SEAT Ibiza hatchback (2008 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The new SEAT Ibiza is the first of the Spanish manufacturer’s cars to come from the pen of former Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke and it looks sharper than its predecessor. We reckon the car’s most eye-catching feature is its profile with three swooping creases giving the car a more contemporary look but the front has also been revised with the arrow-design nose more prominent and grille and headlights repositioned.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

The driver-focused minimalist interior works very well. The instruments are angled towards the driver and materials look well-fitted and feel robust. We like the three-spoke steering wheel, easy controls and swooping dash. The driver’s seat has been positioned lower while the amount of headroom has been increased. The design is simple and functional with controls sensibly placed and intuitive. The dashboard features a docking station which is currently compatible with the TomTom satnav system (it’s a neat idea which prevents tell-tale sucker marks alerting would-be thieves you have an expensive bit of kit in your car). Everything is well-positioned to make driving easy and fun.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

The new SEAT Ibiza is based on a new platform which is wider and longer than its predecessor with the extra room that affords translated into 25 litres additional boot space and a total of 292 litres.

Our rating: 3

4. Ride and handling

The longer and wider platform combined with a lighter stiffer body has brought improvements to both the new SEAT Ibiza’s ride and handling while the introduction of a new ‘agile’ chassis gave us greater confidence through corners. Speed-sensitive steering ensures the wheel turns to a lighter touch at lower speeds for parking manoeuvres while requiring a heavier hand for higher speeds.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

The new SEAT Ibiza went on sale with a choice of three petrol engines: the 60bhp 1.2-litre model, 85bhp 1.4-litre model and an advanced 1.2 TSI turbo petrol with 104bhp, all of which are coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox. 0-62mph times are 15.9, 11.8 and 9.8 seconds respectively and top speeds are 96, 101 and 118mph.  Diesel models include a 1.2-litre TDI with 75bhp, 1.6-litre TDI with 105bhp and a 2-litre TDI FR model with 140bhp. Performance FR, Cupra and Bocanegra petrol models are fitted with a 1.4-litre TSI engine with a supercharger and turbocharger and either 150 or 180bhp.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

The 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engine models both fall within mid-table tax bands with emissions of 125g/km and 139g/km. Fuel consumptions average at 52.3mpg for the 1.2-litre model and 47.9mpg for the 1.4-litre car. The 1.2-litre TSI is the most efficient petrol, which manages 55.4mpg and 119g/km of CO2. The diesel engines are even better, the 1.2-litre TDI Ecomotive hitting 80.7mpg while emitting a tax-free and Congestion Charge free 92g/km of CO2.  Major services are only required at 20,000 mile intervals and the warranty includes two-year SEAT road assistance throughout Europe.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

Historically the SEAT Ibiza scores well in the Reliability Index, with the Spanish manufacturer a part of the wide-ranging Volkswagen group – which has a reputation for well-built reliable cars. Since its launch, there have been no manufacturer recalls.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The new SEAT Ibiza was awarded a maximum five stars following Euro NCAP crash tests. Anti-Lock brakes (ABS) are standard while the electronic stability programme (ESP) is an option.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

The new SEAT Ibiza is available in four trim levels: E, S A/C, SE and Sport.Entry-level E cars come with body-colour bumpers, tinted glass, front electric windows, CD player with MP3 compatibility and anti-lock brakes (ABS). S A/C adds air conditioning. SE adds 15-inch wheels, body-coloured door handles, front foglights, split folding rear seats , electric rear windows and cruise control. The Sport trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob. There’s also a Copa special edition available with the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.2-litre TDI which adds 16-inch alloys, climate control, heated front seats, auto lights and wipers, tinted windows, a leather steering wheel and enhanced upholstery for no extra cost of SE trim.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

The SEAT Ibiza is a stylish supermini which stands comparison with updated rivals.

Our rating: 4