Seat Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr Car Review - March 2008

The Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TDI lacks in power and the small engine does not have much to give with figures of 129 lb-ft torque power at 1550 rpm and 104 bhp (105 ps) at 5000 rpm. It has a top speed of 118 mph and can reach 0-62 mph in 10.0 seconds. However, the steering is quick and accurate and due to the low set driving position, both long and short journeys can be made in comfort.

Straight roads are more suited to the Seat Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TDI CR 5dr. The vehicle manages to effortlessly iron out any bumps and lumps. Twisty roads are a different story however and the Seat’s body lean becomes more apparent, without the sport suspension of the Sportrider trim.

The gearboxes feel firm and smooth, but the suspension a bit soft and the cabin can become a little shaky and unsettled when driving around town. At higher speeds, it tends to bounce about a little, especially when navigating twisting corners. The engine is a little on the noisy side, this becomes more apparent once you hit certain speeds, although not as noisy as the diesel version.

The Seat Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr comes in the shape of a medium sized family estate with front-wheel-drive.

The Seat Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr is a good looking estate from the outside. However, the materials inside the Seat Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr are not at all luxurious, but look more durable.

All Ibiza models come with buttons on the steering column, which control the MP3 and CD player. All instrumentation is clearly placed and the heating and ventilation controls are clearly laid out. On top of this all Seat Ibiza SE Copa 1.2 TDI CR has electric windows, alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, climate control, stainless steel roof rails and cruise control. Metallic paint, Bluetooth, stability control and leather seats come as optional extras.

The Seat Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr comes fitted as standard with a driver, passenger and front side airbags, as well an alarm, central locking and immobiliser. The Seat Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr scored a maximum five-star Euro NCAP result for crash safety too.

The interior of the Seat Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr offers an ample amount of space in the front and due to the extension of the rear doors, getting into the back seats is a tad easier in the estate in comparison to the hatchback. The driver is able to adjust the seat to his or her preferences and there is ample headroom available.

The boot offers plenty of space and widens towards the tailgate in order to accommodate wider items. The boot in fact goes from 430 litres to 1164 litres with the seats down.

The Seat Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr is a very reliable vehicle and offers a 3-year warranty on 60,000 miles.

The Ibiza ST SE Copa 1.2 TSI DSG 5dr costs £15,005 and the car tends to hold its value pretty well, which means you won’t lose out too much if you decide to sell it on.

The petrol engine is certainly more hushed than the diesel, and is still environmentally and economically friendly due to its low emissions of 124 g/km and combined average of 53.3 mpg.

The SE trim comes with loads of equipment and is great value for money, offering a good compromise between the S and the Sportrider trims.