SEAT Ibiza review
Still one of the best small cars for your money
At a glance |
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| New price | £17,165 - £22,420 |
| Lease from new | From £206 p/m View lease deals |
| Used price | £6,595 - £22,540 |
| Used monthly cost | From £165 per month |
| Fuel Economy | 42.2 - 61.4 mpg |
| Road tax cost | £155 |
| Insurance group | 2 - 19 How much is it to insure? |
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PROS
- Low prices and good deals
- Lots of equipment available
- Easy to drive, but also fun
CONS
- Some interior plastics are very hard
- Entry-level cars feel quite basic
- No hybrids or plug-in models
SEAT Ibiza Hatchback rivals
Is the SEAT Ibiza any good?
When it comes to buying a small car, buyers want it all – practicality, ease of operation, reliability, desirability – you name it, it’s on the wishlist. The latest version of the SEAT Ibiza is one of those rare cars that absolutely nails it in just about every regard.
The Ibiza has a lot of talented opposition. It’s based on the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen Polo and Audi A1, both of which offer a more premium and desirable air. The UK’s perennial best-seller, the Ford Fiesta, gives strong competition especially for keen drivers, while there’s no forgetting the latest Renault Clio – Parkers First Car of the Year award-winner for 2020, 2021 and 2022 and, in our view, the best small car on sale today.
But the SEAT Ibiza's not resting on its laurels. It also has a great record in our awards, having won the Parkers Best First Car Award for 2019 – after taking top spot in the 2018 awards – and the 2022 facelift adds appeal to what is already a very likeable small car.
What's it like inside?
The Ibiza looks like a shrunken Leon inside, and that’s certainly no bad thing, with its larger, high mounted infotainment screen, and contrasting interior trim on FR models and above.
The interior is functional and very easy to get used to even after a short period of time spent behind the wheel. Interior quality trails some of its rivals, but it feels like it’ll last, plus it comes with a host of equipment that will appeal to those who love gadgets, with plenty of connectivity options to keep you entertained.
It has more interior space and boot room than many of its rivals – four adults to fit comfortably, as well as their luggage in a boot that’s 63 litres larger than it was previously - offering 350 litres of room with the rear seats in place.
Read more on the SEAT Ibiza interior
What's it like to drive?
Buyers are well catered for in terms of engines, with familiar 1.0-litre three-cylinder units available in a choice of 80, 95 and 115hp forms. Strong economy is par for the course with all models returning over 45mpg, with low CO2 emissions across the board as well.
They’re nippy and frugal, yet also refined, with slick manual gearboxes standard on all models, with a DSG automatic available on the 115hp 1.0 TSI. On the move, the Ibiza manages to blend driving fun and comfort very well indeed. It’s as at home on a tight, twisty road as it is in the outside lane of the motorway.
Read more on how the SEAT Ibiza drives
What models and trims are available?
A familiar set of trim levels make up the Ibiza range. The line-up starts off with SE, moving up to SE Technology, FR, FR Sport, Xcellence and even more luxurious Xcellence Lux at the top of the range. The good news it also doesn't cost any extra to go for a particular paint colour. They're all included.
Standard equipment levels are generous – even 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.
Over the next five 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.
- Parkers awards: Best First Car
- Search used SEAT Ibiza cars for sale on Parkers
- What's a SEAT Ibiza like to live with? Read our long-term test
