I'm really confused!!!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1047380

I think the slip angle argument is the more compelling. As Sam_68 says you feel the slip angle over much of the tyres working range so the car will understeer less with higher front tyre pressures for much of the time - even though it may well be that the ultimate front grip might be reduced. Given that - on the road at least - you are rarely anywhere near ultimate adhesion I think it likely that increasing front pressures will give the impression of reduced understeer - certainly that has always been my belief/finding. It wouldn't make sense to increase rear tyre pressures when carrying a full load otherwise - and all the saloons I've ever had recommend higher rear pressures with a full load.

The only really big exception I have found is when doing autotests or drifting - when you pump the rears up REALLY hard to encourage the rear to slide.

Anyway I shall have a play and see what happens.

 

[Tylerjet]

As anybody used the Carista on this model yet ? And if so what can you modify with it ?

 

[Tylerjet]

Nobody ?

 

[frenchy]

Have a look at this thread http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=429969&highlight=Carista

 

[Fr2013]

Anyone updated the headunit software? I'm hoping it will fix my problem of the iphone connecting and disconnecting constantly if i plug it in as it is starting up. Cant work out which file I need from the SEAT website

http://www.seat.com/owners/your-seat/navigation.html

Also could people check what version they have? Mine is 0245

Thanks

This is the update screen from my 1.0TSI FR (UK) first registered in March 2016.

http://i68.tinypic.com/2pyt1eo.jpg

Not looked in to seeing if there are any updates for it yet but I do get occasional issues with carplay so would be interested to see what version others have...

Edit:
I get the same problem as you, iPhone continuously disconnects and reconnects until I pull the plug.

 

[MattH345]

This is the update screen from my 1.0TSI FR (UK) first registered in March 2016.

http://i68.tinypic.com/2pyt1eo.jpg

Not looked in to seeing if there are any updates for it yet but I do get occasional issues with carplay so would be interested to see what version others have...

Edit:
I get the same problem as you, iPhone continuously disconnects and reconnects until I pull the plug.

Thanks, that looks the same as mine. It's in for a service this week so will ask them to update, hopefully this fixes it. Glad it's not just mine but can solve it by waiting a minute or so before plugging it in after start up.