Skip advert
Advertisement

SEAT Ibiza 1.2 TSI

New small engine makes a big impression

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,037 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

Let’s not give SEAT too much credit – borrowing a very good engine from the VW Group parts warehouse and putting it into the Ibiza isn’t what you’d call rocket science. Even so, we’re pleased  it has done so, as the punchy character of this 1.2-litre turbo suits the sporty Ibiza supermini down to the ground. At the same time, it might also be economical enough to turn some diesel drivers back to unleaded. It’s certainly the most convincing model in the range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Spanish giant SEAT’s supermini has downsized! This is the new Ibiza 1.2 TSI – and as the name suggests, it features a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that aims 
to combine small-capacity fuel returns with big-capacity punch. 

It certainly does the former, promising 55.4mpg combined. That’s 10.6mpg more than the 
naturally aspirated 1.6-litre 
petrol version it replaces.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the SEAT Ibiza

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68319","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Both offer 104bhp, but they are very different in character. The new unit is a step above the 1.6, and propels the Ibiza from 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds – seven tenths quicker. Torque output rises from 153Nm to 175Nm, and as it peaks at 
only 1,550rpm, this is a far more peppy, responsive engine – if never especially quick.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Ibiza

2021 Seat

Ibiza

22,939 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,299
View Ibiza
Ibiza

2024 Seat

Ibiza

25,350 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £15,400
View Ibiza
Ibiza

2021 Seat

Ibiza

32,279 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £11,495
View Ibiza
Ibiza

2018 Seat

Ibiza

47,465 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £8,500
View Ibiza

But the most intriguing 
thing about this four-cylinder unit is the characteristic growl 
it serves up. At times, this is unusually reminiscent of a three-cylinder engine, and 
it’s all the better for it. 

The 1.2 TSI powerplant is offered in SE and Sport trims, and with all three bodystyles (three-door SC, five-door 
hatchback and ST estate). It commands a premium of a 
few hundred pounds over equivalent 1.6-litre versions, but SEAT will argue that the inclusion of fuel-saving tech such as stop-start and Brake Energy Recovery – standard on versions with the five-speed manual box – justifies that. 

The additions aren’t offered with the £450 optional seven-speed DSG transmission, but the Ibiza still manages to return 53.3mpg and 124g/km. In fact, the twin-clutch set-up is the more impressive choice. While the manual box feels as if it needs an extra gear to keep engine noise down at high speed, the DSG rectifies that issue with its two extra cogs.

As it changes so smoothly and quickly, the optional box also shaves one tenth off the 0-62mph time – taking it to 
9.7 seconds. And in Sport mode, it will cling on to gears right up to the rev limiter, making the SEAT even more involving. 

But whichever you go for, the 1.2 TSI is a sweet spot in the Ibiza range, delivering just about enough power to exploit the car’s sporty chassis.

Rival: Fiesta 1.4 Zetec

Ford’s benchmark supermini trumps the Ibiza in the ride and handling departments, but can’t compete with its impressive new engine. In addition, the Fiesta is a more expensive choice.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Seat Ibiza

Seat Ibiza

RRP £14,980Avg. savings £2,037 off RRP*Used from £7,990
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,697
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £16,745
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025