Adrenaline rush: comparing the ford fiesta st-line and seat ibiza fr for performance enthusiasts
What To Know
- The SEAT Ibiza FR has a more spacious cabin with a higher seating position and a larger 9.
- The Fiesta ST-Line is more fun to drive and has a more premium interior, while the Ibiza FR is more powerful, more spacious, and offers better value for money.
- The SEAT Ibiza FR has a more powerful engine and is faster in a straight line.
When it comes to compact hot hatches, the Ford Fiesta ST-Line and SEAT Ibiza FR stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both offer a blend of sporty performance, stylish design, and everyday practicality. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Fiesta ST-Line against the SEAT Ibiza FR to determine which hot hatch reigns supreme.
Design
The Ford Fiesta ST-Line boasts a sleek and sporty exterior with a honeycomb grille, aggressive bumpers, and side skirts. The SEAT Ibiza FR, on the other hand, has a more understated design with sharp creases and a prominent rear spoiler. Both cars offer LED headlights and alloy wheels, but the Ibiza FR’s larger 18-inch wheels give it a more muscular stance.
Interior
Inside, the Ford Fiesta ST-Line features a driver-centric cockpit with supportive sports seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The infotainment system is easy to use and comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen. The SEAT Ibiza FR has a more spacious cabin with a higher seating position and a larger 9.2-inch infotainment screen. However, the Fiesta ST-Line’s interior feels more premium with soft-touch materials and contrasting stitching.
Performance
Under the hood, the Ford Fiesta ST-Line is powered by a 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 125 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. The SEAT Ibiza FR, meanwhile, gets a 1.5-liter TSI engine that generates 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Both cars come with a six-speed manual transmission, but the Ibiza FR also offers an optional seven-speed DSG gearbox.
In terms of performance, the Ibiza FR has a slight edge over the Fiesta ST-Line. It accelerates faster and has a higher top speed. However, the Fiesta ST-Line offers more engaging handling and a more responsive steering feel.
Features
The Ford Fiesta ST-Line comes with a wide range of standard features, including cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The SEAT Ibiza FR adds to this list with features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Both cars offer optional extras such as a sunroof, heated seats, and a premium sound system.
Price
The Ford Fiesta ST-Line starts from £18,995, while the SEAT Ibiza FR starts from £19,995. However, the Ibiza FR offers more standard features and a more powerful engine, making it the better value proposition.
Fuel Economy
The Ford Fiesta ST-Line has a combined fuel economy of up to 49.6 mpg, while the SEAT Ibiza FR has a combined fuel economy of up to 47.9 mpg. Both cars are relatively efficient for their performance levels.
Verdict
The Ford Fiesta ST-Line and SEAT Ibiza FR are both excellent compact hot hatches that offer a blend of performance, style, and practicality. The Fiesta ST-Line is more fun to drive and has a more premium interior, while the Ibiza FR is more powerful, more spacious, and offers better value for money. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which car has the better performance?
A: The SEAT Ibiza FR has a more powerful engine and is faster in a straight line. However, the Ford Fiesta ST-Line offers more engaging handling and a more responsive steering feel.
Q: Which car is more spacious?
A: The SEAT Ibiza FR has a more spacious cabin with a higher seating position.
Q: Which car is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Ford Fiesta ST-Line has a slightly better combined fuel economy than the SEAT Ibiza FR.