Overall reader verdict 4 out of 5 stars

  • What's it like to drive
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Running costs
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Quality, practicality and equipment
    3 out of 5 stars

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Seat Ibiza (08-) Hatchback
21 reader reviews for Seat Ibiza Hatchback.

  • 1.6 16v Sport 3dr

    mick shaw Date: 10/05/2012
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      3 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      42

    My car

    Follow up since my review in Jan 2011. Owned car 17 months now, 12,000 miles, still think the 1.2TSi unit is a gem, averages about 42mpg mostly urban driving, never had more than 50mpg on a long run and I'm not a boy racer. Some build quality issues, wheel centres with Seat logo corroded and replaced under warranty, as was a front fog light that misted up. Car recently recalled owing to turbo pressure regulator issue (had no problem with mine so far) Also a small bracket that secures a little luggage net in boot came away from mountings. As others say, the radio can be fiddly and I also do not like having to look down to switch heated rear window and heated seats on/off. Would I buy another ? So far yes, great fun, nice gearbox and handling, just build needs improving.

  • 1.6 16v Sport 3dr

    Alex Campbell , . Date: 15/08/2011
    • Overall verdict
      3 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      3 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      39

    My car

    Just had one of these as a hire car for a weeks holiday in Cornwall and was pleasantly surprised. The ride and handling balance is very good, the stereo sounds great and was well equipped and comfy plus the boot swallowed all our luggage (2 people). Bad points: the climate control was difficult to use, especially at night as all the buttons are flush with each other so cannot rely on touch alone. Similarly the dash instruments could be much clearer - was confusing rev counter for speedo at times. Admittedly I'm used to the speedo on my left and revs on the right but having the revs in x100rpm, no analogue kph reading, a not very attractive type font and dials that rest in the 6 o clock position meant I was got able to read the instruments with a quick glance. Sure this would become better with familiarity. The biggest downfall was the 1.4 engine: pretty gruff when revved (which it needs to be), struggled with the steep Cornish hills and averaged 39mpg according to the computer. I've had Fiesta and Corsa hire cars recently too and much preferred the Ibiza to the Corsa but would need to try the Ibiza with a better engine before declaring it as good as the Feestie.

  • 1.2 TSI 105 Sportrider 5dr

    Danny Farrar Date: 08/08/2011
    • Overall verdict
      5 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars

    My car

    The only negative I can think about it is that doing 80mph on the motorway and you will get nowhere near the 62mpg that is claimed (hence 4 stars), generally around 40mpg. Though around town getting 45mpg+ is not any trouble especially with the stop-start system. With regards to people being worried about the stop-start system, you will never get it in first gear before the engine kicks back in. Best thing about the car is the way it drives, the 1.2 TSI engine is a lot of fun, makes a nice noise when you put your foot down and has a good bit of poke to it, cornering is up there with the best cars I've driven, and I drive a lot of hire cars with work. It drives as good as if not better than an Audi A1 for a lot less money. Inside you get a decent sized boot which takes a little from the back seats, had a Mazda 2 previously which was a smaller boot but larger back seat room. Radio is a little fiddly but once set up then just stick with the stalk controls as does pretty much everything you need. The seats are comfortable and driving postion is good, the quality of the interior is good and looks decent quality. Overall a great car that's fun to drive without the draw backs of a big expensive engine, low tax and cheap on fuel. Not stunning looking but certainly not ugly either and for significantly less money than equivalent fiestas, A1, Corsa etc a better car to drive.

  • 1.2 TSI 105 SE 3dr

    Denis Mcgregor , . Date: 19/05/2011
    • Overall verdict
      5 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      35

    My car

    To make it clear, I've had the car for a week so I will not talk about running costs or quality. The car (in terms of fuel usage) is very sensitive and will drink a bit more if you push it - which is, to be honest a lot of fun. At times it's almost irresistible because the 1.2tsi not only accelerates quickly, but also makes a very satisfying engine growl that sounds a lot better than any other car I've driven. In terms of comfort, the suspension is stiffer than on other cars, though not to a point where I would find it annoying. The interior is very sporty looking and the seats are comfortable. I recommend getting the design pack and 16" wheels as the car really does stand out with them. The dash is a lot nicer and the wheels are great looking. Though if you plan on getting a ton of extras, get the sport version instead as it has nicer seats and 17" wheels for not much more than the SE version (the features are cheaper in the Sport version) The panoramic roof is beautiful and photos don't do this car justice. I would recommend seeing and driving this car yourself because words or photos don't do it justice. This is a car that's fun to drive, and it looks great too! Though if I were looking for a car that's comfortable to drive over longer distances I would stay with our Kia Cee'd.

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