SEAT Ibiza

The facelifted SEAT Ibiza is stylish and good to drive. It also shares its mechanicals with the excellent Volkswagen Polo. The SEAT Ibiza has always been one of the most fun choices in the supermini market, and the latest version upholds this reputation by delivering a more engaging driving experience than its small car cousins from the VW Group, the Volkswagen Polo and the Skoda Fabia.

In terms of price, the Ibiza sits between the Fabia and Polo, and it offers lots of standard equipment for the money. Add those stylish looks, as well as nimble handling, and the car makes lots of sense in the showroom.

The Ibiza isn’t quite as practical as the best models in this class, largely thanks to the rakish roofline, while there are some question marks over its reliability record. But it’s still an appealing supermini choice.

The SEAT Ibiza shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Polo, so it carries over most of its mechanical parts from one of the best superminis currently on sale. As part of a recent facelift, the company has tweaked the suspension and dampers, while also carrying out big changes inside, bringing the car bang up to date.

What SEAT hasn’t done is change the exterior styling much, so where the Polo has gone for subtle, classy looks, the Ibiza still provides a dash of Latin flair – after all, it was designed by the former head of design at Lamborghini.

The hatchback is a rival to the likes of the Peugeot 208 and Ford Fiesta, and is available as a five-door or a three-door. The latter is a more stylish choice, and SEAT prefers to refer to it as a ‘sports coupe’, so it’s badged the Ibiza SC. Meanwhile, if you need more room than the five-door hatch provides, there’s also a spacious ST estate version.

SEAT offers six trim levels across the Ibiza range, kicking off with the basic E, which is a three-door SC with a single engine option. From there, buyers can move up through S A/C to mid-range SE spec, and the Vista and Connect versions.

There’s a sporty FR model, although buyers wanting even more performance have the option of the 178bhp Ibiza Cupra, which is available as either a three or five-door.

The entry-level SEAT Ibiza E does without features such as alloy wheels, but you do get a five-inch (black and white) touchscreen, a USB port and four-speaker stereo. Move up to an S A/C, and alloys remain on the options list, but air-conditioning and a DAB radio are welcome additions, while you also get steering wheel controls for the stereo and Bluetooth streaming.

Alloy wheels arrive with SE spec, as does an upgraded colour touchscreen system. Connect editions bring Internet connectivity, MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay among a feast of infotainment upgrades. The FR package adds sports suspension and a wealth of racy trim enhancements inside and out.

As well as head-turning looks and good value, the latest SEAT Ibiza comes with a new line-up of petrol and diesel engines sourced from the wider VW Group. A new batch of 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engines has been added, while the 1.4-litre diesels now claim even stronger efficiency.

Although it is so closely related to the Volkswagen Polo, the Ibiza is built at SEAT’s own factory in Martorell, near Barcelona.

While it's not as sharp as the Ford Fiesta, the SEAT Ibiza is more engaging to drive than the Volkswagen Polo on which it’s based. It's nimble around town and equally capable on the open road.

Some buyers will find the suspension a little harsh, but SEAT tweaked it as part of the update to the range in 2015 in a bid to take the edge off. Even so, buyers who prefer a softer ride may be better to opt for the Polo.

The driving position in the SEAT Ibiza is excellent, adding to the sense of involvement behind the wheel. And no matter which model you go for, there's not much body roll in corners, while the steering is quick. If only it provided a little more feedback.

The Ibiza comes with a five or six-speed manual gearbox, depending on the engine size. There’s also an automatic option, in the shape of the seven-speed twin-clutch DSG system sourced from Volkswagen.

The biggest change to the way the latest Ibiza feels on the road is what's under the bonnet. And the 94bhp EcoTSI turbo version of the new 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine offers the best compromise in terms of performance and economy.

The combination of the refined engine and softer suspension means the SEAT supermini covers ground with far more poise than it did before. The five-speed manual gearbox is short and snappy, while power from the engine builds progressively. With a useful 160Nm of torque, it delivers a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds and a 119mph top speed.

