SEAT Ibiza (2002 – 2009) Review
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SEAT Ibiza (2002 – 2009) At A Glance
More interesting looking than a Polo. 1.8 petrol turbo FR good fun.
Same faults as Polo.
I really thought I was going to love this car. After all, I'd been very fond of the old Ibiza, especially in TDI 110 and 1.8T Cupra incarnations. I'd rated the new Polo on which the new Ibiza is based as a joyful little car and good fun to drive. So I had high expectations that the SEAT Centro Stile in Sitges would have come up with something really special.
Reviews for SEAT Ibiza (2002 – 2009)'s top 3 rivals
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SEAT Ibiza (2002 – 2009) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 to 1.9 TDI
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 25–75 mpg
In fairness, I don't think the new Ibiza 1.2S I drove was a representative example. After all, it was the one and only Ibiza 1.2 in the country at the time and I think its steering must have been set up with too much toe-in.
This is one simple setting that can totally make or break the way a car feels. Too much toe-in makes a car feel horribly overlight at the helm and almost as if it's falling over its front wheels. And that's exactly how this one felt. It would go round corners fine and gripped well. It just felt totally uninspiring.
On top of that, the engine was a lot buzzier, yet also more reluctant to rev than exactly the same 3-cylinder 12-valve chain-cammer in the Polo. But this might have been due to the car's newness. Maybe it would free up in time. Put it this way, I can't believe that a properly prepared example of the new Ibiza won't be every bit as good to drive as the new Polo.
It will have to be because it's only a little bit cheaper. True, £7,995 gets you the 65bhp engine whereas in the Polo it only buys 55bhp. And all Ibizas come with at least an 8-speaker radio/CD player. But even base Polos have ABS. Neither the base Ibiza nor the 1.2 S have ABS as standard. And, as with Polos, the centre rear passenger has to make do with a lap belt.
The 1.4 Sport gave a much better account of itself. True, with just 100 miles on the clock, some of its 100 horses felt like they were still locked in the stable. But it handled decently enough, like a new Polo, and has useful features such as electric folding door mirrors.
Sizewise, Ibizas are a bit longer than Polos, a natch wider, half an inch lower and have 17 litres more boot capacity. The dash is completely different; not bad, just different. The Walter d'Silva styling is more Latinate and exciting than the cute but conservative Polo. And the best colour is OVNI Yellow, closely followed by Flash Red. Posh metallics don't add much and some of the shades, such as Aqua Green, actually make it look dowdy.
The bodies are laser welded of galvanised steel for good panel fit and long life. The body is made of three horizontal and three vertical interconnected safety rings to ensure rigidity and minimise deformation in a crash. And, of course, there are twin airbags in the front with a switch to disable the passenger bag.
Now onwards and upwards to the Ibiza most journalists drove at the original launch: the 'Fast and the Furious' 130bhp TDI Sport.
This has exactly the same engine and six-speed gearbox as the VW Golf TDI PD 130, but a taller top gear offering no less than 37.5mph per 1,000 rpm. So while there is a gear for every eventuality and bootfuls of torque to catapult you from corner to corner, out on the motorway you could be getting 67mpg at 75mph.
SEAT calls its suspension design ACC (Agile Chassis Concept). And it gets the power down whether you've got the traction control system switched on or off. But 130bhp at 4,000rpm and 229 lb ft torque at 1,900rpm in a car that weighs 1,192kg is never going to be less than exciting. It lacks the fluency and sheer fun of a MINI Cooper through the corners, but on the straights it would fly past the MINI. Of course, the ride quality is in a different league. The Ibiza absorbs bumps the MINI crashes through. And on the motorway, there's no comparison at all. The Ibiza is turning over just 2,000rpm at 75. The MINI needs almost twice the revs.
Why am I comparing it to the MINI at all? The fun factor and the price. After all, these are both fun cars and an optioned-up MINI Cooper adds up to a near identical £13,500.
