SEAT Ibiza

Text: Richard Dredge / Photos: Tom Wood

May 2007

• Rating:
• Latest deal price: from £9,379 to £17,096

	Owners are disappointed with the Ibiza’s practicality and comfort, but give high marks for running costs – Driver Power 2007

Make sure the SEAT Ibiza is on your shortlist if you are in the market for a second-hand supermini. It’s stylish and affordable, and shares its chassis and mechanicals with the Volks­wagen Polo and Skoda Fabia.

You get a wide choice of powerplants, a huge variety of trim levels and the option of three or five-door bodyshells. The fun three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol is very common, yet larger-capacity Ibizas are equally desirable. Our comprehensive guide helps take you through the maze of models.

History
The Ibiza dates back to the Eighties, but the current generation arrived in April 2002, with a choice of 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines or a 1.9 TDI diesel. A year later, the 1.4 TDI joined the range, and within a month there was a 2.0 Sport, too. The hot FR (For­mula Racing) was added in February 2004, with the option of 150bhp 1.8T petrol or 130bhp 1.9 TDI power.

In May of the same year, an even faster Cupra appeared in showrooms, with 178bhp 1.8T petrol or 158bhp 1.9 TDI engines. At the same time, the line-up was comprehensively revised, with the original S and SE renamed Reference and Stylance respectively. A facelifted car was launched in April 2006; it had improved standard equipment, yet cost less than before.

What to look for
If you’re considering an early, low-mileage car, get the cambelt changed straight away. Although replacement schedules are based on mileage rather than age, a five-year-old belt is bad news. If you do have a new one fitted, ensure the tensioner is renewed, too, because they can fail and throw the belt off. The torquey diesels offer excellent economy, but command a hefty premium, so don’t overlook cheaper petrol models, supply of which is much more plentiful.

Alternatives
The Honda Jazz has long been our class favourite. It was voted the best car in Driver Power 2004, and has consistently finished in the overall top 10 ever since. A firm ride and rarity on used forecourts count against it, but it’s still hard to beat. The Ibiza’s Skoda Fabia brother is another great car. It’s reliable and very cheap to run – attributes shared with the Toyota Yaris, Fiat Panda and Hyundai Getz.

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