SEAT Ibiza review

The Ibiza interior has come a long way since its early days as a budget hatchback. Recent versions feature a solid build and an impressive range of materials.

The interior now feels as classy as the VW it’s based on – and is often better equipped for the same money.

You’ll find the most recent Ibiza versions have soft, smooth surfaces and matt finish facias. Over the years it has evolved into a very classy cabin.

Tech and features

The technology varies over time and with different trim levels. The Ibiza always seems to match if not exceed the rivals, though.

Top-of-the-range SEAT models are definitely always very well-appointed. The state-of-the-art touchscreen infotainment screen in the most recent cars will impress anyone.

Look out for models with the up-rated stereo — it’s an amazing onboard hi-fi system worthy of any Ibiza DJ.

The Ibiza comes in lots of different trim levels involving combinations of equipment and luxuries.

Take a look through the specification lists to find an Ibiza perfectly fitted out for you.

Handling and ride comfort

As a car in the Fiesta/Polo category, the Ibiza is mainly aimed at shorter drives and city journeys.

It’s small enough to fit into multi-storey parking spots and nips through traffic jams, while the range of engines and sporty handling make it fun for longer drives - especially sweeping round scenic rural A-roads.

Choose one of the bigger engines for more relaxed motorway cruising and hear how the aerodynamic body keeps wind noise down to a minimum.

Under the neat creases of the bodywork, the Ibiza uses tried-and-tested mechanicals from the VW stable.

Expect predictable handling, with sensible suspension and steering in most models. Enthusiasts can find plenty of driving thrills in the sportiest versions.

Officially, the Ibiza is classed as a small hatchback.

Rear seats

Inside both the three- or five-door versions, you’ll feel like you could be in a bigger class of car.

The headroom is particularly good, even in the back seat.

Storage solutions

There’s a family friendliness about the interior, too – look out for handy pockets, cup-holders and door bins

Best of all, the more recent cars have a special cubbyhole for your phone, along with a well-placed charging point.

Boot space

And the basics are there in most versions, like the back seats that split and fold flat to extend the boot, which is already one of the biggest in the class.

Fuel economy

If the range of engines looks confusing at first, it gets more complicated.

There are diesels, petrols, manuals, automatics and literally dozens of engine configurations. It’s enough to say that you have a wide choice.

The important thing to note is that these engines are shared among other brands and they generally offer competitive fuel economy.

The difference between the fuel economy of rival brands is much less than the difference between all the various Ibiza options.