2026 SEAT Ibiza FR - Still Excellent (and still available in the UK!)
This year, the SEAT Ibiza celebrates its 40th birthday, and John Marcar recently travelled to the Balearic island that the car was named after to try out the latest version in FR trim.
Hold on... is SEAT still selling cars in the UK?
In early 2023, it was announced that the SEAT brand would step aside to allow its sister brand, CURPA, to take the lead in the UK market. The message got lost in translation as many took this to mean that all SEAT showrooms would be closing for good and that the iconic Spanish brand would no longer be available to UK consumers. In case there is still some confusion, allow me to deliver the good news and set the record straight. Yes, SEAT cars are still available in the UK, and yes, the legendary Ibiza is still in the lineup.
New 2026 SEAT Ibiza FR
For 2026, the new model has withheld many of the key attributes that have made it a popular choice for buyers for over the past four decades. It's still small (yet big enough to accommodate 4 adults), it still has a sensibly sized 1.0L engine (but it packs enough punch to be fun!), and it still looks like a slightly more exciting version of its sister car, the VW Polo, (which is bound to make it a popular choice for buyers).
Design and styling
For 2026, the Ibiza has undergone a significant refresh inside and out. The interior feels especially sporty and engaging, with plenty of premium-quality parts, including a leather-stitched steering wheel and high-quality fabrics. Outside, new bumpers nod to an Audi-inspired design language (no bad thing!) and updated headlights give the car a newer, more aggressive look. Crucially, it all looks very high quality, and the materials used reflect that. The new Ibiza isn't likely to be the cheapest hot hatch on the market in 2026, especially when compared with its Asian competition, but it will probably be one of the best in terms of overall style and engagement.
The Engine
In the UK, the Ibiza FR is available with a 1.0L 3-cylinder petrol engine. Despite its size, the TSI engine still pushes out an impressive 115PS to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The model I tested was equipped with the DSG option, and the flappy paddles added an extra element of fun to the drive. For European territories, a larger 150PS 1.5L TSI 4-cylinder engine will also be available. Out of curiosity, I did have a short drive in the 1.5, but in my humble opinion, the 1.0L is actually the best of the pair.
Excellent tech as standard
When SEAT was acquired by VW in the 1980s, the Germans offered a superb list of new tech and engineering that, before then, simply wasn't available to SEAT when it was partnered with FIAT. Almost 40 years on from that acquisition, the technology-sharing between VW and SEAT has continued, offering superb value for buyers who want the Spanish brand. The 2026 model comes standard with an 8.25" floating infotainment screen, which can be upgraded to a 9.2" unit that integrates wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also a punchy new sound system which delivers premium audio quality via a subwoofer and a 300W amp.
Alongside the wireless phone connection is wireless charging, which features its own cooling system to prevent devices from overheating.
Additional VW/Audi safety and convenience features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, and traffic sign recognition, all designed to reduce driver fatigue.
Space and Practicality
Despite being just a smidge over 4 metres long and 1.7 metres wide, the Ibiza still offers a generous amount of space for a driver and passenger up front and enough legroom in the rear to keep most adults happy. There is also a more than adequate 335 litres of boot capacity, and the rear seats fold quickly and easily for the occasional larger item.
The Drive
The new Ibiza FR is a joy to drive. In an ever-increasing world of large and heavy SUVs, the 2026 Ibiza is a welcome reminder that small cars are excellent. The 1.0 TSI engine delivers 200 Nm of torque to the front wheels, which is well-suited to the platform, and in FR trim, new bucket seats offer a great balance of comfort, support and style too.
On the twisty coastal roads of Ibiza, whilst making full use of the 7 Speed DSG gearbox, I found myself exerting more than the occasional giggle. There is something especially joyful about a 3-pot engine making use of its entire rev range whilst carving through the cambered corners. For more sedate use in towns and villages, the engine proved equally fit for purpose, whether sensibly crawling along or giving it a bit more of a squeeze away from the traffic lights.
The chassis felt far more fun and engaging than necessary, but that's certainly not a complaint; cornering at speed was grippy and very enjoyable, and when navigating the occasional bumpier terrain or speed bump in town, the ride remained compliant and comfy.
At motorway speeds, the Ibiza FR happily cruises along with minimal fuss and the adaptive cruise control allows for a relaxed, lengthy drive. As is typical for a small hatchback, there is some road rumble to compete with on certain surfaces, but nothing out of the ordinary or worthy of criticism.
Driving modes
There are 4 driving modes to choose from, on the 2026 model, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, each with unique settings for steering feel and gear shifts.
Trims and Prices
For 2026, the Ibiza will be available in three optional trims. Ibiza (the base model), Style as mid-level trim and FR (as tested) at the top of the range. Pricing for all trim levels is expected to be announced before the end of the year.
words by John Marcar
photography by SEAT
