It might be small, but the SEAT Ibiza has always been one of those cars which feels
bigger than it is, less in terms of dimensions but rather in how grown up it feels.
Believe it or not, when the Ibiza was first introduced to the UK in 1985 its main rivals
were cars from the likes of Lada and Yugo.
These days, it gives best-in-class cars like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo a serious,
proper run for their money with its blend of sharp looks, a broad range of talents and
plenty of modern, advanced equipment.
Behind me here is the new 2017 version, which has received a fairly significant update over
the previous model.
It’s now wider, lower and sleeker to look at than ever before – certainly more like
a mini-Leon – and packed with new stuff.
In fact, SEAT says this is the best small car in Europe…
Now that’s a hell of a statement.
It’s difficult, because despite their compact size, buyers want their small cars to do everything.
They have to be nice to look at and fun to drive, but also spacious, practical, packed
with equipment, affordable to buy and affordable to run.
The Ibiza ticks about just every one of those boxes though, and this interior is a clear
step up over the last one.
The materials in particular are now much nicer than the hard plastics of the last one, and
while it’s still a bit uninspiring compared to the funky trims of, say, the new Micra,
it’s solidly made, the driving position is spot on and visibility’s not half bad
given its sleek proportions either.
If you’ll remember the last one, you’ll know it came with a fairly tiddly little infotainment
system, but now there’s also the option of VW’s rather excellent 8.0-inch screen
which is as fantastic to use as it as to look at.
There’s also loads of kit available, with this FR trim getting sat-nav, DAB radio plus
Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
There’s also sportier touches like these sports seats, plus cruise control and automatic
wipers, while you can specify an optional Beats audio system and a wireless phone charging
mat.
As well as that there’s lots of new safety kit, with options like tiredness recognition,
adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection.
However, it’s worth noting that you’ll have to pay extra for much of this on the
Ibiza, while rivals like the new Micra pack in loads of safety stuff as standard.
Now, one of the most attractive things about the last Ibiza was its flexibility – unlike
many other superminis you could have it as a three door, a five-door or even as an estate.
Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case, this car is five-door only and the estate
has been nixed to make way for the new Arona mini-SUV.
That might put some off, but no matter.
Given that this car has had its wheelbase stretched considerably, there’s a surprising
amount of room here in the back – more than you’d get from a Fiesta, or a Corsa for
example.
Head and legroom are great too, and though you might struggle to fit three adults abreast
it is pretty darn comfy.
The boot has got a lot bigger as well, increasing from 292 litres to 355 litres – that’s
significantly more than almost all of its rivals and as big as many C-segment hatchbacks.
You also get the option of this false floor on all cars, which reduces the loading lip
and is also handy for storing smaller items.
To drive, the last Ibiza was…
Well, it was good.
Maybe not amazing, but definitely much better than many rivals; comfortable, surefooted,
supple if not outright engaging.
This one?
Well, much the same story – but that’s not a bad thing at all.
With this car it’s less about what it does extremely well and more about what it does
overall that really impresses – a spread of abilities rather than just one thing.
Sure, the steering feels a bit unengaging but the Ibiza is sprightly enough, light on
its feet and with a slick five-speed manual gearbox that’s a joy to use.
We’ve got the FR trim which benefits from a slightly stiffer suspension setup and larger
wheels than more ‘everyday’ options, which improves the dynamics a little bit but without
infringing on comfort.
And this is a very comfortable and easy car to drive, while also being quiet and quite
refined.
Power comes from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with 94/113bhp that’s small
but certainly punchy. 0-62mph takes X seconds, so it’s not going to set your trousers alight
but it’s fast enough to be fun without being too much.
As well as the 1.0-litre there’ll also be the option of a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol later
this year, the same you get in the new Golf.
There’ll also later be a 1.6-litre turbo diesel with 78bhp and 93bhp outputs if you’d
prefer something that drinks from the black tap.
Will there be a Cupra version?
Maybe?
Maybe.
The sales figures pretty much show that while the UK absolutely loves tiny pocket rockets
the rest of the world isn’t so keen, and so basically SEAT’s sitting on its hands
for a while and waiting for the feedback.
Basically, if you want one you better all ask nicely for one!
The new Ibiza starts from £13,130 Insurance & servicing prices competitive,
while if you pay monthly like a lot of small car buyers do SEAT says it should work out
marginally cheaper than rivals like the Fiesta and Polo.
The new Ibiza is one of those cars that doesn’t really have any flaws or drawbacks whatsoever;
it’s just good.
Some might prefer something else and if you’re a keen driver there are better options out
there, but that’s just about it.
It looks great, it’s easy to live with and well equipped, it’s smart, spacious and
cheap to buy and run.
We will, of course, get an Ibiza in again soon for a more in-depth test, but on first
impressions at least this is easily one of the best small hatchbacks on the market right
now.