Ford Fiesta ST-Line vs Seat Ibiza FR vs Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo
On a tight budget but want a sporty looking hatchback? We give the nattily clad versions of the Fiesta, Ibiza and Fabia a workout to see which is best...
Our verdict
While the Seat Ibiza FR is nippy, comes well equipped and will cost a private buyer the least to run over three years, it comes last in this test. Its handling disappoints, its interior feels cheap and you can't add automatic emergency braking.
The Ford Fiesta ST-Line comes in a strong second. Out of all three cars, it is the only one that drives as sportily as it looks. It might be the slowest overall, but it more than makes up for that with the way it gets round corners. It's the most agile car in this test, with the sweetest gearchange and the best steering. However, it loses value the quickest and the infotainment system falls a long way short.
So, the Fiesta isn't the winner of this test; that honour goes to the Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo. Its performance is more than adequate in the real world, it's better to drive than the Ibiza and it comes very well equipped.
'The Fabia comes with automatic emergency braking – a crucial safety feature'
The there's the Fabia's practicality. It isn't just its extra doors that count in its favour; its boot is both the biggest and easiest to access, and it has the most rear head room.
We also approve of the standard automatic emergency braking. It's a crucial safety feature that should reassure the parents of any inexperienced driver.
Even so, we can't quite give the Fabia Monte Carlo the full five stars. As good as it is, cheaper versions of the Fabia make more sense. Sure, they don't have the sporty looks of this range-topper, but they're even more affordable and have all the equipment you're likely to want.
Read more – The best and worst small cars 2016
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1st – Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo
For Most spacious; well equipped; competitive running costs
Against Not much fun in corners; fuel economy could be better
Verdict Looks good and performs well, although cheaper SE trim makes more sense financially
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Skoda Fabia review
Find a great Skoda Fabia deal
2nd – Ford Fiesta ST-Line
For Great handling; cheapest for company car drivers
Against Heaviest depreciation; awful infotainment
Verdict Huge fun. Shame it isn't better value
Rated 4 out of 5
Read our full Ford Fiesta review
Find a great Ford Fiesta deal
3rd – Seat Ibiza FR
For Cheap to buy; fastest; lots of standard kit
Against Poor handling; restricted rear head room
Verdict Proof that fast doesn't always equal fun
Rated 3 out of 5
Read our full Seat Ibiza review
Find a great Seat Ibiza deal
Also consider:
Specifications: Ford Fiesta 1.0 Ecoboost 100 ST-Line
Engine size 1.0-litre turbo petrol
List price £15,795
Target Price £13,699
Power 99bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque 124lb ft @ 1400-6000rpm
0-60mph 10.5sec
Top speed 112mph
Gov't fuel economy 65.7mpg
True MPG 46.5mpg
CO2 emissions 99g/km
Seat Ibiza SC 1.2 TSI 110 FR Technology Pack
Engine size 1.2-litre turbo petrol
List price £14,985
Target Price £12,019
Power 108bhp @ 4600rpm
Torque 129lb ft @ 1550rpm
0-60mph 9.5sec
Top speed 122mph
Gov't fuel economy 54.3mpg
True MPG 49.5mpg
CO2 emissions 119g/km
Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90 Monte Carlo
Engine size 1.2-litre turbo petrol
List price £15,425
Target Price £13,902
Power 89bhp @ 4400rpm
Torque 118lb ft @ 1400rpm
0-60mph 10.5sec
Top speed 113mph
Gov't fuel economy 60.1mpg
True MPG 42.6mpg
CO2 emissions 107g/km
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