SECTOR: Supermini   PRICE: €16,280–€20,660   FUEL: 3.4–3.8l/100km   CO2: 88–102g/km

Ibiza celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015 and the 4th generation model got a substantial re-working in time for the Euro-6 emissions limits. Among the changes, Ibiza came with new steering and suspension set-ups, a new interior with a Leon style dashboard, centre console, steering wheel and upholstery options, new engines and new connectivity options.

From a fleet perspective, it’s the new three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that are likely to attract most attention with CO2 emissions in the 88-110g/km range and combined fuel consumption between 3.4 and 4.8l/100km. Of these it’s the 1.0-litre TSI 95hp petrol engine offering 4.1l/100km and 94g/km and the 1.4TDI 75PS Ecomotive with 3.4-3.5l/100km and 88-90g/km (depending on body style) that are the economy champions. The petrol model is available with all three Ibiza body styles, SC three-door sport coupe, five-door and ST sports tourer, while the diesel is only available with the five-door and ST body options.

Changes in detail include new electric power steering with two modes. Smart phone connectivity is available as Full Link, which includes MirrorLink, Apple Car Play and Android Auto. This includes a touchscreen infotainment system as standard. SEAT DriveApp has been developed for MirrorLink and includes a range of functions from weather, audio mini player, on-board computer functions and Read To Me for SMS, email, Facebook, Twitter and RSS. There is also a tiredness recognition system and multi-collision brake option. Optional equipment includes a new sound system, 6.5-inch colour touchscreen navigation system and a range of option packs. There are new paint colours and alloy wheel designs.

Taken together, the changes make the Ibiza a better car to drive and offer improved comfort for passengers. Fleets are likely to find the 1.4TDI the more appealing engine because of the low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Besides the 75hp Ecomotive model there is a conventional 75hp version (101g/km CO2) as well

as a twin-clutch DSG variant with a 90hp version of the engine (99g/km CO2) and a 105hp version of the engine with five-speed manual transmission (95/97g/km CO2).

It’s not the first time that the VW group has developed a 1.4-litre three-cylinder diesel engine, but the new engine is not related to its predecessor in any way. It uses an aluminium cylinder block to reduce weight, a balancer shaft to smooth out vibrations and high pressure fuel injection to help meet the Euro 6 emissions limits. It’s a smooth engine with the likeable off-beat sound of a three-cylinder engine. At tick over the combustion rattle marks it out as a diesel, but it is less obvious on the road. With maximum torque produced from 1,750rpm, there’s plenty of pulling power low in the rev range and with peak power produced at 3,500rpm, the engine thrives on low revs, which helps to keep noise levels low.

What we think:

The changes are all for the better, improving interior appearance, while the new three-cylinder engines offer good performance, impressive fuel economy and low emissions.