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SEAT Ibiza

An island name, 6 million sales and 3 straight 2-Litre world rally titles123

Researched October 26, 2026 from 35 sources

Also called

  • La plus latine des allemandesThe first Ibiza's Italian design and German engine inspired this description, meaning 'the most Latin of the Germans.'4

At a glance

0150300
39–207 hpPower
012.525
6.7–21.4 s0–100 km/h
0125250
130–235 km/hTop speed
0200400
56–330 N·mTorque
07501,500
840–1,255 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.169131516

Engine
0.9–2.0 L gasoline; 1.4–1.9 L diesel; CNG also offered11012
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive1
Gearbox
5/6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or 7-speed dual-clutch DSG1314
Built at
Zona Franca / Martorell, Spain; Mk3 also Bratislava, Slovakia1315
Units built
Mk2: 1,522,607; Mk3: 1,221,200; Mk4: 924,18361316

The story

Created to give SEAT its own car after Fiat, the Ibiza took its name from a Spanish island. Italdesign, Karmann and Porsche helped create the 1984 original; the family became SEAT's best-seller.15

1984: Paris debut for an independent SEAT19841993: Mk2 inaugurates Martorell19931996: Cupra takes rally success onto the road19961998: 3 straight 2-Litre world titles19982001: Cupra R: only 200 examples20012009: 1.4 Cupra goes DSG-only20092015: 1.8 turbo brings the manual back20152017: First to use MQB A020172024: 40 years, Graphene Grey and bucket seats2024 SEAT Fura: 1981–1986SEAT FuraSEAT Ibiza Mk1 (021A): 1984–1993021ASEAT Ibiza Mk2 (6K): 1993–20026KSEAT Ibiza III (6L): 2002–20086LSEAT Ibiza IV (6J): 2008–20176J 19801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones16131625
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1981–1986SEAT Fura
1984–1993SEAT Ibiza Mk1 (021A)
1993–2002SEAT Ibiza Mk2 (6K)
2002–2008SEAT Ibiza III (6L)
2008–2017SEAT Ibiza IV (6J)
1984Paris debut for an independent SEAT
1993Mk2 inaugurates Martorell
1996Cupra takes rally success onto the road
19983 straight 2-Litre world titles
2001Cupra R: only 200 examples
20091.4 Cupra goes DSG-only
20151.8 turbo brings the manual back
2017First to use MQB A0
202440 years, Graphene Grey and bucket seats
  1. 1984

    Paris debut for an independent SEAT

    The first Ibiza combines Italdesign styling, Karmann production expertise and a powertrain developed with Porsche.1

  2. 1993

    Mk2 inaugurates Martorell

    After Volkswagen becomes SEAT's main shareholder in 1986, the Mk2 inaugurates Martorell as the first Ibiza fully developed and built under Group ownership.16

  3. 1996

    Cupra takes rally success onto the road

    The road Cupra launches with a 150 hp 2.0-liter 16-valve engine as the Ibiza Kit Car wins its first 2-Litre world title.3

  4. 1998

    3 straight 2-Litre world titles

    The Ibiza Kit Car takes a third straight 2-Litre manufacturers' title. The Cupra 2 wears the rally car's Bengal yellow.37

  5. 2001

    Cupra R: only 200 examples

    The Cupra R raises output to 178 hp and adds revised suspension, Brembo brakes and OZ Racing wheels.18

  6. 2009

    1.4 Cupra goes DSG-only

    The fourth-generation Cupra combines a turbocharger and supercharger with seven-speed DSG. The Bocanegra edition adds a black nose.8

  7. 2015

    1.8 turbo brings the manual back

    The Cupra replaces its twincharged 1.4 with a 189 hp 1.8 turbo and six-speed manual, reaching 100 km/h in a claimed 6.7 seconds.89

  8. 2017

    First to use MQB A0

    The fifth Ibiza debuts Volkswagen Group's MQB A0 platform, gaining cabin space, technology and safety; the range also includes CNG.10

  9. 2024

    40 years, Graphene Grey and bucket seats

    The Anniversary Limited Edition adds Graphene Grey paint, 18-inch Cosmo Grey wheels, textile bucket seats and lasered anniversary logos.11

Every generation

  • SEAT Fura
    SEAT Fura1981–1986
  • SEAT Ibiza Mk1
    021A1984–1993
  • SEAT Ibiza Mk2
    6K1993–2002
  • SEAT Ibiza III
    6L2002–2008
  • SEAT Ibiza IV
    6J2008–2017

Power over the years

From 85 hp to 207 hp in 29 years.

