SEAT Ibiza hatchback (2008-2017) - Interior & comfort

The SEAT Ibiza's interior is a tale of two halves. The driver and front-seat passenger have plenty of space and reasonably comfortable seats, but things get a little cramped in the back, where adult occupants will start to feel the squeeze on longer journeys. The three-door model adds the problem of tricky access to the back, so we wouldn't really recommend it for those who carry passengers on a regular basis.

On the plus side, the driving position in all Ibizas is very good. The driver's seat is height-adjustable and the steering wheel can be moved up and down as well as closer to or further from you, so the vast majority of drivers should be able to get comfortable with ease.

One aspect that may disappoint is the relatively limited rear visibility, and the diesel engines can seem a bit noisy from inside the cabin, too. Almost the entire interior is finished in high-quality, if slightly dull, plastics that match what you'll find in other Volkswagen Group cars.

SEAT Ibiza dashboard

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The dashboard is logically laid-out and the bright, clear dials are a particular highlight. Get behind the wheel of the SEAT and its connection to the Volkswagen Polo is clear. Everywhere you look quality plastics are on show and everything feels solidly built. Poke around and you'll find some areas that aren't quite up to the Polo's standard, but the differences are marginal and many people will prefer the sportier look of the SEAT's driver-focused dashboard.

Equipment

Standard equipment is generous across the range (especially when compared to the more expensive VW Polo). For example, even the cheapest five-door Ibiza gets accessories such as air-conditioning, electric front windows and split-folding rear seats.

Upgrading to SE gets you alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and front foglights. A touchscreen infotainment system is thrown in, too, adding a Bluetooth phone connection and a memory-card slot for playing music.

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The VISTA trim throws in larger alloy wheels, cruise control, hill hold assistance and rear parking sensors.

Go for the Ibiza CONNECT and you get SEAT's Full Link connectivity system (which comprises MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), plus satellite navigation. To take full advantage of the connectivity systems, the CONNECT trim also gives you a brand new Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone.

Range-topping FR trim adds sports seats, sports suspension and automatic headlights. Go for the FR 'Red Edition' and metallic paint and red-painted alloy wheels are also thrown in.

Finally, the SEAT Ibiza Cupra model has a unique body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, powerful xenon headlights and sports seats.

Options

An extensive options list means you can specify your Ibiza exactly how you'd like. It includes everything from cruise control (£130) to the £230 Convenience Pack that adds automatic headlights with auto dimming and rain-sensing wipers. It's available on the SE, VISTA and CONNECT trim levels.