Seat Ibiza review

If you like a fairly low-slung driving position, the Ibiza will suit you better than many small cars, including the Skoda Fabia and Ford Fiesta. The seat is comfortable with good under-thigh support, although it doesn't hold you in place brilliantly through twists and turns. FR and FR Sport models come with figure-hugging sports seats that do a better job of this.

It's a shame that adjustable lumbar support isn't available on the Ibiza (it is on the Fiesta), but lower back support is reasonably good regardless. There’s also a good range of steering wheel adjustment to help you find a comfortable seating position. 

Meanwhile, the controls for the air conditioning (standard on all trims) are positioned a little lower on the dashboard than we’d like, although they are at least logically arranged.

Fortunately, the Ibiza’s eye-catching looks haven’t come at the expense of visibility. Up front, the windscreen pillars don’t obstruct your view too much – even when pulling out of junctions – and the front side windows are suitably tall and easy to see out of.

For extra reassurance, rear parking sensors are an option on lower trim levels and come as standard on Xcellence and Xcellence Lux. Go for Xcellence Lux and you'll also get a rear-view camera, something that isn’t available on the lower trims at all. 

Even entry-level SE trim comes with a 6.5in touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring as standard. If you move up to SE Technology trim, the screen grows to 8.0in and gains a DAB radio and sat-nav.

The larger touchscreen system, in particular, is one of the best in the small car class. The screen is crisp and bright and responds quickly when you prod it, plus the operating system is easy to get your head around. There are also shortcut buttons around the edge of the display to take you directly to specific functions.

The Ibiza’s interior quality is definitely more in line with that of the Ford Fiesta than the  Peugeot 208 or Volkswagen Polo. That means there’s little in the way of squidgy materials, although the steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever are trimmed with leather. Meanwhile, the faux-suede upholstery on top-spec FR Sport, Xcellence and Xcellence Lux models lift the interior considerably.

What’s more, all of the buttons, switches and stalks feel reassuringly solid whichever model you go for; only the air conditioning dials feel a little low-rent.