Kicking off the petrol range is a 74bhp 1.0-litre, which claims 0-62mph in 14.3 seconds and a top speed of 107mph. Sporty FR models can be specced with a 109bhp version of the same engine, but here it delivers 200Nm of torque and is hooked up to the DSG gearbox. The result is 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds and a 122mph maximum.

Next up is the four-cylinder petrol 1.2-litre. It’s available with 89bhp or 109bhp in the FR model, and claims 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds or 9.1 seconds respectively, as well as top speeds of 114mph or 122mph.

If you want a petrol model that goes faster, you need the four-cylinder 1.4-litre EcoTSI FR. This offers 148bhp and 250Nm of torque, which is enough for a 7.6-second 0-62mph time and a 137mph top speed.

There’s only a single diesel engine in the Ibiza, but the 1.4-litre TDI is offered with 74bhp, 89bhp or 104bhp. The entry-level version is available in standard or Ecomotive guise, with the latter tuned for fuel economy rather than pace – it takes 13 seconds to cover 0-62mph. The most powerful TDI powers the fastest diesel Ibiza FR, delivers 250Nm of torque and promises 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a 119mph top speed.

SEAT has a reputation for building good-value cars, and the Ibiza is no exception. It comes with a decent level of kit, and all the engines should prove easy on the wallet, too.

The new 74bhp three-cylinder 1.4-litre TDI Ecomotive diesel is the most efficient model in the Ibiza range, as it claims 83.1mpg fuel economy, as well as CO2 emissions of 88g/km. The same engine is also available with 89bhp – albeit exclusively linked to a DSG automatic box in the FR version of the Ibiza ST estate – and 104bhp, and both versions promise decent fuel returns of 76mpg-plus. The higher-powered diesels’ respective 99g/km and 95g/km emissions mean free road tax, too.

With petrol power, the Ibiza isn’t as efficient, but fuel economy is still very good, and the new three-cylinder engines make the car far more enjoyable to drive. The 94bhp 1.0-litre EcoTSI claims 68.9mpg and is the only petrol Ibiza to be exempt from road tax, thanks to its 94g/km emissions.

The lesser 74bhp 1.0-litre 12V has official figures of 54.3mpg and 118g/km, while the 109bhp 1.0-litre EcoTSI DSG in the FR claims 64.2mpg and 102g/km.

The four-cylinder 1.2-litre TSI promises 57.6mpg in 89bhp guise and 54.3mpg with 109bhp. CO2 emissions mean both versions sit in VED band C, so owners will pay £30 a year for road tax.

The fastest 148bhp 1.4-litre EcoTSI petrol still claims decent 58.9mpg fuel economy, along with moderate 110g/km emissions, so it sits in VED band B (£20 a year).

The SEAT Ibiza was already a sharp-looking supermini, so the revamp to the range carried out in 2015 – which brought LED daytime running lights and more personalisation options – is enough to keep it up to date. Thanks to its short overhangs, subtle body creases and angular headlamps, this is still one of the most stylish superminis around, despite its age.

Not surprisingly for a VW Group car, the SEAT Ibiza is well screwed together inside, with decent-quality plastics used throughout. But still, the interior was one of the areas SEAT focused on with the update.

The layout is now modern and clean, with a new colour touchscreen replacing the previous model’s array of buttons and dials. The instrument display is also attractive and clear, with white-on-black dials, and the round vents help to give the cabin a sporty feel.

SEAT has a tradition of allowing customers to make a bold style statement through vivid colour and trim choices, and the latest Ibiza doesn’t disappoint. New Colour Packs bring ‘colour-coded’ shades such as purple, blue, red or grey to the radiator grille rim and wing mirror housings, as well as to the interior vent bezels and detailing on the steering wheel and gearlever. You can even specify twin-colour 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels.

In the new Ibiza, SEAT has fitted the second generation of its Easy Connect infotainment set-up. With the MediaSystem plus, you can upgrade to MirrorLink and integrate your smartphone; the technology is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

DAB radio is available, and you can play music via USB or Bluetooth connections. MediaSystem plus also adds voice control.

