SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI 95 FR Sport 5dr

Ten Second Review

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.

Background

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 Experience

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.

Design and Build

Considering how little has been done to the exterior of this MK5 model as part of this update, this improved Ibiza looks remarkably fresh, especially for a design that's been on sale since back in 2017. As part of this second facelift, SEAT has given the car a revised front end that incorporates a new hexagonal grille design, smarter full-LED headlights and a redesigned bumper. The rear bumper's been freshened too - as have the alloy wheel designs. All the usual facelift staples really. The body shape has five-doors - as this MK5 design has always had; the days of three-door Ibizas are long-gone. Indoors, the changes are equally light. The seats have been redesigned and the central screen has a new operating system. There's nicer finishing for the upholstery, the headliner and the air vents; that's about it. Still, if in these days of de-cluttered interiors, you yearn for a return to cabins with plenty of tactile physical buttons, this cabin will suit you just fine. And it's very well put together. Through the leather-stitched wheel, you view an 8-inch digital instrument cluster that's customisable with upper specs. And an 8-inch centre screen, which can be upgraded to 9.2-inches if you spend more. Both monitors get SEAT's usual 'Full Link' connectivity system. Sporty 'FR' trim gets well-padded and supportive bucket seats. There's not a huge amount of rear seat legroom, but you'd expect that in a supermini. The 355-litre boot capacity isn't as big as you'd get with this car's Skoda Fabia VW Group close cousin, but it's pretty good by class standards.

Market and Model

Prices won't change much from current levels, which means a starting point of just over £20,000, with the asking figures ranging up to around £26,000. As usual, most sales will be of 'SE Technology' and 'FR'-spec models. The latter variant distinguished by a laser-etched FR logo on the B-pillar. Standard kit across the line-up includes full-LED headlights, LED tail lamps, cruise control, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, an 8-inch digital cockpit instrument screen and an 8.25-inch central touchscreen (upgradeable to 9.2-inches further up the range). There's a new optional SEAT Sound system with six speakers, a subwoofer, and a 300W amplifier for a high-fidelity audio experience. And with upgraded 15-watt wireless fast charging with refrigerated technology, staying connected and powered up on the go is easier than before. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18-inches. And there's now a selection of more vibrant and youthful colours. Liminal Red, Oniric Grey, and Hypnotic Yellow join the existing range. The standard safety rosta is much as before. Which means Front Assist emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist protection, Lane Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Attention & Drowsiness Assist - and all the usual airbags.

Cost of Ownership

Being able to dip into the Volkswagen Group parts bin for the niftiest tech usually means a very low overall cost of ownership and that's certainly the case here. The entry-level 1.0-litre TSI 95PS petrol model is capable of up to 55.4mpg on the combined cycle and 115g/km of CO2. Upgrade yourself to the 115PS version of this engine with 6-speed manual transmission and you're looking at 51.4mpg and 124g/km; or 51.4mpg and 126g/km if you go for the auto. What else? Well there's SEAT's usual three year/60,000 mile warranty. That's unexceptional when rivals like Hyundai offer five years of cover as standard and Kia offers up to seven years. However, the SEAT deal is extendable, so you might be able to negotiate on that. And it includes two years of Europe-wide roadside assistance. Insurance starts at group 11E for the 95PS version; it's group 15E for the 115PS variant. We should also mention that residual values are pretty reasonable by class standards - expect 38-40% of your original purchase price back after the industry-standard three year / 60,000 mile ownership period.

Summary

Ibiza's important to Spain - and this one still is to SEAT. No, the changes made to this further updated version of the fifth generation design don't really amount to very much, but they're just enough to keep the car feeling fresh. The brand hasn't been tempted to introduce a huge unnecessary touchscreen or to shear the cabin of buttons to keep in with current trends - and the interior's all the better for it. In summary, we're looking here at a car that, like its brand, has matured nicely. One mindful of the fact that modernday Spaniards need to balance Latin spirit with sober sense. In this Ibiza, they've a small car that does exactly that.