SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI 95 SE Technology 5dr Hatchback (2018) at Preston Motor Park Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep and Volvo

SEAT's MK5 model Ibiza supermini features a range of strong engines, including an efficient 1.0 TSI three-cylinder unit. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

SEAT's Ibiza, now in its fifth generation, has been a budget alternative to the Volkswagen Polo for over 20 years. It's now smarter, better equipped and more sophisticated, especially in frugal 1.0 TSI petrol guise.

Background

SEAT's Ibiza has always been quite an endearing little supermini, provided you could stretch to the more sophisticated engines fitted to plusher, more powerful models. If budget or circumstance restricted you to an entry-level variant, things were very different. The cheapest versions of this model have often been saddled with the lowest-tech engineering offerings that the Volkswagen Group had to offer. But not now. In more recent times, Ibiza buyers have had access to one of the most sophisticated engines the Volkswagen empire makes, a three cylinder 1.0 TSI petrol unit. It's an engine also used in Volkswagen's Polo, Skoda's Fabia and Audi's A1 and offers the kind of performance you'd expect from a much bigger powerplant.

Driving Experience

The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine is perfectly suited to the Ibiza. Its power begins to come in low down in the rev range and it pulls the hatchback strongly for such a compact unit. The three-cylinder engine produces either 95PS and 160Nm of torque. Or 115PS and 200Nm in the higher powered sportier FR model which can be ordered with optional DSG automatic transmission. For such a reasonably priced car, these figures are impressive. On the road, the numbers translate into very easy progress. The torque is provided at a lowly 1500rpm, meaning even at very low revs, the Ibiza 1.0 TSI pulls well. It doesn't have much of a top end though, so to maintain swift progress, it's better to change gear early and ride the swell of torque. In the 95PS version, 62mph from rest takes 10.4s en route to 119mph. As for on the road driving dynamics, well SEAT says these have been improved thanks to the adoption of a hi-tech MQB platform that is 30% stiffer. As before, there's an optional 'SEAT Drive Profile' system that offers adaptive damping with two modes - comfort or sports-oriented. The Comfort/Sport selector switch also influences the feeling of the power steering and it'll alter the shift times of the DSG gearbox where automatic transmission has been specified.

Design and Build

The MK5 model version of this SEAT isn't available in three-door form any more, but the Spanish maker says it retains plenty of sporty style potential customers tend to want. From a styling perspective, it's clearly an Ibiza, but one that has undergone a process of evolution, with a so-called 'x-shaped' design that looks more dynamic than before. The front and rear overhangs are very short and at the front of the car, triangular full-LED headlights dominate. The longer wheelbase and window graphics accentuate the size of this model too. Under the skin, the car is based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, which is also used in Volkswagen's Polo. The Ibiza is also bigger in fifth generation form, 87mm wider than its predecessor, while the 2,564mm distance between the axles represents a 95mm increase over that pre-2018 MK4 design. As a result, if you happen to own an older Ibiza, you'll find that legroom in the back seats has increased by 35mm, while headroom has increased by 17mm in the back and 24mm in the front. The seats are 42mm wider and the boot area is 63-litres bigger, bringing total capacity up to a class-leading 355-litre figure. The loading height has also been lowered. Other things Ibiza regulars will notice inside include the fact that the controls and instruments are more driver-orientated and the cabin feels of higher quality, thanks to colour-personalisable LED lighting, an 8-inch centre-dash touchscreen and a 'Full Link' connectivity system.

Market and Model

The 1.0 TSI petrol engine we're looking at here comes with a choice of 'SE', 'SE Technology', 'FR', 'FR Sport', 'XCELLENCE' or 'XCELLENCE Lux' trim. Prices start at just over £16,000, which means a price premium of about £300 over the older-tech 80PS 1.0 MPI unit; we'd say that was well worth paying. All variants offer this unit in 95PS form, but you have to avoid the base 'SE' variants if you're to get the option of the pokier 115PS version of this powerplant. If you go for that uprated unit, you'll also be offered the option of DSG auto transmission. As for equipment, well the full-LED headlights are a highlight. Plus most models get 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'/'MirrorLink' 'phone connectivity, plus buyers can specify a premium 8-inch touchscreen and a wireless charger with a GSM amplifier. In addition, there's the chance to add in a thumping 300-watt 'Beats' Audio system with 7 speakers and an 8-channel amplifier. Other features buyers might want include keyless entry with a 'heartbeat' engine start button, front and rear parking sensors and a higher quality rear view camera. 'FR' and 'XCELLENCE' variants get colour-personalisable LED interior lighting too. Safety-wise, there's 'Front Assist' autonomous braking, Adaptive Cruise Control and a 'Traffic Jam Assist' feature that can take over the driving from you at very low traffic jam speed.

