SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive

To all but the most informed this Ecomotive model is just another SEAT Ibiza. There are a few badges on it saying so, but otherwise you'd have no idea that this is the fuel-supping SEAT, a car that can theoretically stretch the gap between fill-ups to 750 miles. Parked alongside its more sparkly Cupra relative the Ecomotive still looks great, that testament to the sharp, striking lines of the standard car.

Measured purely on economy the SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive is difficult to beat. Official combined consumption of 76.3mpg is possible, and the CO2 output of 98g/km means it's not going to unduly heat up the planet. What's impressive though is that SEAT has managed to achieve those figures without compromising the Ibiza. It's just like an ordinary car because it is, the Spanish firm not resorting to hybrid powertrains to produce such a green machine.


It has accomplished those figures by finessing its existing technology, reducing weight and maximising the Ibiza's aerodynamic efficiency. The 1.4-litre TDI unit produces 79bhp, but it's the 144lb.ft of torque at 1,800rpm that helps so much with the Ecomotive's economy, it possible to trickle along in fourth or fifth gear in traffic. You'd have to be a complete saint behind the wheel to achieve the official combined consumption figure, but we achieved 68mpg on a 20-mile mixed route. To do so we drove with a nod to economy, but aimed never to hold anyone up and didn't use tricks like switching off the air conditioning, lights or radio. Fairly ordinary driving then, making the result we achieved very impressive indeed.

It's actually quite enjoyable trying to achieve a decent consumption figure on the Ecomotive's trip computer, though drive it normally and it will still return excellent economy. Riding well and steering well, the economy SEAT is quiet enough on the move, though it does sound like a tractor when you start it up. You'll forgive it that as you slip by yet another fuel station. It looks great too, inside and out.

Decent equipment is a given in all SEATs and the Ecomotive is no different, it coming with everything you could reasonably expect for its £11,805 (in three-door SC guise). It loses alloy wheels for lightweight steel alternatives, but the neat hubcaps would need a very close inspection to reveal SEAT's subterfuge. If we were buying one we'd add Bluetooth, SEAT's neat TomTom navigation cradle and an iPod dock and really want for nothing else.


The Ibiza is an impressive supermini contender already, but in Ecomotive guise it's even better. The engine might not be the quietest, but it's amazingly efficient. Even if you're not overly concerned with the environment it's difficult to ignore the potential savings that the Ecomotive brings with its low emissions and great miles per gallon. That it looks good and drives nicely only makes it all the more appealing.