But whatever the emotional arguments (emotionally most people are bound to go for the MINI), if you need to drive long distances with reasonable comfort and economy, then you'd be smarter to go for the Ibiza. If you need a town car or a pure fun car, and there are only two of you, then it just has to be the MINI.
The rest of the new Ibiza range is stuck in the queue outside the club. It's up against brilliantly practical cars like the Honda Jazz, which has totally redefined small-car packaging. It's head-to-head against its sibling, the new Polo, built 450 kilometres up the Autopista in Pamplona. It faces the new Fiesta from Valencia and the Corsa from Zaragosa. Not to mention the Citroen C3, Daihatsu YRV, FIAT Punto, forthcoming Nissan Micra, Peugeot 206, Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris and Renault Clio. It has the advantages of great looks, galvanised body and a long-life 1.2 litre chain-cam engine. But I'm going to have to try a few more examples of that 1.2 before I can give an honest verdict.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | 48 mpg | 14.2 s | 139 g/km |
| 1.4 | 43–44 mpg | 11.2–11.9 s | 154 g/km |
| 1.4 TDI | 60–61 mpg | 12.9 s | 119–124 g/km |
| 1.4 TDI Ecomotive | 74 mpg | 12.8 s | 99 g/km |
| 1.8T 20V | 36–36 mpg | 7.3–8.4 s | 180 g/km |
| 1.9 TDI | 51–55 mpg | 7.6–10.8 s | 132–146 g/km |
Real MPG average for the SEAT Ibiza (2002 – 2009)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
94%
Real MPG
25–75 mpg
MPGs submitted
244
SEAT Ibiza (2002 – 2009) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3977–3993 mm |
| Width | 1698 mm |
| Height | 1441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2460 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1027–1215 kg |
| Boot Space | 267 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £8,195–£15,595 |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | A–I |
| Official MPG | 35.8–74.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until December 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TDI Ecomotive 3dr | £10,765 | 74.3 mpg | 12.8 s |
| 1.4 TDI Ecomotive 5dr | £11,380 | 74.3 mpg | 12.8 s |
On sale until October 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 12v Freerider 3dr | £8,995 | 47.9 mpg | 14.2 s |
| 1.4 16v Sportrider 3dr | £9,495 | 43.5 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.9 TDI Sportrider 3dr | £10,395 | 55.4 mpg | 10.8 s |
On sale until May 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 12v Reference Sport 3dr | £8,705 | 47.9 mpg | 14.2 s |
| 1.2 12v Reference Sport 5dr | £9,335 | 47.9 mpg | 14.2 s |
| 1.4 16v Sport 3dr | £9,405 | 42.8 mpg | 11.2 s |
| 1.4 16v Sport 5dr | £10,035 | 42.8 mpg | 11.2 s |
| 1.4 16v Stylance 3dr | £9,405 | 43.5 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.4 16v Stylance 5dr | £10,035 | 43.5 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.4 TDI Reference Sport 3dr | £10,400 | 61.4 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.4 TDI Reference Sport 5dr | £11,030 | 61.4 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.9 TDI FR 3dr | £13,360 | 54.3 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 1.9 TDI FR 5dr | £13,990 | 54.3 mpg | 9.3 s |
| 1.9 TDI Sport 3dr | £11,005 | 55.4 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 1.9 TDI Sport 5dr | £11,635 | 55.4 mpg | 10.8 s |
On sale until June 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 12v Reference 3dr | £8,195 | 47.9 mpg | 14.2 s |
| 1.2 12v Reference 5dr | £8,825 | 47.9 mpg | 14.2 s |
| 1.4 16v Stylance Auto 3dr | £10,150 | - | - |
| 1.4 16v Stylance Auto 5dr | £10,780 | - | - |
| 1.8 20V T Cupra 3dr | £14,650 | 35.8 mpg | 7.3 s |
| 1.8 20V T FR 3dr | £12,195 | 36.2 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 1.8 20V T FR 5dr | £12,825 | 36.2 mpg | 8.4 s |
| 1.9 TDI Cupra 3dr | £15,595 | 51.4 mpg | 7.6 s |
On sale until May 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.4 TDI Reference 3dr | £9,692 | 60.1 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.4 TDI Reference 5dr | £10,322 | 60.1 mpg | 12.9 s |
Model History
- May 2002
- February 2003
- July 2003
- July 2004
- April 2006
- October 2007: Ibiza Ecomotive launched
- January 2018: Haynes manual for SEAT Ibiza Mk III 2002-2008 announced:
May 2002
The most interesting looking car on VWG's Fabia/Polo/Ibiza OA4 platform. Launched with the most powerful diesel in the line-up: the 1.9 PD 130bhp, combined with the same six-speed gearbox as the Golf. Performance is 0 – 60mph in about 9 seconds, 130mph top speed and 56mpg economy which is likely to be a realistic figure because this engine gives its best on-road performance between 2,000 and 3,000rpm. 6th gear gives 37.5 mph per 1,000 rpm. Price: £13,495.
