Skip advert
Advertisement

SEAT Ibiza 1.6 diesel 2018 review

We drive the SEAT Ibiza with the brand's 1.6-litre TDI diesel engine to see if it can tempt buyers away from the petrol-powered models

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,045 off RRP*
Find your SEAT Ibiza
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

It’s not that there’s anything really wrong with the SEAT Ibiza TDI, it’s just that in the current climate you’ll need a really good reason to run one. You can’t argue with the rock bottom running costs, sharp handling or solid build quality, but that doesn’t change the fact that the diesel supermini remains a niche product that’ll suit only a small number of potential buyers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Superminis still account for a big proportion of new car sales. But small diesel cars have suffered in recent times, thanks in part to the uncertainty surrounding current and future taxation for them. 

Yet, for many high-mileage motorists, diesel is still the best solution. True, those traipsing up and down the UK’s ridged and rutted motorway network may see appeal in larger C- or D-segment cars, but many still value the convenience and practicality of a small five-door hatch

SEAT Ibiza in-depth review

As such, SEAT has just added the frugal 1.6 TDI to its popular Ibiza range. It’s a variant we first drove on the European launch late in 2017, but this is our first chance to try one this side of the Channel. In big-selling SE Technology trim, it comes with all the gifts and gadgets you’d expect on a car of this price, too. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Ibiza

2018 Seat

Ibiza

37,098 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,800
View Ibiza
Ibiza

2015 Seat

Ibiza

67,300 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £5,290
View Ibiza
Ibiza

2024 Seat

Ibiza

25,389 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,400
View Ibiza
Ibiza

2024 Seat

Ibiza

7,547 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £18,500
View Ibiza

But that price is a bit of a sticking point. At £17,110, it’s a smidgen over £2,000 more expensive than the excellent 93bhp 1.0 TSI petrol variant, and even on a PCP deal you’ll be paying around £60 more per month. Whichever way you look at it, you’ll need to do an awful lot of miles before you break even.

Advertisement - Article continues below

SE Technology is our top trim choice, and comes loaded most of the kit you’ll need. There’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen, sat-nav and Bluetooth connectivity, but you’ll pay extra for Full Link and Apple CarPlay. 

The Ibiza is also among the more practical cars in the supermini class. In fact, its 355-litre boot is only slightly smaller than many models in the segment above.

There’s no arguing with the published fuel economy, however. SEAT claims a combined figure of 74.3mpg, but on a steady 70-mile run our car’s trip computer posted a scarcely believable 79.4mpg. Even without its rivals’ fancy efficiency settings, the Ibiza TDI is an incredibly frugal car.

But while it might be economical, it certainly isn’t fast. The 0-62mph sprint takes a leisurely 13.3 seconds, and at low revs the engine can bog down and feel quite sluggish.

The narrow torque band (1,400rpm to 2,400rpm) has you changing gear more often than you’d perhaps like, but keep it in the sweet spot and it’s sprightly enough. The sharp steering and decent body control is just as it is elsewhere in the Ibiza range.

It’s perfectly at home on the motorway, too – and providing you don’t require sudden bursts of acceleration, it’ll happily sit at 70mph all day long. It’s not as quiet as the turbo petrol, but it’s as hushed as you’d expect a small-capactity diesel engine to be.

For more news and reviews on SEAT cars, visit our dedicated hub page.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Seat Ibiza

Seat Ibiza

RRP £14,845Avg. savings £2,045 off RRP*Used from £6,995
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £16,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025