Seat Ibiza SE Technology (2026) Review

OF ALL the weeks the new Ibiza had to pick this one and in many ways it seems unfair.

It’s unusual, but in just seven days I’ve been asked to drive a behemoth Lambourghini Urus, a bullyboy pick-up in the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, a super-slick Changan Deepal SO7 electric and ridden the new Ducati Monster, which was so good I actually ordered one.

Into that delightful mix drops the new SEAT Ibiza – all of 23K, 1.0 litre and in basic trim – how can it possibly compete?

Often in this job, I find that the true strength of a vehicle is how it feels when you jump into it straight after something more exotic.

In this case you could buy 12 Ibizas for the price of one Urus, but is the Lambourghini 12 times better than the SEAT – of course it’s not.

In this exalted company the modest five door hatchback holds its own because it is so good to drive. On paper it shouldn’t be.

It is powered by a humble yet characterful 1.0 three cylinder petrol engine which is surprisingly willing and refined. With 115PS on tap and little weight to carry it is surprisingly peppy and more than enough for the challenges of moorland roads when the job takes me heading 200 miles across the countryside and back.

It is helped by a brilliant DSG automatic gearbox which somehow always finds the perfect ratio for your accelerating, climbing and cruising demands. It makes the car feel much sportier than such a vehicle should and economy is also impressive with 50+ miles per gallon easily achievable.

With a price tag of just £23K Ibiza shouldn’t really be fitted with the very best set of springs and dampers. Yet the ride is refined and controlled and with sharp steering the Ibiza is a joy to pilot through the bends.

On the road the SEAT feels much plusher than you would imagine belying its affordable price tag.

The interior is much more budget, of course, though there’s nothing wrong with that. The seats are fabric, which is fine by me, the trim plain, while some features are strangely retro. For instance, the heating controls on the SE model are chunky knobs which you twist old-style. Thinking about that, I like it. It’s so much easier to grab and twist rather than prod and dab at a touchscreen.

There is a touchscreen, of course, but it looks after the ancillary functions rather than the primary ones, which is safer for your driving. The virtual dials and touchscreen icons are clear and simple to use and the quality of the infotainment centre is high.

Looks-wise the new Ibiza is best described as neat and tidy. It’s not flash but it is beyond reproach. It is smart without being gaudy and if you need to fly under the radar this is a good car for you, especially when it comes in stealth grey.

The redesigned front end is sleeker with bold air intakes and grille, light are now full-LED, and aesthetics are enhanced by pronounced suage lines. The proportions are excellent too and it looks low, wide and road-hugging.

It’s practical as well. Interior space is good for the size of vehicle and the boot is decent and well-shaped.

Testing the new SEAT Ibiza in this company has been a baptism of fire, like pitting the common man against royalty, but it proves that we are all just human and deserving of praise.

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