Name: SEAT Ibiza (2017 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: SEAT Ibiza
Rating: 74

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. It has been particularly praised for its comfort and refinement, although its driving dynamics are not considered to be as sharp at the class-leading Fiesta.

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.

As of January 2024, the SEAT Ibiza holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 74%. It gets top marks for its low running costs and CO2 emissions, while its safety rating and media reviews are also good. The only sour note is its below-average reliability record.

More SEAT ratings, reviews, news and features

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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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 82%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 70%

Eco rating

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

Clean Air Index: 5.8 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.1 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.7 / 10

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 154
Average repair cost: £505.14
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The SEAT Ibiza has a below-average reliability score as of January 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert 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 £180. The other area to look out for is the engine, which accounts for just under a quarter of repair claims. Unfortunately, the bill for these engine faults can get quite expensive – nearly £1,100 on average. Gearbox repairs are even more expensive, at more than £1,400.

If you’re looking at a used SEAT Ibiza, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	51 mpg	B	46 – 54 mpg	B – C
Diesel models	61 mpg	A	61 – 61 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	125 g/km	A	117 – 141 g/km	A – B
Diesel models	126 g/km	A	121 – 129 g/km	A – A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	10	A	3 – 14	A – A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£141	A
Year 2	£395	A
Year 3	£681	A
Year 4	£892	A
Year 5	£1,212	A
Overall	£3,321	A

The SEAT Ibiza is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Servicing and insurance bills should be well below average, while fuel economy is very good.