Second Hand Sense:THERE IS more than one way to skin a cat, as they say, and no car manufacturer knows this better than Volkswagen.
That is why VW can produce three cars that look entirely different (the Polo, the Skoda Fabia and the Seat Ibiza) on the same platform and allow them to share many components. The result is cars that appeal to different buyers at different prices, with maximum profit potential.
If the Polo is the safe, sensible option and the Fabia the economical one, the Ibiza is the sport. It certainly has the looks – designed by Walter da Silva – but even these are deceptive. The basic car has a 1.2 engine and little of the vroom suggested by its profile. You do have various other options, though.
The 1.2 and 1.4 petrol appear to make the most sense, but more enthusiastic drivers can look to the sportier Cupra, with racier engine and sports suspension. There is a 1.9 diesel but, again, I’m not sure it makes a lot of sense. It is better to see the Ibiza as a city or beginner’s car, rather than a hot hatch.
The profile is actually the best of the trio. However, the sloping rear roofline makes for limited rear headroom, and legroom is not much better. The basic car, however, has a bland enough interior with lots of plastic. Seats are supportive and the dashboard a bit edgier in design than others. Overall, the Polo looks better.
The 1.2 has just 65 horsepower – fine for economical city driving. Longer distances could be a hardship. The 1.4 is far more comfortable to drive and still easy on fuel. Ride can be harder than you might want and steering can feel a little light. Overall, the experience is adequate.
The Ibiza has a four-star EuroNCAP rating. Child safety was not its strongest point, it seems. There were two recalls in 2005 for cracks in brake servo pipes and faulty fuel pump bolts. Otherwise, reliability is good.
A 2006 car with 1.2 engine and 24,000km is at one garage for €8,500. Another is asking €9,500 for a 1.4 with 44,000km and a garage in Cork is offering “the cheapest car in the county” – a 2007 Ibiza with 1.2 engine and 47,000km, for €8,900.
- Star rating:5/10