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.
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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.
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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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.
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.
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.