0100200300 1990200020102020 hp 1984 · 85 hp · 1.5 GLX1988 · 99 hp · SXi 1.5 injection1996 · 150 hp · Original Cupra 2.0 16v2001 · 178 hp · Cupra R 1.8T2004 · 158 hp · Cupra 1.9 TDI2009 · 79 hp · SC 1.4 TDI Ecomotive2009 · 178 hp · Cupra 1.4 twincharger2013 · 207 hp · Switzerland: Cupra R13 (ABT)2015 · 189 hp · Cupra 1.8 TSI2017 · 148 hp · UK: 1.5 TSI2021 · 89 hp · Spain: 1.0 TGI CNG2026 · 114 hp · UK: 1.0 TSI 207 hp Switzerland: Cupra R13 (ABT) 85 hp 1.5 GLX
123891214151617181920
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1984851.5 GLX
198899SXi 1.5 injection
1996150Original Cupra 2.0 16v
2001178Cupra R 1.8T
2004158Cupra 1.9 TDI
200979SC 1.4 TDI Ecomotive
2009178Cupra 1.4 twincharger
2013207Switzerland: Cupra R13 (ABT)
2015189Cupra 1.8 TSI
2017148UK: 1.5 TSI
202189Spain: 1.0 TGI CNG
2026114UK: 1.0 TSI

Versions

8 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    First-generation L / GL / GLX

    1984–1988

  • Fifth-generation trims

    Standard

    Fifth-generation trims

  • SXi

    Performance

    SXi

    1988–1993

    99 hp
  • Cupra 1.4 TSI / Bocanegra

    Performance

    Cupra 1.4 TSI / Bocanegra

    2009

    178 hp
  • I-TECH / CONNECT

    Special

    I-TECH / CONNECT

  • 30 Years Anniversary Limited Edition

    Limited

    30 Years Anniversary Limited Edition

    2014

  • Limited

    40th Anniversary Limited Edition

    2024

  • Limited

    Cupra R

    2001

    180 hp

    200 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: angular bodywork and large windows.4
  • Second generation: rounder bodywork than the first Ibiza.24
  • Fourth generation: three-door SC, five-door hatchback or ST wagon.16
  • Fifth generation, launched in 2017: five-door hatchback only.20

Year by year

  1. 1989; 1991

    Mk1: a body-color four-bar grille in 1989; 1991 New Style rounded the nose. SXi gained smoked-band taillights and lost red stripes.1415

  2. 1996; 1999

    Second generation: smoother bumpers in 1996; the 1999 facelift revised both ends and made the tailgate SEAT badge a trunk release.1

  3. 2006

    Third generation: bumpers were reshaped to resemble the Cupra's, with smaller cabin detail changes.13

  4. 2012; 2015

    Fourth generation: 2012 brought reshaped headlights and a smaller grille; 2015 added wheel designs, color accents and a new cabin screen.16

  5. 2026

    New grille, front and rear bumpers and LED headlights; FR gains standard bucket seats.2

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a SEAT Ibiza
    Ibiza
    Photo of a SEAT Córdoba
    SEAT Córdoba

    SEAT Córdoba

    Second-generation Ibiza is the hatchback; Córdoba is the sedan/coupe and Córdoba Vario the wagon.1

Against its rivals

  • Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup

    Ibiza vs Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup

    Power

    Ibiza178 hp
    Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup197 hp
    19

