Summary
The SEAT Ibiza is a small, supermini-class hatchback. The current model arrived in the UK in the summer of 2017 and shares a lot of its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Polo and Audi A1.
Unlike previous generations, the current Ibiza is only available as a five-door hatch, with no three-door version. There is also a high-performance Ibiza Cupra model. We are building a separate page for this version, so check back soon. As is the case with most supermini-class small cars, there are no longer any diesel engine options available for the Ibiza range (although you’ll still be able to pick one up in the used car market).
The SEAT Ibiza has received mostly very positive reviews from the UK motoring media, as well as several awards. Based on 21 reviews we have currently analysed as of March 2023, it is currently the top-ranked supermini on sale in the UK with an Expert Rating of 74%. That’s the same score as the VW Polo on which it’s based.
The Ibiza has received particular praise for its comfort and refinement, although its driving dynamics are not considered to be as sharp at the class-leading Fiesta.
Unlike its comfort and refinement, the SEAT Ibiza hasn’t topped the field for reliability. In a What Car? 2021 reliability survey, the Ibiza ranked 15th out of 17 small cars (above only the VW Polo and Ford Fiesta). In 2020, it had ranked 14th.
An updated Ibiza arrived in the UK in late 2021. This is a minor mid-life facelift to the existing car, rather than an all-new model. It will feature a few styling tweaks and some upgrades to tech features. To date, review scores for the facelifted model have not shown to be significantly different from the original version.
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £17,995 on-road
Launched: Spring 2017
Last updated: Autumn 2021
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual 95hp
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The new SEAT Ibiza is the most effective version of the car yet, and a serious rival to the best-selling Ford Fiesta.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza includes great on-board tech and sets a very high standard in the supermini class.”
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Model reviewed: Facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“The updated interior and tech revisions mean the popular SEAT Ibiza supermini is now better than ever.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“SEAT has constructed a brilliantly modern compact car, one that seeks to absorb the gruelling boredom of everyday driving and return it as frothy, imperturbable ease of use.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual FR
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza is a compelling mix of handsome looks and stable, willing chassis, decent refinement and sophisticated technology. Seems like the supermini named after the party isle just grew up.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 9 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza has grown up with this latest version – becoming more practical, refined and comfortable. But that’s while still remaining good to drive, and affordable – providing you stick with cheaper versions. It’s a superb all-rounder and is undoubtedly one of the best superminis on sale today.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Stylish and practical, the SEAT Ibiza is also good to drive, making it a top supermini choice.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza is a comfortable small car with a spacious cabin and a big boot. Entry-level models are basic, however, and the materials inside feel cheap in places.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
“Good-looking new hatchback that’s a very impressive all-rounder rather than excelling in any particular area.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed: 2021 Facelift
“It’s car which has plenty of appeal especially to younger drivers and with its revamped looks it is as contemporary as ever.”
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Evo
Model reviewed:
Score: 7 / 10
“A lift in refinement and tech make the new Ibiza an appealing supermini, but you’ll have to look elsewhere for driving thrills.”
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Model reviewed: FR
Score: 8 / 10
“New SEAT Ibiza is the most refined, grown-up supermini yet, but still not the most fun.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE
Score: 6 / 10
“The latest SEAT Ibiza, despite the expected advances in areas such as refinement and technology, offers little joy for the driver in the spec of our test car.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Smart, stylish and backed by a range of fine petrol engines, the SEAT Ibiza feels more grown-up and better-rounded than ever before, while its huge boot and refined ride provide comfort and space that are in short supply with many of its rivals.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“As an overall package, the SEAT Ibiza is a very good small car. It’s supremely comfortable and practical, while few of its rivals can match its outstanding petrol engines. The only area that lets the side down is the spec.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual 115hp
“Stylish, well-priced, good to drive and with decent practicality, the new SEAT Ibiza is a great choice of small hatchback.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9.2 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza has grown up. It looks fantastic, has a well-specified interior with genuine space for four, plus a comprehensive selection of frugal yet nippy engines to choose from.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range review
“Having driven the new Fiesta just a few weeks ago, I expected stepping into the Ibiza would be a let-down. But I believe SEAT has pulled off a car which is just as good.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza might not be quite as much fun as a Ford Fiesta, nor as cheap as a Kia Rio or Skoda Fabia, but it is more spacious than all of them and still drives like a car from the class above. It’s a genuinely excellent car.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 10 / 10
“The Ibiza has been carving itself a niche over five generations, and has become a big hit among those looking for sharp style, driving fun and value for money.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The SEAT Ibiza is a spacious and practical small hatchback with a sporty slant to its styling. It’s not the plushest car you can buy, but it’s mostly well thought through.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2017
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 77%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 60%
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.0-litre TSI Petrol FWD Automatic
Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.1 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.7 / 10
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 70
Average repair cost: £673.67
Last updated: March 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The SEAT Ibiza has a slightly lower-than-average reliability score, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation Ibiza and the previous (pre-2017) fourth-generation version.
Almost a third of all reported problems with the ibiza relate to its suspension, with a rather cheap average repair bill of around £140. The other area to look out for is the engine, which accounts for just over a quarter of repair claims. Unfortunately, the bill for these engine faults can get quite expensive – nearly £1,800 on average. That said, the petrol and diesel engines in the Ibiza are all used in many other Volkswagen Group (VW, SEAT, Skoda) models, so they are well proven.
If you’re looking at a used SEAT Ibiza, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the SEAT Ibiza has received
2020
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Supermini
2018
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
- What Car? Awards – Best Small Car
- SME Company Car of the Year Awards – Best Value Company Car
2017
- Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best First Car
- Red Dot Awards – Product Design Awards
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the SEAT Ibiza, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
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