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The Seat Ibiza is a small hatchback that’s a great all-rounder, mixing practicality and style with a comfortable driving experience. There’s a range of models to choose from, including different engines and gearboxes and a wide mix of trims for different budgets.
The Seat Ibiza, which first went on sale in 1984, has seen several updates over the years. Our focus is on the latest version – the fifth-generation Seat Ibiza that was introduced in 2017 and updated in 2021.
While previous Seat Ibiza models have been available as either three-door or five-door hatchbacks, the latest is five-door only. The pre-2021 model range consists of S, SE, FR and Xcellence trim levels.
The 2021 update brought new alloy wheel designs and an expansion of the trim range. The base model S was dropped and the remaining trims each had two types of option packs. Seat Ibiza cars from this date are called SE, SE Technology, FR, FR Sport, Xcellence and Xcellence Lux. Ibiza FR models add extra sportiness to the driving experience through lower, stiffer suspension, and to its design by way of subtle interior and exterior differences. Unlike earlier Ibizas, there’s no high-performance Cupra model with this generation of Ibiza.
You might find some Seat Ibiza models in a relatively basic S trim, though all Ibizas have air con, electric windows and automatic headlights, and most have alloy wheels. Move up the range and you’ll find cruise control, cornering lights for extra visibility on dark, winding roads and an upgraded Beats sound system.
The 2021 upgrade brought a bigger touchscreen for the infotainment system and the option of a ‘digital cockpit’ on higher-spec models – a digital display in front of the driver instead of traditional analogue dials. You’ll also find full smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some models have keyless entry and start to make locking, unlocking and driving away hassle-free.
The Seat Ibiza is a small car that’s relatively affordable to buy and offers a range of impressive efficient and well-proven engines. Petrol and diesel models give you a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes. Across the range, you can expect between 42mpg and 54mpg from a petrol car, depending on the model, while in the diesels you should get between 53 and 61mpg, according to official figures.
Servicing costs should be relatively low, as should insurance – the insurance groups run from 2 to 19, depending on the engine, trim and gearbox combination.
The Seat Ibiza is very similar in size to key rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 and offers similarly low running costs. The Ibiza stands out for its competitive prices and large boot but it can’t match rival cars such as the Hyundai i20 or Kia Picanto for the length of its manufacturer warranty.
Considering its small size, the Seat Ibiza is impressively spacious. You should be able to fit four adults without any problems. The boot is generous, too, with a 355-litre space that expands to 823 litres if you fold down the back seats. In comparison, the Ford Fiesta boot measures just 292 litres, but the Skoda Fabia – another excellent all-round hatchback – has a huge 380-litre boot.
The Seat Ibiza is one of the smallest Seat models, with only the little Mii city car taking up less space. If you’re after a Seat hatchback you can also choose the larger Leon, which also comes in estate form. Seat’s SUV range starts with the Arona, which is about the same size as the Ibiza but taller, so could be worth a look if you want something with a more commanding view of the road. The Ateca is the next biggest SUV, followed by the seven-seat Tarraco. Seat also has an excellent MPV called the Alhambra if you have more than five people to carry around.
When it was released in 2017, the Seat Ibiza was tested by the independent safety organisation EuroNCAP and was awarded the maximum five stars. However, standards have moved on since then, so Seat took the relatively unusual step of submitting it for testing again in 2022. Impressively, it scored five stars once more, thanks to an inherently strong design and the latest advanced safety systems.
As of late 2023 there are no full-electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions of the Seat Ibiza. Seat does make a plug-in hybrid version of the larger Leon and also made a full-electric Mii city car.