Last week (5 May), Auto Express pitted SEAT’s latest hot hatch, the Ibiza FR TDI, against the Alfa Mito 1.4-litre 135PS Veloce. “Our duo is closely matched on price, power and emissions,” says the magazine. “But which one provides more hot-hatch thrills for the money?”
“The latest hot SEAT is exactly what we’ve come to expect from the brand,” says Auto Express. “On paper this should have been a closely fought contest, but on the road it was anything but. We fully expected the diesel SEAT to be cleaner and more efficient than the petrol Alfa, but the Ibiza was also faster, quieter, smoother and more practical than its rival.
“The MiTo is a flawed machine. Without the adjustable suspension of the Cloverleaf flagship, its jittery ride is irritating and detracts from the driving experience. The Alfa looks great and has a terrific engine, but it’s let down by its restless road manners.”
In stark contrast, “the SEAT is composed, refined and enjoyable to drive,” says Auto Express. “The Ibiza FR is a versatile choice. Whether it’s pounding up and down motorways, nipping through town or blasting along back roads, it is an assured and capable machine. Affordable prices, strong resale values and excellent fuel economy take care of your pocket, too.”
Read the full road test on Auto Express online 