Other engine options include 64bhp 1.2 litre 3 cylinder chain-cam lightweight, from £7,995; a pair of 1.4 16 valvers with 75 or 100bhp, and a PD 100bhp TDI. 1.8 turbo version followed in 2004.
Though it shares traditional, high-waisted chunky looks with previous Ibiza, the new car is 77mm longer, 58mm wider and 19mm taller with 56mm extra rear legroom and a 267 litre boot. Prices from £7,995 for the 1.2 (£8,495 with a/c) to £13,495 for the TDI 130 six speed.
February 2003
150bhp Cupra R diesel and 180bhp 20VT Cupra R with 17" wheels launched at Geneva Motor Show, early 2003. Both seem to have Brembo front calipers.
July 2003
75bhp 1.4 TDI diesels available in UK from July 2003. 150PS Ibiza FR from April 2004, does 135mph, 0-60 in 8.1 seconds, list price £13,515. 180bhp Cupra listed at £15,500 shown at Birmingham motor show. Also 160bhp 1.9 Cupra TDI 6-speed at £16,000. More at
July 2004
Range and price changes from July 2004: 2004 range starts with Ibiza Reference priced at £8,000. Has electric front windows, radio CD, rev counter, digital clock, twin front airbags with passenger airbag deactivation, ABS with EBA, remote central locking and immobiliser. £8,000 price allows choice of 1.2-litre 64PS or 1.4-litre 75PS petrol engine, or, for £1,200 more, same Reference spec with 1.4-litre 75PS TDi. The same 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines available in the Ibiza S which also comes with air conditioning. 1.4 litre version is auto only.
2004 prices were £8,300 for the 1.2 (just £300 more than the same car without a/c) and £9,500 for the 1.4 Auto. Ibiza SX spec replaces the previous SE model. Has climate control, front fog lights and 15” alloy wheels and is priced at £8,800 for the 1.2 and 1.4, £10,000 for the 1.4 TDi and £10,900 for the more powerful 1.9 TDi 100PS.
Prices of Ibiza FR models were also cut and petrol and diesel match each other. Both the 1.8 20V T 150PS and 1.9 TDi 130PS versions cost £12,950 on the road. Similar story with the top of the range SEAT Sport-built Ibiza Cupra. 1.9 TDi 160PS, available July, costs £15,500, a reduction of £500, and matches the price of the 1.8 20V T 180PS version, available from late 2004. EU4 1.4 TDI with 80PS from November 2005. 0-60 in 12.6, top speed 109mph, 61.4mpg combines and 124g/km CO2.
April 2006
2006 range on sale. 150PS FR petrol model reduced £1,045 to £11,950. New front design, bigger wheels, more dramatic rear look. Good value, great handler and enormous fun to drive. Rest of range prices stay same, starting at £7,550 for 64PS 1.2 Reference 3-dr.
October 2007
Ibiza Ecomotive launched
99g/km (VED free) 1.4 TDI Ecomotive launched at Frankfurt Motor Show. Remarkable 74.3mpg combined. On sale UK 24-12-2007 from £10,995, delivery from April 2008. 99 g/km – even with standard-fit air conditioning (which 99g/km Polo BlueMotion does not have). Joint-lowest CO2 emitting new car on sale in the UK. 0-60mph in 12.5 seconds.
