No new car class is as competitive as the supermini market.
market. Virtually every manufacturer has one of these compact and cost-effective models on its books, so you need something special to stand out from the crowd.
The SEAT Ibizahas never lacked kerb appeal, but this refresh nearly eight years into the car’s life is overdue; there were some minor tweaks in 2012, yet they went nowhere near as far as this latest update.
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With subtle styling changes, a more upmarket interior, new engines and revised suspension, the newcomer leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of class honours.
But it’s not the only model to have been given a nip and tuck. The Peugeot 208has also gone under the knife and now features more kit and a host of personalisation options.
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Also new is the turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol, which we put to the test for the first time here.
Setting the standard for both new arrivals is our reigning champ, the VW Polo. Classy, refined, practical and cheap to run, the German car proves that you don’t have to compromise when downsizing.
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So, which of our trio will prove to be the biggest hit on the high street?
Click the links above to read individual reviews, and scroll down to see which supermini comes out on top...
Head-to-head
Infotainment
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All of our contenders feature a touchscreen infotainment system. SEAT has dropped its flimsy dashtop cradle in favour of an intuitive in-dash unit. Like the Polo’s set-up, it boasts a proximity sensor that reveals functions as your hand moves nearer the screen. The 208’s seven-inch display is the biggest here, but it’s not as easy to use.
Customisation
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Peugeot offers bold paint finishes, wheel colours, exterior decal packs and contrasting interior trim. The Ibiza’s £150 Blue pack adds blue wheels and mirror housings, while the £640 Velvet and Bismouth upgrades feature colour-coded rims, vent surrounds and leather stitching.
Engines
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The SEAT and VW share the same 89bhp 1.2-litre four-cylinder TSI, but the Polo emits just 107g/km of CO2 compared to the Ibiza’s 119g/km figure. The Peugeot’s three-cylinder is also a 1.2-litre, yet produces 108bhp and emits less CO2, at 103g/km.
Verdict
1st place: VW Polo
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It’s another deserving victory for the Polo. It’s not as boldy styled as its rivals here, but the VW oozes class. Not only does it feel more upmarket inside, it also delivers greater refinement and comfort. Yet it’s still agile and composed, while its TSI engine is a smooth and eager performer. Low running costs, excellent residuals and impressive practicality seal the deal.
2nd place: Peugeot 208
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It’s not cheap to buy and the driving position won’t be to all tastes, but the revised 208 is a desirable small car choice. The package is boosted by the addition of the brand’s new turbocharged 1.2-litre engine, which delivers big car pace together with strong refinement. A roomy cabin, decent equipment list and low emissions only add to the appeal.
3rd place: SEAT Ibiza
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A raft of tweaks inside and out can’t disguise the Ibiza’s advancing years. It’s still reasonably fun to drive and the 1.2-litre TSI is a refined performer, but the SEAT just lacks some of the latest must-have equipment of its supermini rivals. Factor in high CO2 emissions, a cabin that has too many low-rent materials and inconsistent handling`, and the Ibiza finishes last here.
Other options in this category
Mazda 21.5 SE-L Nav
Price: £14,395 Engine: 1.5-litre 4cyl, 89bhp
Mazda’s ‘right-sizing’ engine policy means there’s no turbo, but the 1.5-litre is keen and paired with a precise five-speed box. And while the 2 trails rivals on efficiency, it’s stylish and fun. Plus, its easy-to-use touchscreen nav is standard.
Ford Fiesta1.0T Zetec 5dr
Price: £14,795 Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl, 99bhp
The Fiesta is getting on a bit now, but the combination of a punchy turbo engine and sparkling handling means it still sets the standard for involvement. It’s not as well equipped as rivals and is expensive, yet Ford dealers will always haggle.
Key specs: VW Polo 1.2 TSI SE Peugeot 208 PureTech Allure SEAT ibiza 1.2 TSI Connect On-the-road price/total as tested £14,410/£14,470 £16,095/£17,510 £14,620/£15,250 Residual value (after 3yrs/30,000) £7,306/50.7% £6,551/40.7% £6,228/42.6% Depreciation £7,104 £9,544 £8,392 Annual tax liability std/higher rate £459/£919 £481/£962 £524/£1,049 Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) £1,490/£2,483 £1,397/£2,329 £1,737/£2,896 Ins. group/quote/road tax band/cost 15/£418/B/£20 15/£387/B/£20 13/£334/C/£30 Servicing costs £288 (2yrs) £12.99 p/m (3yrs/35k) £480 (3yrs/30k) Length/wheelbase 3,972/2,470mm 3,973/2,538mm 4,061/2469mm Height/width 1,453/1,682mm 1,460/1,739mm 1,445/1,693mm Engine 4cyl in-line/1,197cc 3cyl in-line/1,199cc 4cyl in-line/1,197cc Peak power 89/4,800 bhp/rpm 108/5,500 bhp/rpm 89/4,400 bhp/rpm Peak torque 160/1,400 Nm/rpm 205/1,500 Nm/rpm 160/1,400 Nm/rpm Transmission 5-spd man/fwd 5-spd man/fwd 5-spd man/fwd Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel 45 litres/foam 50 litres/space saver 45 litres/foam Boot capacity (seats up/down) 280/952 litres 285/1,076 litres 292/847 litres Kerbweight/payload/towing weight 1,107/531/1,000kg 1,060/552/1,150kg 1,043/487/1,000kg Turning circle 10.6 metres 10.4 metres 10.0 metres Basic warranty (miles)/recovery 3yrs (60,000)/1yr 3yrs (60,000)/1yr 3yrs (60,000)/2yrs Service intervals/UK dealers Variable/223 12,500 miles (1yr)/300 Variable/128 Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos. 22nd/31st 10th/5th 15th/27th NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars 90/86/41/71/5 88/78/61/83/5 82/77/59/71/5 0-60/30-70mph 9.9/10.2 seconds 9.5/9.6 seconds 10.8/11.9 seconds 30-50mph in 3rd/4th 5.0/7.2 seconds 4.3/6.6 seconds 5.6/8.7 seconds 50-70mph in 5th 10.9 seconds 10.0 seconds 15.2 seconds Top speed/rpm at 70mph 114mph/2,600rpm 118mph/2,500rpm 114mph/2,600rpm Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph 51.4/36.9/9.4m 50.3/36.6/9.4m 47.6/35.8/9.4m Noise levels outside/idle/30/70mph 62/50/58/64dB 63/42/61/70dB 63/42/61/70dB Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range 40.7/9.0/403 miles 43.4/9.5/477 miles 34.9/7.7/345 miles Govt urban/extra-urban/combined 47.1/70.6/60.1mpg 50.4/74.3/62.8mpg 44.1/70.6/57.6mpg Govt urban/extra-urban/combined 10.4/15.5/13.2mpl 11.1/16.3/13.8mpl 9.7/15.5/12.7mpl Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket 160/107g/km/16% 150/103g/km/15% 187/116g/km/18% Airbags/Isofix/parking sens/camera Four/yes/£295/£240 Six/yes/yes/£200 Four/yes/£249/no Auto gearbox/stability/cruise control £1,375/yes/£400^ £1,100/yes/yes No/yes/£130 Climate control/leather/heated seats £380/no/£360 £290/£1,110/£1,110* No/no/no Metallic paint/LED lights/keyless go £540/£900/no £495/no/no £530/no/no Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth £700/yes/yes/yes £450/yes/yes/yes Yes/yes/£280/yes