Name: SEAT Ibiza (2017 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: SEAT Ibiza
Rating: 78

SEAT Ibiza (2017 – present) | Expert Rating

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 2022, it is currently the top-ranked supermini on sale in the UK with an Expert Rating of 78%. Somewhat embarrassingly for the Volkswagen Group, the Ibiza is more highly regarded by the UK media than the VW Polo that it’s based on.

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.

More SEAT ratings, reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £17,835 on-road

Launched: Spring 2017
Last updated: –
Facelift due: Autumn 2021

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: 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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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza includes great on-board tech and sets a very high standard in the supermini class.”
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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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