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.
The SEAT Ibiza has received mostly very positive reviews from the UK motoring media, as well as several awards. Based on 15 reviews we have currently analysed, it ranks second in class overall behind the Ford Fiesta. Somewhat embarrassingly for the Volkswagen Group, the Ibiza is more highly regarded by the UK media than the VW Polo.
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.
More SEAT news, reviews, features and offers
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £16,090 on-road
Launched: Spring 2017
Last updated: –
Replacement due: TBA
MEDIA REVIEWS
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media
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 review
Score: 9 / 10
“It used to follow in the shadow of rivals, but the latest SEAT Ibiza is easily one of the best superminis for sale in the UK today.”
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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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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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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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Evo
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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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 review
Score: 5.9 / 10
“A satisfying small car.”
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SAFETY RATING
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: July 2017
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
The SEAT Ibiza has not yet been lab-tested by Green NCAP. Check back soon.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the SEAT Ibiza has received
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 interested in the SEAT Ibiza, you might also like to consider these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Mito | Citroën C3 | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | Mini hatch | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo