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Hatchback
You’d never guess the Ibiza was based on something as dowdy as the Volkswagen Polo. It’s a lot more stylish but also a much more enjoyable drive, so it's sure to put a smile on your face.
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Just as the larger Seat Leon takes the VW Golf and sharpens up its reactions, so the Ibiza does the same with the Polo - with great results. The Ibiza’s suspension is well controlled, its steering quick and the handling sharp, making it second only to the Ford Fiesta as the best-driving supermini. The only downside is the low-speed ride is rather firm. From the driver’s seat, it doesn’t feel like a supermini. There’s plenty of space, and a good range of adjustment on the seat and steering wheel, so even the tallest should be able to get comfortable. Sadly, that’s not so true in the rear, where the low roofline limits the headroom. But, at least, boot space is par for the course.
Running Costs
Seats are usually cheaper than the VWs they’re based on, and the Ibiza is no exception, undercutting the Polo, although not by much. However, the class’s top sellers, the Corsa and Fiesta, are cheaper still. With our favourite 1.2 engine, you can expect fuel economy approaching 50mpg, which compares well to the even the most economical Corsas and Polos, and makes the dearer diesels seem almost pointless. However, the FRs and Cupras struggle to reach the mid-30s, which is worse than a Fiesta ST. Insurance, too, varies hugely. At the base of the range, the ratings are par for the class. However, up the performance, and you’ll pay heavily, although the FRs and Cupras are no worse than the Fiesta ST and 206 GTi. Repairs aren’t too much of a worry. A leading warranty company's figures show average Ibiza repair costs match those of the Skoda Fabia, Polo and 206. Among superminis, only the Corsa works out cheaper.