Cost of Ownership

Being able to dip into the Volkswagen Group parts bin for the niftiest tech usually means a very low overall cost of ownership and that's certainly the case here. The entry-level 1.0-litre TSI 95PS petrol model delivers a combined fuel economy of up to 51.4mpg (WLTP), which equates to a CO2 figure of 104g/km (NEDC). For the 115PS version of this unit, the figures are up to 48.7mpg and 107g/km in manual form, or up to 45.6mpg and 111g/km as an auto. A start/stop system, which switches off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, is available across all current SEAT Ibizas. What else? Well there's SEAT's usual three year/60,000 mile warranty. That's unexceptional when rivals like Toyota and Hyundai offer five years of cover as standard and Kia offers up to seven years. However, the SEAT deal is extendable, so you might be able to negotiate on that. And it includes two years of Europe-wide roadside assistance.

Summary

If you're looking for a budget-priced supermini and can overlook the slight price premium that comes with this 1.0 TSI engine, the Ibiza offers a level of quality, equipment and economy that rivals struggle to match for the money. Incorporating this three-cylinder powerplant in the range provides multiple benefits. Its economy and emissions are significantly better than the 80PS 1.0-litre 12V MPI unit it effectively replaces and performance is stronger thanks to the turbocharger providing good low-down torque. This means even the lower-powered 95PS model is blessed with reasonable performance. Overall, the relatively affordable price and brilliant engine make the Ibiza a tough car to beat in this segment. Running costs are kept to a minimum without sacrificing performance and the improved cabin, extra equipment and various other changes keep it looking and feeling sharp.

SEAT's Ibiza has upped its game in fifth generation form, with smarter looks, more equipment, cleaner engines and extra technology. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

This fifth generation version of SEAT's Ibiza supermini offers small car buyers a smarter set of more eco-conscious hi-tech talents. It'll need them if it's to distance itself from its Volkswagen and Skoda design stablemates and continue as a credible alternative in this tightly fought segment.

Background

'Enjoyneering'. It's one of those marketing words of course, but it's also a rather apt description of what Spanish maker SEAT sets out to create when it brings us a small car. Something beautifully engineered: but with a bit of extra Latin sparkle. Something like this, the Iberian brand's much improved fifth generation Ibiza supermini? Perhaps. The 'beautifully engineered' bit isn't difficult to believe. The 'Sociedad Espanola de Automoviles de Turismo' - or 'SEAT' as we better know it - is well used to injecting a little life into the mainstream market. In this case, the Spanish maker's position within the Volkswagen Group means that this car is the first of the conglomerate's supermini models to get the empire's sophisticated MQB platform, something that enables weight savings and the addition of extra electronic features borrowed from larger models. Plus SEAT reckons buyers will really notice the extra personalisation options, the smarter interior and the additional media connectivity incorporated this time round. Will it all be enough to keep this car current against more recent rivals? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

SEAT has had a good look at the engine range. It's nearly all petrol-powered, things kicking off with the old 80PS 1.0 MPI unit at the foot of the range. Try your hardest to ignore this aging unit and graduate instead to the far-preferrable (and more economic) 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder turbo powerplant which produces either 95 or 115PS. The feebler MPI engine gets a five-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speeder used further up the range, where there's also the option of 7-speed DSG auto transmission on the 1.0 TSI 115PS FR model. The diesel alternative is a 1.6-litre TDI unit with 95PS. As for on the road driving dynamics, well SEAT says these have been improved thanks to the adoption of a hi-tech MQB platform that is 30% stiffer. As before, there's an optional 'SEAT Drive Profile' system that offers adaptive damping with two modes - comfort or sports-oriented. The Comfort/Sport selector switch also influences the feeling of the power steering and it'll alter the shift times of the DSG gearbox where automatic transmission has been specified.

