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SEAT Ibiza

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SEAT Ibiza

(2017 - present)

    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


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    The Car Expert

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    Auto Express

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    Autocar

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    Car

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    Car Keys

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Company Car Today

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    Eurekar

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    Evo

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    Green Car Guide

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    Heycar

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    Honest John

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    Parkers

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    The Sun

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    The Telegraph

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    What Car?

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    Which?

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    Safety rating


    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%

    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

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    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 3Mini hatch | Mitsubishi MirageNissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | Skoda FabiaSuzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo

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    Best car rankings

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    Best car rankings

    The top cars in every category

    The Car Expert has the ultimate ranking of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites. We'll be adding more cars and more lists all the time, so keep checking back for the latest results.

    The SEAT Ibiza has received very positive media reviews, and is one of the highest-rated superminis on sale in the UK.SEAT Ibiza