2001 Seat Ibiza Evo2 review from Belgium

Last week, the turbo blew because I forgot to check the oil levels between two oil changes. Turbo was replaced for 1100EUR. You can't require a motor to run without the necessary fluids. On the other hand, this is VW TDI consumes some oil: 2,5 liter on 15000km.

A part from the window electro-motor that broke down after a few months (replaced within warranty), nothing really went wrong with my car.

Excellent reliability compared with my previous car. I only pay for regular servicing, (low) taxes and fuel.

I bought the car as a replacement for my very unreliable Peugeot 106 XSi 1.6. I was looking for a diesel car that could match the Peugeot's performance level.

My Ibiza is the version that

was restyled by Walter De'Silva in 2000. It's the most beautiful Ibiza in my opinion. A very elegant little car with aggressive looks with the 16" wheels. The car was not modified and completely factory-standard. That's how I like it best.

The engine is also a beauty. No common rail nor "Pumpedüse" injectors, just direct injection, rotation diesel pump and a variable turbo.

The Evo2 trim consists of an extra stiff & lower Seat sports suspension, 205/45/16 tyres on OZ-superturismo style alloys and bigger brake disks.

That lowered suspension is very bad for your back, but gives the car excellent handling. I personally would like a little more dynamics in the rear end, though. It seems glued to the ground and needs rally-style provocation to lose grip and allow smooth drifts. Of course you could use the handbrake, but the ABS also works on the handbrake... ;o)

The seats are very uncomfortable. I would have changed them already by better sports seats if they weren't fitted with side-bags. The comfort is the only really drawback of this car. But you can't have it all for 14.000 EUR.

This is a very quick car, but also very safe and stable. It lacks some Spanish passion in my opinion, but the German engineering surely make it the first Diesel-GTI in my eyes.