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Category: Hot hatch Price: £7407-£15,222
Per month: £307 Key rival: Skoda Fabia vRS
The new Ibiza FR's a convincing GTi. A deep front bumper, twin rear pipes, bigger alloys and compulsory rear spoiler identify the FR from lesser Ibizas.
The story's little different behind the wheel. A pair of grippy sporty armchairs hold firm through the twisties, while leather-wrapped wheel and gear lever add to the FR experience. What doesn't, is the abundance of cheap-feeling plastic.
The most impressive part of the package lies under the bonnet. 130PS doesn't sound much, but packing 40% more torque than its 150PS petrol turbo brother, the diesel feels the quicker. Thanks to a sixth gear (one more than the petrol) it's also more comfortable carrying out motorway duties.
Those big wheels equal grip, luckily there's standard traction control to prevent tyre-shredding getaways. Unfortunately the steering tugs violently under heavy acceleration. The steering also lacks feel, but overall the Seat's capable and fun if not top of the hot-hatch class for handling.
Fuel consumption slips under most fleet managers' radar and BIK attracts a low 18% while insurance is 4 groups lower than the petrol, all of which helps to make up for the higher P11D. J