Honda Jazz vs Seat Ibiza vs Skoda Fabia
The Skoda Fabia is one of our favourite small cars, but the Honda Jazz and Seat Ibiza have their eyes on its crown...
Our verdict
The Skoda is the clear winner here. It’s not perfect – there are cars with a better ride and handling compromise in this class (namely the Ford Fiesta), just as there are cars with classier interiors (try the VW Polo), and the new Jazz certainly beats all comers for space and practicality.
However, in this class of car, the Fabia is the best blend of function, comfort and cost. It’s sweet to drive, roomy inside, and cheap to buy and run, too, no matter how you’re paying.
The Seat is slightly less comfortable but slightly more fun, and its engine is perfect for this sort of car, being impressively efficient yet energetic from low revs. However, you’ll want to avoid the Ibiza if you value rear passenger comfort or boot space, and it’s missing some of the convenience and safety kit that many would consider the bare minimum these days.
The Jazz is a really decent car despite coming last here. It has quite remarkable interior space and versatility, is dynamically more than fit for purpose, and, while it’s expensive, it comes with properly ‘big car’ levels of equipment. However, in this ever hard-fought class, it needs a more efficient and more refined engine, lower PCP costs and a better driving position if it’s to be considered one of the best rather than just recommendable.
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1st - Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90 SE
ForSpacious and good to drive, smooth engine, low costs
Against Slightly firm low-speed ride, less practical boot than the Jazz
Verdict Remains easily the best all-rounder in this class
Rated 5 out of 5
Find a great Skoda Fabia deal
2nd - Seat Ibiza 1.0 EcoTSI 95 SE
For Sweet engine; cheap company car; economical
Against Mediocre practicality and safety equipment
Verdict Enjoyable, but Fabia is better on most counts
Rated 3 out of 5
Find a great Seat Ibiza deal
3rd - Honda Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC SE
For Outstanding practicality; masses of kit; gearshift
Against Noisy; driving position; engine needs revving
Verdict Plenty to like if you can get comfortable
Rated 3 out of 5
Specifications: Honda Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC SE
Engine size 1.3-litre petrol
Price from £13,645
Power 101bhp
Torque 91lb ft
0-62mph 11.7 seconds
Top speed 118mph
Fuel economy 48.7mpg
CO2 116g/km
Specifications: Seat Ibiza 1.0 EcoTSI 95 SE
Engine size 1.0-litre petrol
Price from £9995
Power 94bhp
Torque 118lb ft
0-60mph 10.7 seconds
Top speed 119mph
Fuel economy 52.2mpg
CO2 94g/km
Specifications: Skoda Fabia 1.2 TSI 90 SE
Engine size 1.2-litre petrol
Price from £11,155
Power 89bhp
Torque 118lb ft
0-60mph 10.9 seconds
Top speed 113mph
Fuel economy 44.9mpg
CO2 107g/km