In addition, there’s the chance to upgrade to the SEAT Sound System; in the Ibiza, this brings six speakers, a bass box in the boot and an extra amplifier.

Despite the addition of two extra doors, there isn't much difference in terms of space between the three-door SEAT Ibiza SC and the standard five-door Ibiza hatch. But if you need more room, the Ibiza ST estate is a practical option that retains its sense of style.

Space up front for the driver and passenger is decent, but the Ibiza is not one of the class leaders on the practicality front – even the glovebox and door pockets seem a little on the cramped side.

The dimensions tell you a lot about why the SEAT Ibiza trails some rivals on interior space. Perhaps surprisingly, at 4,061mm it’s longer than its Skoda Fabia sister car. It’s a little narrower than the Fabia and the Hyundai i20, but it’s the height that really gives the game away. The sleek-looking SEAT has a roof height of 1,445mm, while the Hyundai and Skoda stand taller at 1,474mm and 1,467mm respectively. 

There’s a price to be paid for the Ibiza’s rakish roofline. Even in five-door guise, adults will find the back seats cramped, so if you really need to carry passengers any significant distance, you’ll be better off looking at cars like the Hyundai i20 or the Skoda Fabia.

The problem is exacerbated in the three-door SC because it’s pretty awkward to get into the back seats in the first place. Once you’re there, the main issue is the limited headroom, so this criticism will be less relevant to those with young families. Isofix child seat mountings are standard.

With the rear seats in place, the SEAT Ibiza SC has a boot capacity of 284 litres, which is only marginally less than the 292 litres in the five-door. When you fold the seats, as both versions serve up the same 847-litre maximum space.

This is about average for the supermini class, and will be fine for day-to-day tasks. But if you want even more room, the Ibiza ST estate offers 430 litres of space with its rear bench in place, and 1,164 litres when it’s folded.

The SEAT Ibiza scored the maximum five stars when it was crash tested by the experts at Euro NCAP in 2011, and it features an array of standard safety kit, including front and side airbags (six in total), as well as stability control.

Options include city brake assist and lane-keeping assist, and the recent facelift has also seen the introduction of a Tiredness Recognition System designed to spot the signs if drivers are nodding off at the wheel and sound an alarm. Another new addition is Multi-Collision Brake, which automatically slows the car following an impact serious enough to activate the airbag – it works by setting the ESP system to apply the brakes.

In our Driver Power 2015 satisfaction survey, SEAT can at least say it’s on an upward journey. It finished 15^th out of 32 manufacturers, which is a definite step in the right direction from its 24th place in 2014 and disappointing 27th in 2013. There’s still room for improvement considering sister company Skoda came third in 2015, but by the same token Volkswagen slipped to 22^nd.

Judged on reliability alone, the SEAT brand fared less well – owners ranked the brand in 19^th place, while Skoda came seventh and Volkswagen 27^th. The latest Ibiza hasn’t been included in the results, as it was too new when the survey closed. But the improvements are no doubt down to the radical overhaul SEAT has carried out to its product line-up in recent years, and the supermini should be one of its stronger performers going forward.

SEAT’s standard three-year/60,000-mile factory warranty doesn’t look all that generous when compared with the seven-year/100,000-mile package offered on the Kia Rio or the five-year/unlimited mileage warranty that comes with the Hyundai i20. You can extend the Ibiza’s warranty to five years and 90,000 miles, but it will cost you.

SEAT still insists on 10,000-mile service intervals for the Ibiza, although a fixed-price maintenance package is available. This provides two or three years of cover for a fixed monthly charge of £19.99. 

Seat Alhambra

The SEAT Alhambra is mechanically identical to the Volkswagen Sharan but it is better value for money and just as practical. It's a well equipped, well built people carrier that has won the Auto Express MPV of the year three times. A recent facelift has brought updated styling and improved running costs, too.

