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By Jonathan Crouch

SEAT's fifth generation Ibiza supermini gets a useful wash 'n brush-up. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 45

For the second time, SEAT updates the fifth generation version of its little Ibiza supermini. The changes aren't huge, but have certainly freshened this Iberian small hatch up a bit. And it remains a great-value way to buy into current VW Group small car technology.

Backgroundword count: 183

For the time being it seems, the SEAT brand is to continue, though the plan apparently is to re-position it as the VW Group's entry-level car maker. But all of the indecision that led to that pronouncement has cost the Spanish marque dear in terms of future model development investment (most of which has been diverted to its sister CUPRA brand). Which partly explains why the 'new' SEAT Ibiza we're looking at here is merely a light update of the fifth generation version of this model that's been around since 2017. This is actually the MK5 Ibiza's second facelift (the first was back in 2021) and the changes announced in Autumn 2025 aren't really any more substantial than those that were conferred upon this car four years earlier. But the Ibiza nameplate still has quite a following (apparently it's more recognisable than the SEAT brand itself) and the supermini segment this little car competes in is a lot less competitive than it used to be. So is there still an opportunity for the Spanish manufacturer with this car? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 233

There used to be a wide range of different Ibiza powerplants - but no more. As part of this update, the UK engine range has been slimmed down to just one primary unit, though it's probably the one you would have chosen anyway. It's the familiar VW Group three cylinder 1.0-litre TSI petrol package. Not many cars still on sale in the UK have a 5-speed manual gearbox these days, but that's what you get with the base 95PS Ibiza. If you stretch to the perkier 115PS version of this same powerplant, then the manual gearshift gets upgraded to 6-speeds - and there's the option of the usual 7-speed DSG auto 'box. Other markets get the further option of a four cylinder 1.5 TSI 150PS powertrain, but in the UK, that's now limited to the (also similarly updated) Arona small SUV. Helped by its stiff, supple MQB platform, this MK5 Ibiza has always been one of the more entertaining small hatches to drive - and you'll find that little's changed in that regard. Body control's great and though the ride isn't quite as smooth as this model's VW Polo close cousin, it's not far off. Which means it's pretty good. The little 1.0-litre engine's a torquey cheerful thing. But the DSG auto can still be a little lethargic when you're pushing along - as the drive dynamics here might encourage you to do.

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