SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI SE Tech 95 PS 

• P11D Value: £15,770
• BIK band 2018/19: 22%
• 5-door shooting brake
• 1.0-litre 3-cylinder Turbo petrol 94hp/95Nm
• Performance: 14.7secs/104mph
• Economy (On test) 41.7 mpg
• CO2: 105g/km

What is it?

It’s a so-called supermini and part of a Volkswagen Group family that has the VW Polo, Audi A1 and Skoda Fabia as its siblings.

It is available only in five-door form which gives it a much more grown-up feel. It also has a sunny disposition.

Much of the car’s technology is shared with its siblings, including engines of which there are three versions of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine – 74bhp, 94bhp and 114bhp. There is also a 1.5-litre TSI petrol model.

Why would you want to drive an Ibiza?

• That 1-litre three-cylinder turbo engine is quite fun. The noise it makes sounds quite sporty under acceleration – although it runs out of puff more quickly than a four-pot. When cruising is very quiet, even with 1.0-litre three-cylinder engines under the bonnet.
• Being part of a larger family means the Ibiza gets lots of safety and connectivity equipment. You can find stuff like pedestrian detection with auto braking, adaptive cruise control, wireless charging for mobile phones, LED lights, and Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto although some of this can only be found in higher spec models than we tried.
• There is a good space on board for passengers and luggage, quality is impressive while luggage space has been improved over previous models.
• Handling – feels pretty good as superminis should, the ride is a tad firm and there is very little body roll.
• SE Technology trim and above will bring an 8-inch touch screen with navigation although Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is not standard unless you go for the FR or Xcellence.

What might put you off an Ibiza?

• While quality is generally good, the plastic on the dash and along the top of the doors is not so great, not up to the standard of other VW Group models or the Ford Fiesta for example.
• SEAT claims around 57mpg on the combined cycle while we only managed 41.7 as an average over a mixed bag of admittedly non-motorway driving.
• The boot is nice and deep but with a high sill it means hoisting things up and out, plus the boot lid feels rather lightweight – but now we’re being picky

Verdict on the Seat Ibiza

Despite its classification as a supermini, the Ibiza feels like a larger car and more than comfortable for four adults.

Handling is responsive on the country roads while remaining agile and easy to park in town.

We loved the noise of that three-cylinder engine under acceleration which probably accounts for some of our lower mpg figures.

At motorway speed there is a good amount of power and torque if and when you need it. The interior is comfortable and there is an element of style to it. In terms of equipment, our test car included Apple CarPlay/Andriod Auto which comes as a £150 option on lower spec models.

What else should you know about the SEAT Ibiza?

1 The Ibiza was the first model to sit on the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform which also underpins the new VW Polo, Audi A1 and Skoda Fabia.

2 Of the 5.4 million Ibiza’s sold over the past 30 years, there’s an estimated 3 million still on the road.

3 The SEAT Ibiza engine range also includes a 1.6-litre diesel with either 79bhp or 94bhp. This will appeal to buyers with high annual mileages.

4 With the MQB A0 platform, the wheelbase has been extended by 95mm allowing for more space inside with rear legroom improved by 35mm. The boot is measured at 355 litres.

5 The rear seats will split and fold to increase that already impressive luggage space.