Summary
The SEAT Ibiza is a small, supermini-class hatchback. The current model arrived in the UK in the summer of 2017 and shares a lot of its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Polo and Audi A1.
Unlike previous generations, the current Ibiza is only available as a five-door hatch, with no three-door version. There is also a high-performance Ibiza Cupra model. We are building a separate page for this version, so check back soon. As is the case with most supermini-class small cars, there are no longer any diesel engine options available for the Ibiza range (although you’ll still be able to pick one up in the used car market).
The SEAT Ibiza has received mostly very positive reviews from the UK motoring media, as well as several awards. It has been particularly praised for its comfort and refinement, although its driving dynamics are not considered to be as sharp at the class-leading Fiesta.
An updated Ibiza arrived in the UK in late 2021, followed by another update in early 2026. These were both minor improvements to the original model, as production will continue until it is either uneconomical or unable to meet future regulations.
As of March 2026, the SEAT Ibiza holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 69%. It gets top marks for its low running costs, while its CO2 emissions and media reviews are also good. SEAT’s new car warranty, however, is well off the pace of other brands like Hyundai and Kia.
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £17,995 on-road
Launched: Spring 2017
Last updated: Autumn 2021
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The new SEAT Ibiza is the most effective version of the car yet, and a serious rival to the best-selling Ford Fiesta.”
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual 95hp
Score: 8.6 / 10
Read full review
The Car Expert
Andrew Charman
“It’s pretty old now but the SEAT Ibiza is still a solid competitor in the supermini class.”
Model reviewed: 2026 facelift range
Score: 7 / 10
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Auto Express
Alastair Crooks
More reviews
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“The updated interior and tech revisions mean the popular SEAT Ibiza supermini is now better than ever.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual FR
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza is a compelling mix of handsome looks and stable, willing chassis, decent refinement and sophisticated technology. Seems like the supermini named after the party isle just grew up.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Score: 9 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza has grown up with this latest version – becoming more practical, refined and comfortable. But that’s while still remaining good to drive, and affordable – providing you stick with cheaper versions. It’s a superb all-rounder and is undoubtedly one of the best superminis on sale today.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Stylish and practical, the SEAT Ibiza is also good to drive, making it a top supermini choice.”
Author: Charlie Harvey
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza is a comfortable small car with a spacious cabin and a big boot. Entry-level models are basic, however, and the materials inside feel cheap in places.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual
“Good-looking new hatchback that’s a very impressive all-rounder rather than excelling in any particular area.”
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Eurekar
Model reviewed: 2021 Facelift
“It’s car which has plenty of appeal especially to younger drivers and with its revamped looks it is as contemporary as ever.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Pre-facelift range
Score: 7 / 10
“Small affordable(ish) cars aren’t finished just yet, despite the likes of Ford and Vauxhall walking away from this vital sector, which is why SEAT still makes the Ibiza.”
Author: Ethan Jupp, Sam Jenkins
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Model reviewed: FR
Score: 8 / 10
“New SEAT Ibiza is the most refined, grown-up supermini yet, but still not the most fun.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SE
Score: 6 / 10
“The latest SEAT Ibiza, despite the expected advances in areas such as refinement and technology, offers little joy for the driver in the spec of our test car.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Smart, stylish and backed by a range of fine petrol engines, the SEAT 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.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza is one of the best small hatchbacks you can buy today. Its 1.0-litre petrol engine is punchy yet economical, while the interior might be enough to make you think twice about a Volkswagen Polo. It’s also one of the most practical cars in its class.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual 115hp
“Stylish, well-priced, good to drive and with decent practicality, the new SEAT Ibiza is a great choice of small hatchback.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: 2026 facelift range
Score: 8 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza feels like a grown-up hatchback that’s been shrunk down without sacrificing on space or comfort. With genuine space for four and a comprehensive selection of frugal yet nippy engines to choose from, there’s an awful lot going for it.”
Author: Jake Groves, Keith Adams
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Range review
“Having driven the new Fiesta just a few weeks ago, I expected stepping into the Ibiza would be a let-down. But I believe SEAT has pulled off a car which is just as good.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“The SEAT Ibiza might not be quite as much fun as a Ford Fiesta, nor as cheap as a Kia Rio or Skoda Fabia, but it is more spacious than all of them and still drives like a car from the class above. It’s a genuinely excellent car.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 82%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 70%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.0-litre TSI Petrol FWD Automatic
Overall score: 2.5 stars
Date tested: October 2022
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.1 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 3.7 / 10
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 159
Average repair cost: £512.18
Last updated: April 2025
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The SEAT Ibiza has an average reliability score as of April 2025 (our most recent data point), according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation Ibiza and the previous (pre-2017) fourth-generation version.
Almost a third of all reported problems with the ibiza relate to its suspension, with a rather cheap average repair bill of around £180. The other area to look out for is the engine, which accounts for just under a quarter of repair claims. Unfortunately, the bill for these engine faults can get quite expensive – nearly £1,100 on average. Gearbox repairs are even more expensive, at about £1,300.
If you’re looking at a used SEAT Ibiza, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score |
| Petrol models | 52 mpg | B |
| Diesel models | 61 mpg | A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 124 g/km | B | ||
| Diesel models | 126 g/km | B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 14 | A |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £150 | A |
| Year 2 | £417 | A |
| Year 3 | £716 | B |
| Year 4 | £933 | B |
| Year 5 | £1,262 | B |
| Overall | £3,478 | A |
The SEAT Ibiza is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Servicing and insurance bills should be well below average, while fuel economy is very good.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the SEAT Ibiza has received
2020
- Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Supermini
2018
- UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Supermini
- SME Company Car of the Year Awards – Best Value Company Car
2017
- Auto Express Awards – Best Supermini
- Parkers New Car Awards – Best First Car
- Red Dot Awards – Product Design Awards
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the SEAT Ibiza, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Vauxhall Corsa | Volkswagen Polo
Buy a new or used SEAT Ibiza
If you’re looking to buy a SEAT Ibiza, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
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Find your next new or used car with Carwow. Find out more
Lease a new SEAT Ibiza
If you’re looking to lease a new SEAT Ibiza, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carwow. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Car subscriptions
If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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