The fourth generation version of SEAT’s Ibiza has so far been an interesting but often under-rated choice in the supermini segment. This much-improved model gets a thorough refresh of its engines, more equipment and joins the trend for customer personalisation, the changes coming together to create a very complete product. Is it all too late to turn round the fortunes of this MK4 model? It’ll be interesting to see....

This is the second update of the Ibiza Mk4, this time round SEAT has had a good look at the engine range. The entry-level 1.0-litre petrol unit is a three-cylinder which produces 75PS in naturally aspirated format and 95PS or 110PS in ‘Eco TSI’ turbocharged guise. The four-cylinder 1.4 Eco TSI with active cylinder management (ACT) develops 150PS while its cylinder deactivation under partial load leads to impressive fuel economy. There’s also a 1.4 TDI with 75PS and two other TDI powertrains, offering either 90 or 105PS.

The Ibiza doesn’t look too different from the 2012 car, which in turn wasn’t radically changed from Luc Donckerwolke’s original. As before, it’s available in three body styles - five-door, ‘SC’ three-door and ‘ST’ compact estate. SEAT has belatedly jumped onto the personalisation bandwagon and now offers the Ibiza with ‘Colour Packs’. ‘Bismuth’ (an elegant shade of brown) is among them, as is ‘Velvet’ (a rich purple). Each Colour Pack comes with a wide range of trim elements in the respective colour.

Bringing a welcome dose of technology to the Ibiza is sure to help its showroom appeal. The ‘MediaSystem plus’ and sat nav system can be enhanced with the ‘MirrorLink’ function, which provides seamless smartphone integration into the car infotainment system. In other words, you see the icons from your Android phone on the infotainment screen in the car. If you’re a scion of Steve Jobs (or, to put it another way, if you’ve got an iPhone), you’ll need ‘The Full Link’ option that’ll give you the ‘Apple CarPlay’ system that does much the same thing as MirrorLink. SEAT also debuts a Tiredness Recognition System with this Ibiza, plus their Multi-Collision Brake system.

  • CAR: SEAT Ibiza range
  • PRICES: £9,995 - £18,900
  • INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-18
  • CO2 EMISSIONS: 93-145g/km
  • PERFORMANCE: [1.4 TSI 150] 0-60mph 7.6s / top speed 137mph
  • FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.0] (combined) 64.2mpg
  • STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, twin front airbags, ESP stability control
  • WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm 4227/1693/1445