SEAT Ibiza (02-09) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 07 July 2008
The sporty Ibiza is SEAT's sister car to the Volkswagen Polo (2002-2009) and Skoda Fabia (2000-2008) - all three share the same platform and use the same components. In addition to the sharp styling, it's impressively equipped, easy to drive around town and comes with a good choice of engines. It ticks a lot of boxes for a wide range of small car buyers and as a result is a very popular used buy. Changes from Spring 2006 include subtly revised looks (new front and rear bumpers and re-designed double headlamps), a better quality trim and improved equipment. This is most noticeable on sporty FR versions that now look more like the range-topping Cupra. SEAT added a tax-dodging, low-emission model to the Ibiza range in 2008, with the 1.4-litre Ecomotive emitting under 100g/km CO2 and costing nothing to tax as a result.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Buying used

Good levels of equipment, great engines and stylish looks means that Ibiza is popular used buy and they're often fast movers on the private market so you may need to do more hunting than you think. Look out for the 1.2 S - it's one of the best value models in the range and cheap to run. Originally it didn't come with air conditioning but this was added by SEAT from mid 2004 and because of this 1.2 S models from late 2004 and early 2005 are snapped up quickly. If you're after discreet performance for a knock-down price try the 1.9 TDI Sport that was produced from 2002-04 - it uses the same 130bhp engine that's in the Skoda Fabia vRS but - rather surprisingly - doesn't have as sporty an image, making it cheaper.

  • Boot/Load Space SEAT Ibiza (02-09)
  • Interior SEAT Ibiza (02-09)

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See 224 used SEAT Ibizas for sale, starting at £1,695

4.5 out of 5

Selling

Buyers like the Ibiza for its sporty image and engineering integrity so selling won't be difficult and diesel models are particularly sought after. The FR and Cupra models will always create plenty of interest.