What is it?
SEAT’s updated version of its seven-year old supermini, with the new 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and finished in the expected best-selling Vista trim.

What’s hot?

• The Ibiza’s design maybe over seven-years old, but it still looks sharp. The big changes have taken place inside the Ibiza supermini. Gone is the hard, scratchy plastic dashboard, replaced by a more upmarket new dashboard finished in more attractive slush plastic finish. On top of the new dashboard, the latest Ibiza boasts new instruments, switchgear and steering wheel. Overall this Ibiza feels a much better quality product no longer in the shadow of the Volkswagen Polo.
• Space up front is excellent and even in the back, two adults will be comfortable on all journeys. Boot space at 292-litre is a good size and practically-shaped, with the addition of a split/fold rear seat creating even more space.
• Vista is expected to be the top-selling spec for business buyers. It includes most of the kit you’ll ever need, including air-conditioning, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, LED daytime running lights and 5.0” colour touch screen infotainment system.
• The new 1.0-litre petrol engine is willing and smooth and is at its best around town.
• The Ibiza’s ride is very comfortable and composed on the standard 16-inch alloy wheels. It’s a tidy handler too, with controlled body roll in corners and the brakes are reassuringly sharp too.

What’s not?

• The Ibiza’s steering is pleasingly precise. What a shame the total lack of feedback takes the fun out of the driving experience.
• There’s plenty of standard kit in the latest SEAT supermini and a 5.0” touch screen infotainment system is fitted as standard, but it’s a shame you have to spend another £240 for the even more modern 6.5” version, which offers better connectivity for smart phones.
• The 1.0-litre feels a bit out of its depth when heading out of town. This can be seen in the tardy acceleration figure (3 seconds), although the top speed is 107mph.
• The consumption and CO2 figures aren’t that amazing either, with a Combined consumption of 54.3mpg, this Ibiza falls into the 18% tax band and has a 118g/km emission figure.

Verdict

On the surface, it would appear that little has changed in the seven-year old SEAT supermini. But, dig a little deeper and it’s obvious that it has been improved in the areas that really matter, such as the interior and the addition of new engines, broadening the appeal of the Ibiza.

It might be better inside and more efficient, but the SEAT is more expensive to run on the company, compared to its sister supermini, the Skoda Fabia. The Fabia SE-L trim with the same 74bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine costs £13,610, has CO2 emissions of just 108g/km, with a 58.9mpg consumption and a slightly more affordable 16% charge.

SEAT IBIZA 1.0 12V 75PS Vista five-door