1.0 TSI 115ps FR 5dr

An excellent small hatchback and a big improvement on the previous model

This is actually my wife's car, so I don't get to drive it that much on a daily basis, but was 'in charge' on a trip to Orkney last summer.
The first impression is of a much improved interior compared to our previous model Ibiza which was a 1.2TSi. Only gripe about the interior is a lack of pockets in the back of the front seats, but that's a minor moan. I have to make comparisons with my 2018 Leon 1.4TSi which has far more power and torque. This is noticeable with the 1L 3cyl engine which does run out of puff rather more easily, particularly on hills, and benefits from more gear changing than would be necessary in the Leon, particularly when overtaking. However, the 3cyl engine is generally a success and on the old E5 petrol [haven't checked it on E10, but I suspect poorer economy] it records excellent MPG figures, like an overall 60mpg on a 320 miles run back from Speyside, fully loaded and not hanging about.
The road holding is excellent and the ride is rather softer than the Leon [which rides on 18" tyres], although the way it handles on winding country roads is not quite up to the standard of the larger car.
Boot space excellent. Biggest gripe is probably about the heating and ventilation system which is inferior to that of the previous model and which doesn't make a good job of clearing a misted windscreen quickly. Overall, an excellent little car, if only I could always remember that it has this thing called a handbrake between the front seats rather than the automatic electric brake in the Leon!

Report as offensive