Used SEAT Ibiza review

The funky SEAT Ibiza is the supermini that's got the lot. Styling is sporty and distinctive, the prices are competitive and its Volkswagen under- pinnings exude class and quality. What's more, the TDI 130 can almost match the MINI Cooper S for pace.
Early two-year-old 1.2-litre examples are on the market for less than £6,500, compared with a new screen price of nearly £8,500. With their good build, such cars are barely run in, and the range's strong popularity should ensure depreciation tails off.
There are plenty of used models available. And, when a comparable-spec VW Polo - from which the SEAT is derived - is around £1,000 more, the Ibiza party is just beginning.
Checklist
* Interior: the trim can mark very easily. Early cars suffered from interior rattles, while there were also electrical niggles - windscreen wipers and digital displays in particular were affected.
* Headlamps: condensation is often found behind the headlamp lens covers. As long as it's not too bad, there is nothing to worry about.
* Gears: there have been a few reports of the gear linkages failing, so make sure the lever is free from slack. Ensure that it goes up and down the box smoothly, too.
* Body: wing mirrors may 'whistle' at speed, particularly on early cars. Body panels can pick up dents, and some paint finishes are susceptible to stone chips.
* Tyres: check the condition of the front tyres on TDI 130 variants - there's so much torque that the tread often wears rapidly, and due to the low-profile design, replacements are costly.
Driving Impressions
The sporty Ibiza's set-up is notably firmer than the Polo's, giving a more reassuring feel through corners. Body roll is minimal, but the pay-off is a lumpy ride in town. The 1.2-litre engine is preferable to the 73bhp 1.4.
While the 2.0 petrol is unimpressive, all diesel models are torquey, and the 128bhp oil-burner is rapid, yet manages fuel returns of 50mpg. Inside, the dash is plain but livened up by vivid red instruments. Seats are comfortable, and the steering precise.
Glass's View
The Ibiza is great value - and a competent supermini that benefits from VW build quality. It's a good little car, but it suffers slightly at the hands of the trade as it isn't the most apparent choice in its class. More popular rivals such as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa tend to be more in demand from private buyers, but if you're prepared to look beyond the obvious, the knowledgeable customer will find themselves a terrific vehicle at a hard-to-beat price. Jeff Paterson, senior editor, Glass's Guide
Life With An Ibiza
The Ibiza is a great car. It's sexy, stylish and fun to drive - and it's also been much more reliable than the Vauxhall Corsa I owned before. I have to drive a fair way to get to my dealer, but the service is good. Louise Southgate, Cranwell, Bucks
I find my Ibiza a bit cramped compared with the old-shape model, but it's well built, reliable and, to my mind, exceptionally good-looking.Rob Powell, Dersingham, Norfolk

Verdict

Bigger, bolder and more powerful, the new Ibiza is Seat's sharpest weapon yet in its battle to move up the supermini sales chart. The new car betters the model it replaces in every area. Refined, zesty and distinctively styled, it keeps Seat's twin goals of providing performance and value for money. The 1.4 engine is smooth, while the 130bhp TDI posts impressive in-gear times. It faces fierce competition from all quarters, but ignore this car at your peril.