SEAT Ibiza FR TDI announced

The three and five door versions of the SEAT Ibiza FR TDI

SEAT has announced the SEAT Ibiza FR TDI featuring a 1.4 litre turbo diesel with 141bhp. Priced from £16,465 and deliveries start in the UK in March.

‘Sporty’ and Diesel’ were two words that never used to go together. But as diesel engines become more and more compelling car makers are keen to add performance diesel versions to their range. More torque and better fuel consumption are reason enough to run a diesel these days for a daily drive, but when performance figures actually make the diesel fun it’s hard to argue against.

Which is why SEAT have announced the addition of a diesel model to the Ibiza range – the SEAT Ibiza FR TDI. The 1.4 litre turbo diesel delivers 141bhp, will manage 62.7mpg and emits just 119g.km CO2. Throw in a 0-60mph time of 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 130mph and there are compelling reasons to buy.

The standard spec on the Ibiza FR TDI is also far from shoddy and includes such goodies as Climate, ESP and SEAT’s clever electronic slip diff, XDS.

The Ibiza FR TDI is available either a three door or a five door with prices starting at £16,465. Both three and five door versions come as standard with a six-speed manual ‘box and deliveries will start in March.

Pricier than we’d have liked – and it’s no Cupra – but still a decent ‘Sporty’ diesel from SEAT.