As well as being impressively efficient, this MPV shines when it comes to practicality; the large dimensions mean there’s plenty of legroom, flexible seating and a decent boot that all work together to keep the family happy. But the SEAT Alhambra isn’t just about practicality – it also drives remarkably well without any of the compromise you’d expect from a seven-seater. The extras take driving the SEAT Alhambra to the next level, too, such as the Park Assist system that will reverse park into parallel spaces or bays for you.

Named after a sprawling historic monument in Granada, Spain, it’s no surprise that SEAT’s Alhambra offers palatial accommodation.

The seven-seat full-size MPV is a sister-car of the Volkswagen Sharan, and has been built in Portugal since 1996 when the Ford Galaxy model was also part of a joint-venture between the brands.

Ford withdrew from the project and the Galaxy went its own way in 2006, well before the latest generation Sharan/Alhambra was introduced in 2010.

The two MPV sisters are now built on the VW Group’s A5 platform, which is closely related to the Passat. It’s significantly bigger all round than its predecessor, and now comes with a choice of efficient and smooth four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines.

If economy is your priority, the TDi Ecomotive model won’t disappoint. It’s the cheapest diesel option, and the addition of start-stop and a Brake Energy Regeneration System produces lower CO2 emissions and economy of 56.5mpg on the combined cycle. The other engines offer good efficiency too.

Four trim levels are available in all, kicking off with the S entry-model, followed by the SE, the Connect, the SE Lux and the FR line.

Standard S features include 16 inch alloys, Touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth, three-zone climate control, ESC and emergency brake assist. The SE adds 17 inch alloys, tinted windows and roof rails, cruise control, auto wipers and auto headlamps, among other luxuries.

The Connect adds MirrorLink to pair your Smartphone and various cosmetic upgrades, while the SE LUX brings power sliding doors (an unending source of entertainment for your kids), a panoramic sliding sunroof, satellite navigation, a rear-view camera, leather upholstery and a host of other luxury upgrades. The FR has more of a sporty theme, with special 18 inch alloy wheels, and Alcantara interior with sporty red stitching highlights – and a limited slip differential with the most powerful engine option.

While the SEAT Alhambra is not quite as good to drive as its main rival, the Ford S-MAX, it's still an appealing prospect. The suspension can feel a little firm on very rough roads, but it's a capable cruiser, while accurate steering helps make the car feel a bit smaller than it actually is. Six-speed manual and DSG automatic gearboxes are available, and the latter improves both performance and fuel economy.

Before the facelift SEAT offered only one engine in the Alhambra, a 2.0-litre diesel, but now a downsized 148bhp 1.4-litre turbo has also been made available. We'd suggest you stick with the diesel - ideally the higher-powered 182bhp version over the 148bhp model as the extra power and torque is certainly helpful when transporting seven people and all of their luggage around.

SEAT also introduced adaptive dampers with the facelifted model, but as a £935 option its worth saving your cash as they don't offer any real benefit in terms of driving experience.

The rest of the Alhambra’s driving experience is surprisingly car-like. The SEAT feels like it carries its weight low down, and the firm suspension set-up, grippy chassis, positive steering and XDS electronic diff control (standard on SE Lux models) combine to deliver agile handling. Sure, it’s no sports car, and body roll is an issue in corners, but the Alhambra is well controlled, and once you’re in a bend, it feels stable and isn’t unsettled by mid-corner bumps.

This sharp cornering ability doesn’t come at the expense of comfort, either. While the SEAT’s ride is definitely on the firm side, it’s still pretty relaxing to drive, and passengers will feel comfortable, too, with plenty of space and not much in the way of noise.

The new petrol engine in the Alhambra line-up is a four-cylinder 1.4 litre unit offering 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and a 126mph top speed with the manual gearbox option. Opt for the DSG dual-clutch auto and you’ll lose a tenth on the acceleration time, and maximum speed drops to 124mph.

The junior 148bhp version of the 2.0-litre diesel has very similar figures – 10.2 seconds for the 0-62mpg sprint and 126mph, or 10.4 seconds and 124mph with DSG.