Design and Build

The MK5 model version of this SEAT isn't available in three-door form any more, but the Spanish maker says it retains plenty of sporty style potential customers tend to want. From a styling perspective, it's clearly an Ibiza, but one that has undergone a process of evolution, with a so-called 'x-shaped' design that looks more dynamic than before. The front and rear overhangs are very short and at the front of the car, triangular full-LED headlights dominate. The longer wheelbase and window graphics accentuate the size of this model too. Under the skin, the car is based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, which will also be used in next-generation versions of Volkswagen's Polo and Skoda's Fabia. The Ibiza is also bigger this time round, 87mm wider than before, while the 2,564mm distance between the axles represents a 95mm increase. As a result, legroom in the back seats has increased by 35mm, while headroom has increased by 17mm in the back and 24mm in the front. The seats are 42mm wider and the boot area is 63-litres bigger, bringing total capacity up to a class-leading 355-litre figure. The loading height has also been lowered. Other things you'll notice inside include the fact that the controls and instruments are now more driver-orientated and the cabin feels of higher quality, thanks to colour-personalisable LED lighting, an 8-inch centre-dash touchscreen and a 'Full Link' connectivity system.

Market and Model

Prices haven't changed very much, so expect a price span in the £16,000 to £22,000 bracket, which means that, as before, you're getting Volkswagen Polo technology for a significant saving. Only five-door models are on offer and the trim lines run from 'SE' to 'SE Technology', 'FR', 'FR Sport', 'XCELLENCE' and 'XCELLENCE Lux'. As for equipment, well the full-LED headlights are a highlight. Plus most models get 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'/'MirrorLink' 'phone connectivity, plus buyers can specify a premium 8-inch touchscreen and a wireless charger with a GSM amplifier. In addition, there's the chance to add in a thumping 300-watt 'Beats' Audio system with 7 speakers and an 8-channel amplifier. Other features buyers might want include keyless entry with a 'heartbeat' engine start button, front and rear parking sensors and a higher quality rear view camera. 'FR' and 'XCELLENCE' variants get colour-personalisable LED interior lighting too. Safety-wise, there's 'Front Assist' autonomous braking, Adaptive Cruise Control and a 'Traffic Jam Assist' feature that can take over the driving from you at very low traffic jam speed.

Cost of Ownership

Being able to dip into the Volkswagen Group parts bin for the niftiest tech usually means a very low overall cost of ownership and that's certainly the case here. The base 1.0 MPI variant manages up to 52.3mpg on the combined WLTP cycle and 108g/km of NEDC-rated CO2. The 1.0-litre TSI 95PS petrol models are capable of up to 51.4mpg (combined WLTP) and an NEDC CO2 figure of as little as 104g/km - so who needs a diesel? If you do, the 1.6 TDI model figures are up to 57.6mpg and 103g/km. The 1.0 TSI 115PS auto petrol model manages up to 45.6mpg and up to 111g/km. A start/stop system, which switches off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, is available on all models. What else? Well there's SEAT's usual three year/60,000 mile warranty. That's unexceptional when rivals like Toyota and Hyundai offer five years of cover as standard and Kia offers up to seven years. However, the SEAT deal is extendable, so you might be able to negotiate on that. And it includes two years of Europe-wide roadside assistance.

Summary

Ibiza's important to Spain - and this one certainly is to SEAT. Over 5.4 million examples of this car have been sold since the original first generation model's introduction back in 1984. If SEAT can promote this fifth generation car properly, then it stands a chance of gaining a place somewhere near the top of the rather over-stuffed shortlists that most browsing supermini buyers will be working through. An inherent product rightness certainly counts in this Ibiza's favour, borne from a real attention to detail that's come through development of this model line over a quarter of a century. In summary, we're looking here at a car that, like its brand, has matured nicely. One mindful of the fact that modernday Spaniards need to balance Latin spirit with sober sense. In this Ibiza, they've a small car that does exactly that.

