2009 Seat Ibiza FR 5-doors 1.2L TDI Eco 5MT FWD (75 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Despite the world financial crisis, SEAT dared to introduce a sporty version of the five-door hatchback Ibiza in 2009, offering a hot hatch for families.

SEAT built the FR version for those who needed a car for a family but didn’t want to completely give up on performance. In addition, this version was more affordable than the Cupra, which was the most powerful version of the Ibiza lineup.

Unlike the rest of the range, the FR sported a new front bumper with an aggressive design and a honeycomb-style grille surrounded by a chromed trim. On the lower bumper, the wide V-shaped lower air intake was flanked by a pair of scoops where the automaker installed the fog lamps. Unlike its three-door sibling, the five-door version featured a third row of side windows between the rear doors and the raked-forward C-pillars. But, just like its three-door sibling, it featured 17″ alloys fitted as standard. Finally, at the back, SEAT added a black trim on the rear bumper, resembling the one mounted on the 2008 Bocanegra concept.

Inside, the automaker installed bolstered front bucket seats with a different design than those offered in the regular Ibiza. In addition, the sporty steering wheel and the paddle-shifters were a promise for performance. In the back, the split-folding bench could accommodate three persons for short trips.

Under the hood, the Ibiza FR featured a 1.4-liter turbocharged and supercharged gasoline engine that sent the power to the front wheels only via a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transmission and an electronically-controlled differential.