Is the SEAT Ibiza a good first car?
Read our guide to whether the compact SEAT Ibiza is a good first car choice for new drivers
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Getting your driving licence is an exciting rite of passage, but choosing your first car can feel overwhelming.
It’s a tricky time because there are endless choices, but you’ll want to make sure that what you pick is affordable, safe and stylish.
A car that seems to tick all three of those boxes is the SEAT Ibiza – a small Spanish hatchback that packs a serious punch. Here’s what you need to know about getting an Ibiza for your first car.
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SEAT Ibiza: costs for new drivers
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The SEAT Ibiza can be a very affordable model to buy. That’s partly because it’s a supermini and also because it has been so popular that there are plenty out there.
Don’t be put off by the budget-friendly price tag, though. The SEAT Ibiza is mechanically similar to the Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia and even the Audi A1.
This is a really sensible model to pick as a first car because the SEAT Ibiza typically falls into low insurance groups.
For many young drivers, insurance can be the second- or first-largest cost for a year of motoring, so finding a cheap-to-run model like the Ibiza is key.
Every engine in the Ibiza range is economical. While the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrols might be slightly cheaper to run, you’ll still get excellent value from the punchier 1.4-litre and 1.5-litre petrols.
These engines’ low emissions also help to keep your car tax bill reasonably low, which is another cost to keep an eye on.
How easy is the Ibiza to drive for beginners?
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The SEAT Ibiza is a really easy car to drive because its controls are light and smooth, and there’s excellent visibility for making tighter manoeuvres.
We think it’s a sweet spot in hatchback ownership – big enough to fit a few friends in the back, but still small enough to get around car parks and side streets.
You can also get the SEAT Ibiza with a few driver-friendly features, including front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
Although car tech like parking aids are generally available on higher trim levels, most Ibiza models have features like hill hold assist, collision prevention systems and lane-keep assist.
Interior space and safety features
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The front seats of a SEAT Ibiza offer a good amount of space for most drivers and passengers and plenty of adjustability in both the driver’s seat and steering wheel to get comfortable.
Rear legroom is also reasonable for a car of this size, so teenagers and adults should find it pretty accommodating.
Taller rear-seat passengers may struggle with headroom, but that’s common for small hatchbacks like the Ibiza. If you’re likely to carry passengers in the back frequently, consider a five-door model.
The latest-generation SEAT Ibiza, introduced in 2017, has one of the largest boots in this class. At 355 litres, it’s as big as some ‘family’ hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.
The above-average space is great for road trips, and you’ll be able to fit far more luggage than your friend in their Ford Fiesta (which has a 292-litre boot).
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A SEAT Ibiza comes standard with all the essential safety kit, making it safe for newly qualified drivers.
Expect essentials like an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, airbags and even ISOFIX fittings for child seats.
Standard kit, including safety equipment, varies by trim level and also model year, so it’s worth checking any individual listing to see what extra tech you get.
Newer models get autonomous emergency braking, rear parking sensors and lane-keep assist as standard.
Since its launch in 2017, the latest-generation model has been tested twice – first in 2017 and then again in 2022. Both times, Euro NCAP awarded it a full five-star rating.
If you’re looking at older models, the previous-generation Ibiza also got the full five-star rating.
Pros and cons of an Ibiza as a first car
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A second-hand SEAT Ibiza is a car you can buy with your head and your heart because it’s a stylish hatchback that’s easy and enjoyable to drive.
It also offers excellent practicality, good safety features and, most importantly, long-term affordability.
Keep in mind that it’s still a small car, so the rear seats aren’t the most spacious for long journeys. Also, if you like your car tech, it’s best to focus on higher trim levels.
Luckily, the Ibiza has been on sale for so long that it shouldn’t be hard to find even an affordable top-spec edition.
Should I buy a used SEAT Ibiza as a new driver?
The SEAT Ibiza is a really smart car for new drivers because it offers all the high-quality manufacturing of the Volkswagen Polo and Audi A1 in a far more affordable package.
It’s a versatile option, and there should be a used example for everyone, whether you have an engine, body shape or trim level in mind.