Conversely the more powerful 182bhp 2.0-litre TDI does 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds and 133mph with manual gears, but is faster with the DSG set-up – recording an 8.9 second sprint and 135mph.

It may be the cheaper than the VW Sharan, but that doesn’t mean it's the cheapest MPV out there. Rivals like the Vauxhall Zafira may cost less, but none can quite match the Alhambra's practicality or economy. The entry-level SEAT Alhambra price starts at £25,340 on the road – that’s the price tag for the S trim with the 2.0-litre TDI Ecomotive engine.

That's also the most efficient version too, returning over 57mpg and emitting 130g/km of CO2. However, all diesel versions are capable of over 53mpg.

If there’s any car that fits the MPV design template perfectly, it’s the Alhambra. The one-box layout is as van-like as they come, and the car’s overall shape is identical to that of the Volkswagen Sharan, with which it shares much.

However, the devil is in the detail, and while the SEAT won’t win any beauty contests, the crisp lines and sharp details add interest to the Alhambra’s shape. Up front, the straight-edged grille and headlights are a familiar SEAT design, and they’re joined by a large lower grille in the bumper that’s flanked by a pair of foglamp housings.

The slab sides are pretty plain, and unfortunately there’s no hiding the runners for the sliding doors towards the back of the bodywork, but the large glass area is nicely proportioned with the body, while silver roof rails add style, too. At the rear, the huge tail-lights are split across the upright tailgate, while the vast rear glass area gives a good view out the back.

Climb aboard, and the large dashboard features the same logical layout and simple controls as you’ll find across the SEAT range. In fact, it’s identical to the VW Sharan, and build quality is on a par with its main rivals. There’s a bit too much black plastic in the cabin, the optional 6.5-inch touchscreen can be to navigate and it looks pretty ordinary when compared to the distinctive Citroen Grand C4 Picasso, but everything works well and feels solid.

Leather trim is fitted as standard on SE Lux models, and you can also specify two-tone finish seats which add a bit of colour to proceedings. It also means the cabin is hard-wearing, plus extensive use of black plastic trim should withstand the rigours of family life.

Since its launch in 2010, the Alhambra has sold in low numbers, so it hasn’t appeared in our Driver Power surveys. But it has contributed to SEAT’s 15th place finish in our manufacturer ranking this year, which puts the brand five spots ahead of Citroen, and 10 positions ahead of Ford.

Unfortunately, SEAT’s dealers don’t have a great reputation, although its franchises saw an improvement from dead last up to 27th in the 2015 survey. The Alhambra earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating, but this was back in 2010 before a more stringent test regime was introduced.

However, that doesn’t mean the SEAT can be considered unsafe by any means, as back in 2010 the car recorded an excellent 96 per cent rating for Adult Occupant safety, and 80 per cent for Child Occupants. It features the usual raft of kit too, including seven airbags, driver-operated electric child locks on the sliding doors and three Isofix child seat mounts on the middle row. Safety options include a pair of integrated child seats (£425), while specifying the multifunction camera (£525) adds lane assist and traffic sign recognition.

The standard SEAT warranty applies to the Alhambra, which means three years cover with a 60,000 mileage cap in year three, but unlimited mileage in years one and two. You can spend an extra £400 to get four years/75,000 miles, or £700 for five years/90,000 miles.

SEAT servicing costs are competitive across the board, but you can take out a fixed-price plan for three-years/30,000 miles of routine maintenance for around £20 per month. It doesn’t cover consumable items like brake pads or tyres though. 

Seat Leon X-Perience

Rugged appearance and 4WD will attract buyers to the SEAT Leon X-Perience, but the price is high.

As a means of nudging the SEAT brand upmarket, and preparing customers for a future three-strong SUV range, the X-Perience is a success. It’s rugged, raised and four-wheel drive formula is nothing new, but for expanding families who need modest off-road abilities it fits the bill perfectly. Make sure you really need the extra abilities over the regular Leon ST, though, otherwise the higher price is hard to justify.