Can driving SEAT's Ibiza supermini bring a taste of sunny Spain to suburban England? June Neary gets behind the wheel.

Will It Suit Me?

'Oh, we're going to Ibiza' or so the song says. Well, I think I'm a bit long in the tooth to spend my holiday clubbing, so I opted for a test drive in SEAT's fifth generation Ibiza instead. This sunny supermini is said to reflect the party spirit of its namesake - though you have to take a long hard look at the Ibiza in the metal to be convinced of the fact. Having said that, this is as much a compact family car as it is a supermini, so I think it's a model that will suit buyers of any age. After all, you're never too old, or too young, to have fun.

Practicalities

The latest Ibiza incorporates a huge number of improvements. I won't list them all, but naturally, the visual tweaks are the most prominent. The car now comes only in a five-door bodystyle and has evolved into a very good looking small car indeed, thanks to an almost obsessive attention to proportion and detail from the Spanish designers. Inside, SEAT says that all the controls and instruments have been set as high as possible, though that directive appears to have been ignored in terms of the lowly siting of the ventilation dials in front of the gearstick. In the back, the benefits of this MK5 model's extra body width and longer wheelbase are immediately obvious. It's certainly impressive that a car measuring in at only a fraction over 4-metres in length can allow a six-foot adult to sit comfortably behind a driver or front seat passenger of similar stature. I had no problem in fitting baby buggies and a huge weekly shop in the boot either. Press in the large SEAT logo that doubles as a boot release and the rear hatch opens to reveal 355-litres of luggage space, 63-litres more than the previous generation model could offer. If you need more room, then of course you can as usual push forward the rear bench. It'll be split-folding provided you've avoided entry-level trim, but it doesn't fall quite flat. Once retracted, up to 823-litres of space is revealed.

Behind the Wheel

On the move, this is still a fun steer, helped by changes to the engine range which have given the line-up a little more fizz. I can't really see why you'd choose either of the powerplants carried over from the previous generation Ibiza line-up, a 1.6-litre TDI diesel and a rather wheezy normally aspirated entry-level 1.0-litre MPI petrol unit. But the 1.0 TSI turbo petrol variant I tried - the one the vast majority of buyers will choose - is very good indeed. This three cylinder powerplant is primarily offered in 95PS guise, but there's also a 115PS variant if you want the option of DSG auto transmission. The pokiest option in the line-up is a 150PS four cylinder 1.5 TSI EVO unit which features cylinder deactivation technology. One of the first things I noticed was this model's 'big car' feel, something particularly evident in its rigid, rattle-free roadgoing demeanour. In part, this comes courtesy of the 30% improvement in torsional stiffness made possible by this MK5 model's more sophisticated MQB A0 chassis. That in turn means flat cornering and benefits ride quality that's probably un-bettered in this class.

Value For Money

SEAT claims that Ibiza customers are, on average, around ten years younger than those for models from rival brands, so it's important that this car remains affordable - or at least relatively affordable. The actual figures are in fact pretty typical by class standards, asking prices ranging from around £13,000 to around £19,000. In terms of bodystyle choice, SEAT has both given - and taken away. For sure, the availability of the Ibiza-based Arona compact SUV will certainly increase the Spanish brand's sales presence in the small car segment, but if you're looking specifically at an Ibiza, there's much less bodystyle choice than there was before. The three-door and estate variants you got in the previous range have been dropped this time round, leaving just this single five-door option, though that's the one most potential customers will want. SEAT is offering a couple of 1.6-litre TDI diesel models for the dwindling number of supermini buyers wanting to fuel from the black pump, but these will be ignored by most likely buyers, people who'll almost certainly end up with three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol power, that being the engine configuration dominating the model line-up. Assuming that's what you want, it's worth pointing out that there's quite a gap in technology between the entry-level 75bhp MPI unit and the 95bhp TSI powerplant I tried - enough, I'd say, to justify the pokier and more efficient TSI's £600 price premium.

Could I Live With One?

SEAT has certainly put a lot of effort into making its latest Ibiza a supermini class leader. Although my lifestyle would probably force me to choose something a little larger, this is my kind of car and given half a chance, I could definitely live with this smartly styled SEAT.