Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/618165
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2015 II Motoring Tuning the perfect string CHRIS MANGION FOR years, 30 to be precise, over five million owners world- wide loved the Ibiza hatch because it was functional, well priced and looked good. Enter Luc Donckerwolke, Lamborghi- ni's former head of design, and the Ibiza gets a dose of sharper, more dynamic looks. Taut lines lead into the remod- eled front end yet respects the car's sporty nature, while the headlights betray a hint of mischief. The 5D marries qual- ity and attention to detail with technology, taking the 25-year classic a step further. The redesigned broad shoul- ders, sharp lines and flared arches, honeycombed front grille, and lowered front air intake emphasises the Ibiza's dynamic styling. While the Bi- Xenon headlamps, with optional front and rear LED lights, blend into the remodeled Ibiza design lines, they filter into the interior of the car down to a redesigned steering wheel. Driving position is great, with a quick steering that would have benefitted from slightly more tyre feedback. Body roll was minimal although the previous stiff shocks have made way to softer suspensions. The new model has also received a huge update through- out the interior. Lots of quality plastics are used in the modern- looking and clean cabin, with fiddly dials having been replaced with a portable touchscreen. The SEAT Portable System Live features a touchscreen with voice recognition, on-board computer display, radio, CD, MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity. The Ibiza's new platform also includes an online search for destinations, fixed and mobile radar detection, traffic informa- tion, weather forecast and the all-new Eco Trainer. This new function allows the driver to monitor the driving behavior in terms of environmental impact and fuel consumption. This information can be then used by the owner to adapt to a more economic driving style. The large 10.7-litre glove box hints at a spacious vehicle. Indeed the 2-door version has a 284ltr boot, which goes up to 292ltr on the 5-door model and 430ltr in the ST estate version. Donckerwolke's sharper crea- tion is powered by a choice of engines. A 1.2-litre TSI engine with 85bhp or 105bhp, plus a 1.4-litre EcoTSI with an impres- sive 148bhp and that's the 1.4-litre TDI. Both engines are turbocharged, offering 57.6mpg and 58.9mpg respectively. The Ibiza does not skimp on safety either. Head and chest airbags for both driver and pas- senger, tyre pressure warning indicator and Hill Hold control are all included in the basic model. The Electronic Stability Control with XDS ensures that hopefully none of the previously mentioned features is ever used. There is also an optional system that monitors informa- tion from the steering wheel, tyres, brakes and accelerator and automatically adjusts the system. The new Seat Ibiza comes in three versions: the entry level Reference, the upgraded Style and the racy FR. Each model comes in 14 different colours, 8 choices of trims on selec- tive models and a choice of 16 different wheels from the basic 14" to the larger17" on the FR version. Prices start from €12,900 for the entry model, and the Refer- ence, Style and FR versions can be viewed and test-driven at Continental Cars Ltd. II Motoring PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MANGION