Key facts:
Model Tested: SEAT Ibiza 1.2 TSI ST Sport
Price: £14,290
Date tested: November 2010
Road tester: Martyn Collins

SEAT has added the 105bhp, 1.2-litre TSI to the engine line-up for Ibiza five-door, SC three-door and ST estate models.

Available with a choice of five-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmissions, this new engine replaces the 105bhp 1.6-litre TSI.

If you think smaller can't be better, you couldn't be more wrong. The addition of a turbocharger seems to more than makes up for the loss of capacity. Power is the same as the outgoing 1.6, but torque is up from 109 to 129lbft and it's much more accessible as peak power is delivered at a diesel-like 1,500rpm.

Other improvements for the new engine include a 20 per cent drop in emissions for the manual version from 149g/km of CO2 to 119g/km (124g/km for the DSG) and fuel economy is up to 55mpg on the combined cycle.

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We drove manual and seven-speed DSG versions of this new engine in Ibiza ST estates at the launch in Barcelona. In our view, these versions are the best to drive this side of the sporty Cupra.

Sounding slightly like a three-cylinder at idle, the 1.2 TSI proved to be a surprisingly sporty drive.

Considering its size, it's an eager performer that's well-matched to both transmissions and the Ibiza's keen chassis.

Available in SE and Sport Trim levels in the UK, prices for the Ecomotive which includes stop and start and Brake Energy Recovery will start at £12,780 for the Ibiza SC 1.2-litre TSI SE.