Item: Used Seat Ibiza Hatchback 2002 - 2008
Author: What Car? Team

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Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

IBIZA

The Seat Ibiza was our Car of the Year in 2003 and Supermini of the Year three times

Used Seat Ibiza Hatchback 2002 - 2008

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/seat">Seats</a> are usually cheaper than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">VWs</a> they're based on, and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Ibiza</a> is no exception. However, the most popular superminis, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a>, are cheaper still.

Our favourite, the 1.2-litre averages 47.1mpg, while the 1.4-litre does 43.5mpg. The petrol FR manages 36.2mpg and Cupra 35.8mpg. The 1.4 diesel averages 61.4mpg, and the 1.9-litre 57.6mpg. The sporty diesel FR and Cupra models come in at 57.6mpg and 56.5mpg.

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The Seat Ibiza was our Car of the Year in 2003 and Supermini of the Year three times

The beauty of the Ibiza is that the cheapest model is probably the best. The three-cylinder 1.2-litre engine with 63bhp keeps up with traffic in- and out of town, and has low running costs.

The 74bhp 1.4-litre is worth considering, but it needs to be worked hard. Performance fans are catered for by the 150bhp FR and 178bhp Cupra models, introduced in 2004, which both have a turbocharged 1.8-litre engine.

Diesel options are the 73bhp 1.4 or the 100bhp 1.9-litre, both deliver decent pace, but are a little unrefined by today's standards. There are also FR and Cupra versions of the 1.9-litre diesel with 128bhp or 158bhp.

The range was revised (although not face-lifted) in 2004, with renamed trims. S and SX versions come with air-con (climate control on the SX), twin airbags and a CD player.

SE (later badged Stylance) adds alloys and side airbags, while the sporty FRs and Cupras also get traction control.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.

Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.

Small

According to Warranty Direct, this generation of Ibiza has a lower than average reliability, and comes in behind rivals such as the Ford Fiesta and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/fabia/hatchback/review/n47">Skoda Fabia</a>, although it's on a par with the Vauxhall Corsa.

The suspension is the biggest issue, with the front suspension is worst affected. Be wary of clonking noises and sloppy handling.

The timing chain on petrol engines can also cause problems, with tensioners breaking and the engine requiring expensive repairs. The windows can also jam, and the door handles can stop working. Several electric issues also crop up, including faulty central locking and engine immobilisers.

The 1.2-litre engine can also experience a problem with its exhaust values. This will limit performance and generate a warning light on the dashboard.

Other issues include headlamps filling with moisture, water leaks into the cabin and boot and numerous trim rattles.

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The Seat Ibiza is based on the Volkswagen Polo, but it's significantly more stylish and a lot more enjoyable drive.

The Ibiza's suspension is well controlled, its steering quick, and the handling sharp - making it one of the best-driving superminis of its era. The only major downside is a firm low-speed ride.

The driver gets plenty of space and a good range of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel. Sadly, it's a different story in the back, where the low roofline limits headroom. Boot space is adequate and similar to that of rivals.

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Used Seat Ibiza Hatchback 2002 - 2008 review

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