Which used SEAT Ibiza should you buy?

The majority of SEAT Ibiza models come with a small petrol engine, although the option of diesel was available for a short while. The petrol engines are generally very good in that they are punchy and economical, and there is a range of power outputs available.

The more powerful petrol engines, such as the 1.0-litre TSI producing 115PS, make the SEAT Ibiza plenty quick enough for stress-free long motorway journeys, but the added power normally increases running costs a little through higher insurance premiums and fuel consumption

Read our full SEAT Ibiza review

What used SEAT Ibiza trim levels are available?

The model is well equipped across the range, which starts at the SEAT Ibiza SE and stretches through to the SEAT Ibiza Xcellence and SEAT Ibiza Xcellence Lux.

By April 2019, the entire SEAT Ibiza range included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Pre-2019 cars offered smartphone mirroring software on the SEAT Ibiza FR and SEAT Ibiza Xcellence trims. 

When it comes to safety equipment, the SEAT Ibiza matches most of its main rivals. Right from launch all models came with four airbags, emergency braking assist (which helps apply maximum braking in emergency situations without skidding) and front assist (which brings up warnings on the dashboard if the car thinks a collision with the vehicle in front is likely).

SEAT Ibiza SE

SEAT Ibiza SE models are currently the entry level to the range, but this wasn’t always the case. Originally SEAT Ibiza S trim was the starting point, but most people thought the extra equipment SE brought for the relatively small increase in cost was worth it, so S trim was phased out.

These tend to be the most affordable of the range to both purchase and run (helped by qualifying for lower insurance groups). As a result, they can be a great option for new drivers, plus those who have a sketchy driving history, which bumps up their insurance cost. SE models include:

• 15-inch alloy wheels
• Five-inch touchscreen media system (pre-2018 cars)
• 6.5-inch touchscreen media display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (late 2018 on)
• Air-conditioning
• Four airbags
• Emergency braking assist
• Optional Vision Pack Plus, with front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera

SEAT Ibiza SE Technology

By the end of 2018, the SEAT Ibiza SE Technology had been introduced. As the name suggests, it was very similar to SEAT Ibiza SE specification, only with a fresh helping of extra technology. SE Technology is likely to be the pick of the range for drivers who want the best balance of standard equipment and value.

• Larger eight-inch touchscreen media system with voice recognition
• 3D map function for helping with route navigation
• 16-inch alloy wheels

SEAT Ibiza FR

FR stands for Formula Racing, which gives an indication of what SEAT Ibiza FR models are all about. They’re more dramatically styled, but use the same engines as other SEAT Ibiza models, so running costs are similarly low. Sports suspension gives a more dynamic drive, but the SEAT Ibiza FR is still comfortable enough for everyday use on UK roads.

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Dark tinted rear windows
• Black door mirrors
• Sports suspension
• Full LED headlights
• Cruise control
• Auto dimming rear view mirror 
• Black door mirrors
• Sports front seats
• Flat bottomed steering wheel

SEAT Ibiza FR Sport

SEAT Ibiza FR Sport trim was introduced as an even more sporty option to SEAT Ibiza FR models. SEAT Ibiza FR Sport models are among the sportiest looking cars in the range, but the style comes at a cost, as large wheels make for a less comfortable ride and a microsuede interior isn’t best suited to transporting messy kids, as it doesn’t hold up so well to spills and grime. Key highlights are:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Suede upholstery
• Digital dials
• Dual climate control

SEAT Ibiza Xcellence

SEAT Ibiza Xcellence trim started as something aimed at the more mature driver – someone who appreciates plenty of equipment, but doesn’t want the flashy sporty styling of the SEAT Ibiza FR models. Over the years, though, the visual differences between SEAT Ibiza Xcellence and SEAT Ibiza FR models have narrowed. Highlights include:

• Rear view camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Keyless entry and starting
• Electric rear windows
• 17-inch alloy wheels

SEAT Ibiza Xcellence Lux

The SEAT Ibiza Xcellence Lux trim was introduced a few years ago as the top-of-the-range option, but this isn’t as common as SEAT Ibiza Xcellence or SEAT Ibiza FR Sport models, due to its higher prices when new.

Is a used SEAT Ibiza a good buy?

The SEAT Ibiza is a small car that packs a youthful sporty feel, especially in specifications such as FR Sport. That said, there are some much more grown-up trims which prioritise comfort and and a relaxed drive over sheer sportiness.

It isn’t just how a SEAT Ibiza looks or feels that makes it a good small car – it comes with a range of frugal engines and a wide variety of standard equipment. That is a good thing, too, as it has some stiff competition in the likes of the Volkswagen Polo (with which it shares some engines and other tech) and Ford Fiesta.

One of the SEAT’s best features is its interior. There is space in the two outer rear seats for adults to sit in relative comfort, even with a six-foot tall driver and passenger up front. Things would get tight with a third adult in the middle, but there is plenty of room for three children.

Plus, the interior has plenty of storage for odds and ends and the boot is capable of swallowing 355 litres of cargo (44 litres more than the Ford Fiesta) which is large for a car of this size.