Prices

Value today $668.0–$5.9K30

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$100$1K$10K$100K 20202022202420262028 Value today: $668–$5,850 2021 · $26,613 · UK FR base (~$1.38/£)2021 · $22,998 · Spain TGI Reference (~$1.18/€) 2022 · $5,625 · 1990 SXi (~$1.25/£), H&H Auctioneers2025 · $3,640 · 2015 I-Tech 38252mi; paint repair; hammer+18–19.8%, Collectors Sale2025 · $1,466 · 2010 1.4 Sport (~$1.30/£), Ewbank's2025 · $1,170 · 2010 1.4 Sport, mileage 145,539, Ewbanks (hammer)2026 · $1,820 · 1995 CLS (~$1.30/£), Morris Leslie2026 · $668 · 2006 FR T (~$1.30/£), Humbert & Ellis $5.6K H&H Auctioneers, 2022
1421303335
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2021Price when new$26,613UK FR base (~$1.38/£)
2021Price when new$22,998Spain TGI Reference (~$1.18/€)
2022Auction sale$5,6251990 SXi (~$1.25/£), H&H Auctioneers
2025Auction sale$3,6402015 I-Tech 38252mi; paint repair; hammer+18–19.8%, Collectors Sale
2025Auction sale$1,4662010 1.4 Sport (~$1.30/£), Ewbank's
2025Auction sale$1,1702010 1.4 Sport, mileage 145,539, Ewbanks (hammer)
2026Auction sale$1,8201995 CLS (~$1.30/£), Morris Leslie
2026Auction sale$6682006 FR T (~$1.30/£), Humbert & Ellis
2026Value today$668–$5,850

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 8 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “Six million Ibizas in four decades”
    • “Two engines, one gear lever”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. SEAT Ibiza - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. New SEAT Ibiza FR Sport 2025 review: updated supermini lacks refinement | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  3. Ibiza Cupra seatcocheshistoricos.es
  4. SEAT IBIZA SXI (1988–1993) – Guide occasion automobile-sportive.com
  5. Así es el Seat Ibiza de ‘La casa de papel’, pieza clave en la serie motor.elpais.com
  6. SEAT Ibiza II - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre es.wikipedia.org
  7. Kit Car E2 seatcocheshistoricos.es
  8. The history of Cupra performance cars retromotor.co.uk
  9. SEAT Ibiza Cupra - prices, specs and 0-60 time | | evo evo.co.uk
  10. The New SEAT Leon – A better design, more technology, more functional seat-cupra-mediacenter.com
  11. SEAT Ibiza Anniversary Limited Edition seat-cupra-mediacenter.com
  12. Seat Ibiza Ecomotive: Test Drive Review - Business Car businesscar.co.uk
  13. SEAT Ibiza III - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre es.wikipedia.org
  14. Seat Ibiza 2021. Estos son todos sus precios motor16.com
  15. SEAT Ibiza I - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre es.wikipedia.org
  16. SEAT Ibiza IV - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre es.wikipedia.org
  17. Essai rétro Seat Ibiza mk1 : une quadragénaire qui vous rajeunit - L'argus largus.fr
  18. Used SEAT Ibiza Cars Review | Used SEAT Ibiza Supermini Cars | Second Hand SEAT Ibiza Car | | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  19. SEAT Ibiza Cupra V Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup | evo evo.co.uk
  20. Used SEAT Ibiza (Mk5, 2017-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. New SEAT Ibiza 2021 facelift on sale from £16,945 | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  22. SEAT launches new i-Tech special editions| Vertu vertumotors.com
  23. Επετειακή έκδοση για το Seat Ibiza - 30 Years Anniversary Limited Edition - gocar.gr - Περιοδικό αυτοκινήτου gocar.gr
  24. LOS PADRES DEL IBIZA, POR PRIMERA VEZ JUNTOS - MotorMundial motormundial.es
  25. SEAT Fura - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  26. New SEAT Ibiza 2015 facelift review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  27. Ibiza - Giorgetto & Fabrizio Giugiaro Designers giorgettofabriziogiugiaro.it
  28. 124 One Million seatcocheshistoricos.es
  29. Gran Turismo 5 - List of featured cars gran-turismo.com
  30. Seat Ibiza For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  31. Used SEAT Ibiza prices — UK market data | Torq gettorqing.com
  32. Used SEAT Ibiza (Mk4, 2008-2017) - problems and recalls | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  33. Motor Car. 2015 low mileage Seat Ibiza I-Tech TSI 2-door coupe, 1197 cc, petrol engine, manual trans auctions.mellorsandkirk.com
  34. Precio del SEAT Ibiza de segunda mano por año (octubre de 2026) | cars4sale cars4sale.es
  35. LOT:4033 | 2010 (10) SEAT Ibiza 1.4 Sport 5-door Hatchback. Registr... ewbankauctions.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • seatcocheshistoricos.es
  • automobile-sportive.com
  • motor.elpais.com
  • es.wikipedia.org
  • retromotor.co.uk
  • evo.co.uk
  • seat-cupra-mediacenter.com
  • businesscar.co.uk
  • motor16.com
  • largus.fr
  • vertumotors.com
  • gocar.gr

Photo credits

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