SEAT Ibiza Hatchback (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 01 December 2010
SEAT has spiced up the Ibiza with a distinctive new model from July 2008 boasting a roomier, better quality interior and a simplified model range. It ranks among the best in class for interior space and practicality while those sharp lines in the styling also promise an engaging drive. SEAT has dumped its Essence, Reference and Stylance model name strategy, which began in 2004 and returned to the familiar S, SE and Sport grades which are far less confusing. However, it's perhaps remiss in these environmentally-conscious times that the lower emission versions are only available in lower specification equipment grades. In October 2010 an impressive 1.2-litre TSI engine was added to the line-up offering an excellent combination of economy and performance.
4.5 out of 5

Other SEAT reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

The Ibiza is a quality product and represents good value compared with its rivals. As well as modest fuel consumption, insurance groups are low plus with major services every 20,000 miles it shouldn't break the bank. It should depreciate slower than some of the higher volume models in its class, such as the Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta. If you want to keep costs down then choose the Ecomotive model, although be aware that it's more expensive than the petrol SE and Sport models, yet comes with considerably less equipment on board.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,116 - £1,461 *

Diesel

£801 - £1,068 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Oil change - 10,000 miles or 12 months. Major service - 20,000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£0.00 - £135.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

4 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
    92
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
    149
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Ibiza is competitive with other cars in its class for carbon dioxide emissions, and small cars usually ensure owners are better off when it comes to the CO2-based road tax bills. The diesel versions are the greenest and the dedicated low-emissions Ecomotive model emits just 98g/km of CO2 while returning 76mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2