The SEAT Ibiza range has just been boosted by the appearance of the new FR Edition, a model that introduces a brand new engine that offers plenty of performance with improved economy.Active Cylinder Technology, or ACT for those who love acronyms, is a great way of boosting economy without affecting performance. By shutting off two of the four cylinders the 1.4 TSI uses less fuel when running on a light throttle, but those two cylinders burst back into life in an instant when you need full power.
It works incredibly well, as we discovered on the Golf GT that uses this same engine. Smooth and almost imperceptible, this is fuel saving tech that doesn’t get in the way of driving enjoyment.
In the Ibiza the turbocharged petrol engine boasts some impressive figures – 140PS, 60.1mpg, 109 g/km and 7.8 seconds to 62mph. They’re big improvements over the old 150PS version of the 1.4 TSI and owners can save £110 a year in VED alone thanks to the low group B rating.
The FR Edition sits between the range-topping Cupra and the standard FR. It adds a few extra features to FR trim including titanium-coloured 17-inch alloy wheels, matching coloured door mirrors and red brake calipers. On the inside you get red seat-belts, climate control and dark tinted rear windows. The FR edition is available in three-door SC and five-door body styles, priced at £15,920 and £16,470 respectively, with orders being taken now for June delivery.
You can also get the 1.4 TSI ACT engine in the standard FR trim in all three body styles: three-door, five-door and estate.
SEAT Ibiza FR Edition Specs
| Performance & Economy | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1,395cc 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive |
| Power (PS / bhp) | 140 / 138 |
| Torque (Nm / lb.ft) | 250 / 184 |
| 0 – 62 mph (seconds) | 7.8 |
| CO2 Emissions (g/km) | 109 |
| VED Band | B |
| Combined Economy (mpg) | 60.1 |
| Price (OTR) | £15,920 |