The fifth-generation Seat Ibiza (KJ) marks a major turning point for the Spanish city car. Inaugurating Volkswagen Group's modular MQB A0 platform (even before the VW Polo VI), it makes a spectacular leap forward in terms of interior space, road handling, and technology. Gone are the 3-door and estate (ST) versions; this generation focuses exclusively on the 5-door body style. In 2021, it received a welcome facelift that corrected its main flaw: the perceived quality of the interior. The hard plastics of the dashboard gave way to soft-touch materials, and the infotainment system was modernized (floating 8.25 or 9.2-inch screens). Overall, it's a very well-rounded city car, offering an excellent compromise between dynamism and comfort, often at a more attractive price than its German or Cze
The Seat Ibiza V is one of the most rational and enjoyable city cars of its generation to drive. Thanks to the MQB A0 platform, it offers performance worthy of the segment above. The ideal choice is a 1.0 TSI 95 or 110 hp version with a manual gearbox, preferably from phase 2 (after 2021) to benefit from a much better-finished interior and corrected electronic bugs. Versions equipped with the DSG7 gearbox are pleasant for daily use but require increased vigilance regarding their long-term reliability. Diesels should be avoided except for exclusively motorway use.