The requirements for a good small car are long and complex, which means when a car like the SEAT Ibiza nails them, it’s a sign of a well-considered and clever design. A supermini needs to be practical, versatile, easy to drive, reliable, ideally desirable and wrapped up in a safe, affordable package. No easy feat.

This popular segment is looking a little sorry for itself with less options than before. Both Kia and Nissan have pulled out of the small car game and departure of the perennial top dog Ford Fiesta is clearly felt. But this gives cars like the SEAT Ibiza a chance to shine.

There are still some hefty competitors to fend off though, including the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia, two cars that share the same underpinnings as the Ibiza. Then there’s the likes of the Suzuki Swift, the tech-laden enthusiasts’ choice and the MG3 Hybrid+ with its outstanding value for money and full hybrid system. There’s also the Renault Clio, our reigning First Car of The Year and de facto small car pick.

In comparison the Ibiza looks a little dated, being fundamentally the same car that launched in 2017.  A refreshed design is set to arrive in 2025 along with mild hybrid technology for the first time, but until then, this is what you can get.

It has more interior space and room in the boot than many of its rivals and fits four adults comfortably. Buyers are well catered for in terms of engines, assuming they only want petrol. A 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit is available in a choice of 95 and 115hp forms.

A familiar set of trim levels make up the Ibiza range. The line-up starts off with SE, moving up to SE Edition, SE Technology, FR Edition, FR Sport, Xcellence and even more luxurious Xcellence Lux at the top of the range.

Standard equipment levels were solid when the car was last updated in 2021 but are beginning to fall behind rivals. The entry-level SE comes with LED headlights, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and the SEAT Connect package, with remote locking/unlocking access to your car through your smartphone as well as online servicing through the system. All useful features but verging on barren in the face of newer rivals. It’s not until you get right to the top of the range that you get things like a reversing camera, keyless go and adaptive cruise control.

Over the next few pages, you’ll read all you need to know about the SEAT Ibiza, including how practical it is, what it’s like to drive, how much it costs to run, and how it compares with its rivals. Then in the verdict we’ll say whether you should pick one or not. If you’d like to know how we review cars, click here to read our how we test page.