Mechanically similar to the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Fabia, the SEAT Ibiza is the stylish one of the small car trio. It’s grown up massively for this generation, though, with a longer wheelbase providing more interior space – while soft suspension means it’ll be comfortable on long journeys
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
The engine range initially encompassed three- and four-cylinder petrols, with the sweet spot being the 1.0-litre 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.
If you prioritise refinement and practicality over out and out cornering dynamics then this will very much be the small car for you. Given the demands of most small hatch 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 SEAT Ibiza’s interior was given quite a hefty update in 2021, and it looks all the better for it. There’s now a neat soft-touch dashboard, a shiny silver trim panel running across the width of the car, and a new infotainment system perched usefully high up
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