Seat Ibiza
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. This Spanish supermini is well priced and well equipped but feels increasingly old next to more modern rivals.
Review
With a combination of generous standard equipment and competitive pricing, the Ibiza has always been able to make a strong case for itself in the hard-fought supermini segment.
It's a sister car to the Volkswagen Polo and first-generation Skoda Fabia, sharing the same mechanical underpinnings and most of the same range of engines. The Seat's design is certainly inoffensive enough, and the cabin is spacious and well-finished, with decent space for front seat occupants and a reasonably sized boot by segment standards.
Seat has tried to match the Ibiza's sporty looks with a similarly dynamic driving experience, meaning firmer suspension than its Volkswagen and Skoda sisters. The net result is a reasonable amount of grip over twisty roads, but a bouncy ride and lots of road noise over rougher surfaces. Numb-feeling steering also takes the edge off the driving experience.
At least buyers have lots of engines to choose between. The basic 1.2 litre engine lacks much in the way of urge, but seems to relish an occasional thrashing, while the more powerful 1.4 litre unit feels barely faster. At the top of the range, Volkswagen's venerable 1.8 litre turbocharged petrol motor is available in two states of tune, with both 150 bhp and 180 bhp versions giving strong performance. Four different diesels are offered, with the mid-ranking 100 bhp 1.9 TDI offering the best compromise between economy and performance. Although loud and crude, the 160 bhp TDI motor gives the diesel Cupra rocketship performance.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Snouty "mono-nostril" styling is shared with the rest of the range but, behind it, the Ibiza looks fairly bland.
Handling
3 star
The firm chassis delivers plenty of grip, but driver involvement is limited by the numb-feeling steering.
Comfort
3 star
Those unforgiving springs and dampers also give the Ibiza a clumpy ride over rough roads, with lots of noise getting into the cabin.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Well assembled and with decent feeling materials in the well-designed cabin.
Performance
4 star
Basic petrol engines lack urge but the range-topping 1.8 litre turbocharged motor is seriously rapid. Diesels are good too, frugal and economical.
Roominess
3 star
Feels cramped compared to the more modern superminis that have followed it.
Running Costs
4 star
Basic versions are very cost-effective to run thanks to low insurance ratings and reasonable residual values. Pricey to insure at the top of the range, though.
Value for money
4 star
Good standard kit allows the Ibiza to stack up well against rivals: mid-ranking models are particularly well equipped.
