SEAT Ibiza (2017) Review

While SEAT might be perceived as the sportier outpost of the Volkswagen Group empire, the fourth generation Ibiza launched in 2017 took a deliberate step towards comfort rather than chasing the dynamism of the Ford Fiesta. It’s a move that has worked in the Ibiza’s favour to make it feel more rounded and grown-up, with comfort that’s among the best in class. That’s backed up by plenty of space for passengers and luggage, so the Ibiza can easily function as a family’s only car. There are not many superminis that can make that claim.

The fourth-generation SEAT Ibiza launched in 2017 represents an important step forward for the Spanish company in its pursuit of the Ford Fiesta.

Smart, stylish and backed by a range of fine petrol engines, the Ibiza feels more grown up and better rounded than ever before, while its huge boot and refined ride provide comfort and space that are in short supply with many of its rivals.

Mechanically speaking, the SEAT Ibiza is almost identical to the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia. However, this Ibiza is a smidgen shorter than the model it replaces but, and narrow garage owners please note, it is 87mm wider and has a slightly longer wheelbase. This means benefits for ride comfort and interior space.

The Ibiza isn't a compelling car to drive, but if you prioritise refinement and practicality over out and out cornering dynamics then this will very much be the small car for you. G

iven the demands of most supermini buyers, SEAT has made the right call on this, too. The ride quality is first rate and the soft suspension irons out the roughest of roads with ease. Even potholes are dealt with a satisfying, suppressed thump.

The cabin is large enough to fit four adults and the seats provide excellent levels of back and upper leg support. Storage is also plentiful, with deep door bins and a useful scattering of cup holders.

The 355-litre boot is huge for a car of this size and far superior to anything you'll find in either the Fiesta or even Focus hatch. The only area of slight annoyance is the ventilation. Air con is standard but the system is cumbersome and slow to react, which means you'll be waiting a good 10 minutes for warm air on a chilly morning.

There’s no three-door SC version of the Ibiza with this generation, which is no great loss as most buyers opted for the five-door hatch anyway. It also means you get the practicality of the five-door regardless of which trim you choose.

The engine range encompasses three- and four-cylinder petrols, with the sweet spot being the 1.0 TSI. The turbocharged three-cylinder petrol is one of the very best and can be specified with 95PS or 115PS, and both will return around 50mpg. A 150PS 1.5 TSI and a 1.6 TDI with 80PS or 95PS is also offered.

As an overall package, the Ibiza is a very good small car. It's supremely comfortable and practical, while few of its rivals can match its outstanding petrol engines. 

The only area that lets the side down is the spec. Indeed, standard equipment levels are meagre, which means you’ll have to pay extra to get essentials like DAB audio, touchscreen navigation and cruise control. Like-for-like, the Ford Fiesta and Suzuki Swift represent better value for equipment, though the SEAT does balance this with low running costs.

The SE starts the SEAT Ibiza range with 15-inch alloy wheels and electrically adjusted door mirrors. Inside, it has a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, cloth upholstery, air conditioning and electric front windows. The SE Technology adds 16-inch alloys and an 8-inch infotainment screen with navigation, 3D map display, voice control, and CD player.

The sporty FR gets 17-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension, rear privacy glass, twin exhaust pipes, and rear privacy glass.

There’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel with red stitching, cruise control, rain-sensing wipes, and SEAT Drive Profile that has Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual modes for the steering, accelerator and gear shift.

The FR Sport has 18-inch alloys, climate control, Microsuede upholstery, and the Digital Cockpit dash screen. In Xcellence trim, the Ibiza offers a faux leather dash covering, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, and 17-inch alloys. Take the Lux version and SEAT adds the Digital Cockpit, adaptive cruise control, rear parking camera and Drive Profile modes.