Petrol and compressed natural gas (CNG) take centre stage in the revised SEAT Ibiza powertrain line-up, delivering efficiency and dynamics.

“The updated SEAT Ibiza integrates a range of powertrain technologies that help reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, but without compromising dynamics and the fun to drive,” said Dr. Werner Tietz, executive Vice-President for Research and Development at SEAT. “The mix of smaller displacements and petrol and CNG mean that no matter which engine, the SEAT Ibiza remains agile, characterful and fun.”

Five petrol units with outputs ranging from 80PS (59kW) to 150PS (110kW) are joined by a 90PS (66kW) CNG unit, linked to either manual or DSG dual-clutch transmissions.

The three-cylinder 1.0 litre MPI petrol engine is matched to a five-speed manual transmission. The unit’s multi-point injection system helps the engine deliver excellent response at low- to mid-revs, while the 80PS (59kW) power output and 93Nm of torque mean that it offers enough to handle the demands of modern-day driving. It’s capable of reaching a top speed of 170km/h and emits just 117-134g/km based on the WLTP test cycle.

Direct-injection technology is used extensively in the rest of the engine line-up, with three 1.0 EcoTSI units available and a larger 1.5 EcoTSI. The 95PS (70kW) unit, linked to a five-speed manual transmission provides 175Nm of torque with tailpipe emissions and fuel efficiency of 116-133g/km and 5.1-5.9litres/100km respectively.

The final three-cylinder unit delivers 110PS (81kW)/200Nm and is linked to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. The increase in output and the choice of gearbox make the engine incredibly diverse, able to cope in any situation, whether spinning around town or out on the open road. And the adaptability reaches into the unit’s efficiency no matter what the transmission with CO₂ emissions as low as 113-132 (DSG: 121 – 141)g/km and fuel efficiency at 5.0-5.8 (DSG: 5.3 – 6.4) litres/100km, impressive as the most powerful three-cylinder unit allows the SEAT Ibiza to reach 100km/h in only 10.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 195km/h.

The largest option in the range is the four-cylinder 1.5 EcoTSI, linked to a 7-speed DSG gearbox, and featuring ACT (Active Cylinder Technology). With an output of 150PS (110kW)/250Nm it produces incredible performance balanced with the efficiency that the world now demands. The top speed of 216km/h and acceleration to 100km/h in only 8.1 seconds is balanced against CO₂ emissions of 130-145g/km and fuel efficiency figures of 5.7-6.4 litres/100km.

The ACT technology improves engine efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. The technology shuts down two of the four cylinders at low to medium rpm and reconnects these cylinders at higher revolutions to retrieve the engine's full potential. This system works at up to 130 km/h regardless of which gear is engaged.

SEAT remains committed to compressed natural gas. It’s a fuel that has an important part to play in lowering emissions, and the SEAT Ibiza takes advantage of the technology with the inclusion of the 1.0 TGI unit. The benefits of the fuel are highlighted by the low emissions levels of 95-109g/km.

A CNG vehicle reduces CO2 emissions by about 25% compared to a petrol driven equivalent. As well as ecological and tax benefits, TGI technology offers exceptionally low costs per kilometre, up to 50% cheaper than a petrol equivalent model and 30% cheaper than a diesel.

SEAT supports the development and availability of renewable bio-methane, which neutralises CO2 emissions generated through vehicle use. High quality bio-methane is obtained from organic waste residues and can either be added to conventional natural gas or used to substitute it completely. Bio-methane combines environmentally friendly mobility with the circular economy and allows reductions in CO₂ emissions (well to wheel) up to 80%.

The inclusion of the CNG variant was made possible by the SEAT Ibiza’s MQB AO platform, making packaging the components simpler and providing a strong starting point for its dynamic ability.

The strong underpinnings remain; front MacPherson Struts and a torsion beam rear finely tuned to meet the needs of urban driving, and adaptable enough to cope with adventures further afield. Steering that’s connected, intuitive and replies instantly to the driver’s input, makes it an involving drive and one laced with enjoyment.

Finally, the ability to better tune the ride and handling is achieved through the multiple driver modes. Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual modes, available at the press of a button, modifies the engine response, steering, suspension (normal or sport, when equipped with the adjustable suspension) and gearbox.