Currently reading: Nearly new buying guide: Seat Ibiza
Spain’s supermini makes for a refreshing change. Here's how to get one for less

The small car market has long been dominated by the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, but what if you fancy injecting some pseudo-Spanish flair into your motoring? Then check out the edgy Seat Ibiza.

This fifth-generation Seat was launched in 2017 and established itself as a competitive player, thanks in part to its distinctive styling and spacious interior.

Initial engine choices were three 1.0-litre petrols, two 1.6 diesels and a 148bhp 1.5 petrol. The line-up was later streamlined to the 1.0 80, 95 and 115 petrols and the 1.6 TDI 95. In time the diesel was dropped, and a 1.0 110 petrol has recently replaced the 115.

Click here to buy your next used Ibiza from Autocar

Entry-level S cars got 15in steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth and hill hold control as standard, plus a 5.0in monochrome infotainment system. SE models added 15in alloys, a leather-clad steering wheel and gearlever and colour infotainment. SE Technology received Seat’s 8.0in touchscreen infotainment, with satnav and a CD player, plus ambient interior lighting, while SE Design cars came with 16in wheels, chrome exterior trim, a panoramic sunroof and a 300W Beats audio system.

Sporty FR models included smartphone integration, 17in wheels, gloss black exterior trim, a twin exhaust system, sports seats and suspension, DAB radio and cruise control. Xcellence featured more convenience, with rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition and a rearview camera. Top-rung Xcellence Lux added adaptive cruise control.

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On the road, the 1.0 95 pulls smoothly from low revs and doesn’t feel as feeble as the 1.0 80 can. The 1.0 115 is punchier still, although a little pricey for the extra oomph. The 1.5 is a real flyer, but there are fewer of these on the used market.

Ride and handling are where the Ibiza shines. It feels composed and grown-up, superior to many close rivals. Motorway driving is settled and road and wind noise are minimal. The steering is light but communicative and there’s plenty of grip, and while the handling is safe and predictable, it borders on good fun. All models have a slick gearchange, and the petrol engines are the most refined at all speeds.

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Car review

A model upon which Seat has staked its future, the new Ibiza must now deliver in an extremely competitive market. So can the supermini upset the likes of Ford, Mini, Mazda, Nissan and others?

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Inside, the Ibiza has lots of space for a small car, with plenty of front and rear leg room and a huge boot. The rear seats are most comfortable for two passengers, but for short trips you can accommodate three.

The Ibiza has many safety features as standard, such as automatic emergency braking, six airbags and active head restraints.

 

BUYER BEWARE

Engine Beware the lowly MPI engine which is gutless (pay the extra and go for a TSI instead).

Interior Early versions featured hard plastics that can scratch easily. Some owners report many annoying rattles so listen out for these. Lower trims are quite poorly equipped. Check the infotainment system has no glitches (some owners have reported freezing screens).

 

Need to know

Prices start at £7000 for a 2017 car with average mileage and an entry-level petrol engine. Spend £9000-£11,000 to get a 2018 car with a more powerful unit. Up the budget to £14,000 for a 2020 or 2021 1.0 95 with desirable FR trim.

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The Ibiza was awarded five stars in its Euro NCAP crash test, with particularly strong scores for adult occupancy protection and pedestrian safety.

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It ranked 14th out of 24 small cars in our sister mag What Car?’s latest reliability survey.

The diesel engines are impressively frugal, if a little gruff, with 57.6mpg under WLTP tests. The 1.0 95 and 1.0 115 returned official figures of 52.3mpg.

FR and Xcellence trims feature tiredness recognition and an alarm.

Our pick

1.0 95 FR: The 1.0 95 engine is refined and punchy from low revs and can propel the Ibiza to 60mph from rest in 10 seconds – a respectable time for the small car class.

Wild card

1.0 TSI 115 XCELLENCE LUX: Splash out on Xcellence Lux trim for a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and keyless entry and ignition. The 115 is the most potent petrol engine that is readily available and delivers impressive refinement.

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Ones we found

2017 Seat Ibiza 1.0 S, 35,000 miles, £6849

2019 Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI 95 SE, 18,000 miles, £10,600

2021 Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI 110 Xcellence Lux, 400 miles, £16,650

Trinity Francis

READ MORE

Design tweaks and enhanced kit for 2021 Seat Ibiza

Autocar road test review: Seat Ibiza

Seat axes diesel Ibiza and Arona from UK range

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jameshobiecat 3 September 2021

I currently have a 1.0 80ps version as a courtesy car and I have to say it's the most disappointing small car I've driven for a long time. Sure it's roomy and economical but the driving experience is the big issue.

The secondary ride is poor at low speeds, the steering is absolute free of any feel what so ever, the gear shift, clutch and brakes are excessively light and springy but it's the engine that completely spoils the whole car. It would be unfair to expect much performance from 80bhp, but it's the strangled reluctant character that really upsets, there are some fantastic 1.0 units out there, this isn't one.

ironanders 30 August 2021

Some add-ons to the article.The latest VW Polo that arrived late 2017 early 2018 on the markets is the same car as the Ibiza but the ibiza is far much cheaper than the Polo also comparing it to the old A3 from 2014.Bought my Ibiza 2018 low mileage, 1 owner with TSI 95, sensors and big screen with Android Auto, 16" alloys + Winter tires for under 10000 Euro.As they were sold with lease for the first owners during 2018 a lot of them arrived used during 2021.Seen them both higher and lower in price depending on color, infotainment screen and interior.I think it’s the most bang for the buck on the market for small hatchbacks and the interior looks the same as a 2021 Ibiza and the exterior is much nicer then the Fabia.​The engine with 95HP is really quick and strong, interior is great and spacious.Don’t see any point on going bigger on the engine but keep away from smaller because I think it’s more suitable for the VW Up size.

I think the key to owning it and second hand value is metallic paint or dark colors, nice rims, the big Android Auto screen.Next up if you want to go bigger/for small family is the Skoda Scala but prices most go down a little bit because it’s newer.

LP in Brighton 26 August 2021

So how do you get one for less as the headline suggests?

I suppose the obvious answer is to buy an older, slower base model - or buy privately. But in general, as with all things in life, you tend to get what you pay for... 

Personally I'd buy an Ibiza instead of a Polo or Fabia if only because it looks a bit more visually interesting and you see fewer about.