New SEAT Ibiza

To celebrate this anniversary, the Spanish brand is unveiling a thoroughly restyled version, designed in Martorell on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB-A0 platform. With the FR (Formula Racing) trim, the promise is clear: to offer a combination of dynamism, technology and style. But does it deliver on its promises?

A more assertive design

From the very first glance, the new Ibiza displays a more assertive character. Its enlarged hexagonal grille, refined full LED headlights and redesigned bumper give it a more incisive look. At the rear, the redesigned diffuser and dark aluminium lettering reinforce its sporty identity. The FR version adds exclusive details, such as the laser-engraved logo on the B-pillar, black wing mirrors and dark exhaust pipes. The colour palette has been expanded with nine new shades, including three eye-catching new colours: Liminal Red, Dream Blue and Python Yellow. The wheels have also been updated with four new 17- and 18-inch designs, painted or machined, for maximum visual impact.

Inside, the upgrade is undeniable. The materials are more luxurious, with soft-touch surfaces, a black headliner and a perforated leather steering wheel. The embossed fabric seats add a touch of refinement, while the FR trim stands out with its bucket seats, tinted rear windows and specific inserts. The customisable LED ambient lighting adds a premium touch. The interior remains spacious for its class, with a 355-litre boot and an optional panoramic roof that floods the cabin with light.

A technological leap for the Ibiza

The new Ibiza features a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, combined with a floating central screen that is 8.25 inches as standard or 9.2 inches as an option. Connectivity is comprehensive thanks to wireless Full Link for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C ports, 15 W wireless charging with cooling and the SEAT Sound audio system, featuring six speakers, a subwoofer and a 300 W amplifier. There are numerous driver assistance features: adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, fatigue detection, Travel Assist and Lane Assist for level 2 semi-automatic driving, not to mention traffic sign recognition and Light Assist, which intelligently manages the headlights.

Loyal to combustion engines

Under the bonnet, the SEAT Ibiza remains loyal to combustion engines. Four petrol engines are available: an 80 hp three-cylinder MPI, two TSIs with 95 and 115 hp, and a 150 hp 1.5 TSI four-cylinder. Gearboxes range from five- or six-speed manual to seven-speed DSG for the more powerful versions. Performance is impressive: the 150 hp engine goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and reaches 220 km/h, while WLTP fuel consumption ranges from 5.0 to 6.0 l/100 km, with CO₂ emissions between 113 and 134 g/km. The chassis, with its MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam rear suspension, offers dynamic and precise handling. Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual driving modes allow the engine and gearbox response to be adapted to each situation.

The absence of a hybrid or electric version may disappoint some, but this will come in the years to come. Finally, the automatic gearbox is still unavailable on the entry-level engines, which is a shame when you consider that young people, the target market for this model, are increasingly taking their driving tests in automatic cars. There are still some hard plastics in the cabin, but the perceived quality has improved significantly.

It doesn’t revolutionise the genre, but it masters it brilliantly: assertive styling, up-to-date technology and driving pleasure. Faced with rivals, the Ibiza can hold its own and remains more attractive than ever.

Available from January 2026, the new SEAT Ibiza FR starts at €23,505 and can climb to over €27,930 for the 1.5 TSI 150 horsepower engine. In its entry-level version, the new Ibiza is priced from €18,755 and from €20,820 in its Ibiza Style version.