Seat Ibiza

El Seat Ibiza it is an institution in itself. An already iconic model that, like the old SEAT 600, has mobilized decades of young and not so young drivers. To date, it accumulates more than five million units sold worldwide, becoming on its own merits one of the great references in the utility segment at a European level.

We have tested this car:

Test Seat Ibiza FR 40 Anniversary 1.5 TSI 150 HP and behind the wheel of the first generations (with video)Test Seat Ibiza 1.0 TSI 110 CV Test Seat Ibiza Xcellence 1.0 TSI 110 CV manual 6v Test Seat Ibiza FR Plus 1.6 TDI 95 CV DSG7 Test Seat Ibiza Reference Plus 1.0 75 CV: the cheapest but without losing the essence

You have to go back to 1984 to date the origins of the Ibiza. It was then that SEAT He presented it in society with all pride, because became the first product developed by the company independently, although some companies got in the way to lend a hand. The original design was carried out by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro.

Over the years, the SEAT Ibiza has evolved. Five generations have been launched. The last one arrived in 2017, becoming the most advanced of all. At the beginning of 2021, it underwent a slight update, a mid-cycle restyling that affects design, finishes and technology. Later, in 2024, it received another minor update.

Technical characteristics of the SEAT Ibiza

Since the second generation of the Ibiza, SEAT has been part of the Volkswagen Group, which gives it access to one of the largest parts warehouses in the world. The SEAT Ibiza uses the MQB A0 platform of the German conglomerate. It is the same that we can see in a multitude of products, such as the Audi A1, Volkswagen Polo, skoda scala or own SEAT Arona, considered the SUV version.

The Ibiza is no longer the smallest model in the house. It is currently between SEAT Mii Electric and SEAT Leon. Its measurements fit it perfectly in segment B: 4,06 meters long, 1,78 meters wide and 1,44 meters high. To these dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 2,56 meters. Battle that allows you to offer a cabin for a maximum of five passengers.

Three of them are installed in a second row of seats with correct space, although not as good as that offered by other rivals. The worst part is taken by the central occupant, having a narrower square. Regarding load capacity, the SEAT Ibiza offers 355 liters of boot volume and can reach 1.165 litres if the second row of seats is folded down. From the fifth generation onwards, the ST estate body style is no longer sold.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the SEAT Ibiza

The urban concept of the Ibiza limits it in terms of mechanical versions, where it has already abandoned the passionate sports units experienced in the past, now sold under the umbrella of the brand Cupra. Currently the range is made up entirely of combustion mechanics. Unlike other rivals, it is not capable of offering electrified motors. The portfolio is made up exclusively of three gasoline versions. As of 2024, CNG gas options will disappear.

The gasoline branch starts with the 1.0 MPI. A three-cylinder block of one liter and atmospheric that develops 80 horses and mounts a five-speed manual transmission. Below are the 1.0 TSI 115 horsepower, once again with a three-cylinder block, but turbocharged. It is linked to a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DSG. The most powerful is the 1.5 TSI 150 horsepower with a four-cylinder engine, it is always coupled to the seven-speed DSG.

Equipment of the SEAT Ibiza

Like the Arona, in the 2021 update, the interior of the SEAT León receives important changes, both in structure and in presentation and finishes. The dashboard is modified to include a floating panel, in addition to introducing improvements in finishes and finishes, something that increases the feeling of quality perceived by all customers.

Small cars have always been reluctant to add equipment, but that trend has been reversed in recent years. The SEAT Ibiza consists of various equipment levels: Reference, Style and FR. In each of them, not only the load of systems or technology is modified, it also affects the aesthetic level and finishes, being able to go from a base model to a more sporty or refined one.

As for equipment, the fifth generation Ibiza is shown as the most complete in history. It offers a long list of systems, which include: full LED headlights, keyless entry and start, digital instrumentation, multimedia system with touch screen up to 9,2 inches, wireless connectivity mobile devices, rear camera, navigator and a complete equipment of safety and driving assistants.

Video test of the SEAT Ibiza

The SEAT Ibiza according to Euro NCAP

On the occasion of its update, in autumn 2022 Euro NCAP tests the safety of the SEAT Ibiza, rating it once again with five safety stars. The improvements have been considerable in all sections, except for pedestrian protection, which has dropped due to the new measurement standards. The results obtained by category have been as follows: 83 out of 100 for adult passenger protection, 82 out of 100 for child passenger protection, 66 out of 100 for pedestrian vulnerability and 70 out of 100 for driving assistants and ADAS systems. These ratings remain valid after the successive updates received during their life cycle.

The SEAT Ibiza of Km 0 and second hand

The SEAT Ibiza is one of the most important models sold by the Spanish brand. Over its five generations and nearly four decades, it has earned a well-deserved popularity in secondary retail markets. Its durability and good behavior are the cornerstones of its low percentage of depreciation, 28%, one of the best figures in its category. It is easy to find units for sale.

If we take a look at the used or second-hand market, we see the offer is wide and varied in generations and prices. The cheapest units date from the second generation (1993 – 2002). Prices start at figures close to 500 euros for models with more than 300 thousand accumulated kilometers. The Km 0 channel does not offer so many possibilities. All of them deal with the fifth generation prior to the restyling of 2021. This fact causes prices to be interesting.

SEAT Ibiza rivals

The European B-segment is of the utmost importance for brands and drivers. All manufacturers fight on it with at least one unit. The diversity is very wide, as is the rivalry. The SEAT Ibiza has a long list of direct opponents, although due to history and fame it has become one of the reference models. Some rivals are: Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa, Skoda Fabia, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20, KIA Rio, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Micra y Dacia Sandero, among others, including of course Polo and A1, the twin brothers. The Spaniard stands out for his driving, although he penalizes mechanical longevity by not offering state-of-the-art mobility solutions.

Highlight

Behavior
Gasoline engines
low consumption

To improve

little range of engines
Continuous design
internal quality

SEAT Ibiza prices

When it comes to setting prices, the Ibiza has always been very attractive due to the low costs it offers. Currently the starting price of the SEAT Ibiza is 14.900 euros, without offers or promotions. This value corresponds to a unit with Reference finish and the 1.0 MPI engine with 80 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. The most expensive of all is the Ibiza FR 1.5 TSI Evo with 150 horsepower and a seven-speed DSG transmission. Its price starts at 27.373 euros, without offers or promotions.