Also fresh for 2008, is the high value 1.4-litre 100 PS Sport featuring 100 PS 16-valve petrol engine with five-speed manual gearbox. 0-60 10.9 seconds, top speed 118 mph. Has stiffened and lowered sports suspension. 16-inch alloys with 205/45 rubber, body-coloured rear spoiler, grippy sports seats, leather-clad three-spoke steering wheel and gearknob, and great-sounding MP3-compatible CD/radio with AUX-in connection. Fair price of £9,395 RRP.
Continuing unchanged is the 1.9 TDI Sport – featuring a punchy yet economical 100 PS turbodiesel engine – with an equally untouched price tag of £10,995 RRP. The revised Ibiza model line-up for 2008 begins with high spec Reference Sport – available with either a characterful 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol or frugal 1.4-litre TDI three-cylinder turbodiesel and priced from only £8,695 RRP.
At the other end of the scale, the range is now topped off by the energetic FR with a 130 PS 1.9-litre TDI engine offering a distinctly hot sub-ten second 0-62 mph time, 129 mph top speed (where permissible), a silky six-speed manual gearbox and top-notch levels of equipment – and all for an eye-catching £13,350 RRP.
January 2018
Haynes manual for SEAT Ibiza Mk III 2002-2008 announced:
Covers Petrol 1.2 litre (1198 cc), 1.4 litre (1390 cc) and 1.6 litre (1590cc) SOHC and DOHC. Turbo-Diesel: 1.4 litre (1422 cc) and 1.9 litre (1896 cc). Does NOT cover Cupra models, or new model range introduced May 2008. Does NOT cover models with 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 litre petrol engines or 1.9 litre non-turbo diesel engine.
What to watch out for
Reports of creaking front suspension.
Plastic timing belt pulleys of 1.4 and 1.6 16v engines now failing regularly, though fortunately the belts are rarely flung off when this happens. Need to change belt, tensioners and pulleys every 4 years.
Reports of repeated trouble with the EGR valves of 1.2 3-cylinder engines.
Timing chains of 3-cylinder chain-cam petrol engines are snapping, possibly because they need cleaner oil than VAG anticipated with its service regime, or possibly because the wrong oil has been used.
Timing chain tensioner problems on 2002-2003 1.2s, usually caused by not changing the oil and filter often enough. Cured on later engines by a more substantial tensioner.
Lumpy running of early 1.2 Ibizas can be due to timing chain stretching and jumping a tooth. Unexplained problems with fuel systems of 1.2 petrol models that seem to overfuel sporadically for no apparent reason might be due to stretched timing chains.
Ignition coils of 02 build that had not previously failed were starting to fail by 2007.
In 2007, electrical problems reported on 2002 cars, including electric windows jammed shut, unable to open drivers door from inside, worn out door lock barrel won't open car from outside, faulty remote key for immobilser, brake lights jammed on at night, loss of power under acceleration:epc throttle fault warning light intermittently on (due to EGR valve problem).
EGR valve failure on 1.2 3-cylinder engine increasingly common.
Failure of instrument clusters reported, together with shortage of replacement parts.
16-07-2013:Problems with cooling fan motors not operating on the 1.8T engine can be caused by excess moisture building under the fuse box on the battery, causing it to short due to corrosion. Reader advice is to replace fuse box and spray liberally with WD40. The diagnostics will not pick this up since no sensors are involved.
28-12-2015:Rusted front wheelarches reported on 2007 SEAT Ibiza 1.2 Reference Sport by 3rd owner. Should be covered by 12 year no rust-through warranty if car has not previously been crashed.
26-01-2016:SEAT agreed to pay 50% of cost of replacing rusted front wheelarches on 2007 SEAT Ibiza 1.2 Reference Sport.
06-02-2016:Window winding cables snapped inside the doors of a 2002 SEAT Ibiza, within days of the same thing happening to another reader in a later VW Polo.