SEAT is on a roll. Leon sales jumped by 50 per cent in Britain last year thanks to the hot Cupra models and a practical ST estate joining the ranks, taking total sales to 53,500. The future looks secure too – SEAT is finally ready to jump onto the SUV bandwagon with a range of three SUVs coming over the next few years. Before those SUVs arrive though, the new Leon X-Perience has arrived in the UK.

The suspension has been raised by 15mm over the standard car, while black sills, wheelarch extensions and lower bumpers give it a more rugged look. There are front and rear pseudo skid plates, while you get a choice of 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels depending on which model you go for. The SE Technology version tested here comes with the latter, and the chunky, five-spoke design looks smart. It also debuts SEAT’s new four-wheel drive system called.

From the outside it bears a striking resemblance to a Skoda Octavia Scout but with much sharper creases. And underneath they’re pretty much identical, using the same VW Group MQB platform, gearboxes and engines so there’s the choice of two 2.0-litre diesels, with either 148bhp or 181bhp, and a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG auto.

The X-Perience also shares the Scout’s clever fifth-generation Haldex clutch system. For the majority of the time, the car runs in two-wheel drive mode just like the normal Leon ST estate, but if the car is packed with heavy luggage or if it detects a slippery surface, the 4Drive system will push 50 per cent of the power to the rear axle. The traction control system then works out which wheel needs the power to boost grip. On a short off-road course during our test, the 4Drive worked seamlessly and allowed the X-Perience to carry on where most two-wheel drive cars would struggle.

We got behind the wheel of the predicted bestseller – the mid-range SE Technology powered by the 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI with the six-speed manual ’box. Like many other VW Group cars powered by the same engine, the four-cylinder diesel is flexible and punchy but suffers from being rather noisy. Despite this, it’ll return 57.6mpg on the combined cycle and emit 129g/km –giving the car a respectable BIK rating of 23 per cent from this year onwards.

This SE Technology model comes in at £26,370 and features full-LED lights, sat nav, 18-inch wheels and front sports seats trimmed in alcantara and simulation leather. SEAT’s Drive Profile – which alters the car’s driving characteristics – also features and on DSG-equipped cars there’s also Dynamic Chassis control which alters the damper settings. SEAT has also used the X-Perience’s arrival to debut new tech like a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control and a new 6.5-inch colour touchscreen.

For most of the time the X-Perience feels just like the Leon ST to drive – albeit with a higher driving position. Scream around a corner and the extra ride height means extra body roll compared to the standard ST estate, the XDS electronic diff combines with the four-wheel drive system to deliver sharp cornering and plenty of grip.

While the X-Perience is 4WD, don’t expect it to perform many off-road heroics. It’s not a permanent system, and there are no specific modes to choose from – there isn’t even hill descent control. The raised ride height is only useful for light field work, and if you venture any further, you’re likely to be stopped by the shallow approach and departure angles of the bodywork.

Roof rails come as standard and the boot space is a roomy 587 litres – this can be enlarged to 687 litres when the boot-floor is lowered and 1,470 when the rear seats are folded. Elsewhere in the cabin, the Leon features standard part-leather upholstery, with the SE Tech model here getting Alcantara where standard SE gets cloth on the seat inserts and doors.

Back seat space is similar to the Skoda Octavia's, and both cars feature rear air vents. Up front, there’s plenty of wheel and seat adjustment to get comfortable, while storage is pretty good, too. There’s a deep bin behind the gearlever, a big glovebox where the USB socket resides, a large armrest cubby and deep door bins.

With prices kicking off at £24,385 the X-Perience is a pricey addition to the Leon range, but it actually undercuts the Skoda Octavia Scout by over £1,000. But you really have to value the added right height and four-wheel drive as a similarly-specced Leon ST costs around £3,000 less.

Key specs

• Price: £28,870
• Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
• Power: 148bhp
• Transmission: Six-speed manual, all-wheel drive
• 0-62mph: 8.7 seconds
• Top speed: 129mph
• Economy/CO2: 57.6mpg/129g/km
• On sale: Now