SEAT Ibiza vs. Volkswagen Polo: which is better?

If you’re in the market for an affordable good first car that’s cheap to run but still spacious enough to kart around a few friends or family members, there’s no shortage of superminis to pick from.

The SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo both have their own appeal – and plenty of it – but they also benefit from quality builds and reliable manufacturing.

If you’re struggling to pick between one or the other, let us outline some of the key differences that set each one apart.

Does the SEAT Ibiza or Volkswagen Polo offer more style?

Although the SEAT Ibiza and the Volkswagen Polo are mechanically very similar because SEAT is part of the Volkswagen Group, both cars take completely different approaches to styling.

SEAT is a brand that focuses on sporty-looking cars, and even this small supermini gets a stylish makeover.

It features a distinctive front end that includes the familiar SEAT headlight design – aggressive triangular-shaped units outlined with LED daytime running lights that are recognisable day or night.

The Ibiza also has a honeycomb-effect front grille and plenty of dynamic body lines that add to its sporty appeal. Check out our SEAT Ibiza review to learn all about its aesthetic details.

On the other hand, the Volkswagen Polo looks a lot more refined and elegant in a way that’s reminiscent of the larger Volkswagen Golf.

It, too, has a similar design language to the rest of the VW range, so it’s immediately recognisable as a Volkswagen.

However, it uses higher-quality materials and touches of chrome, especially on higher trim levels, to give it a premium edge.

Is the Volkswagen Polo or SEAT Ibiza better to drive?

The differences are less stark when it comes to how they drive, and both offer drivers a pick of the same bank of engines, including some punchy yet efficient 1.0-litre petrols that are a joy to use.

The SEAT Ibiza rides slightly more firmly than the Polo, in keeping with the sporty theme, which means it can be more engaging to drive on twisty back roads.

In contrast, the Volkswagen Polo does a marginally better job at soaking up the bumps in and around town. In reality, both strike a good balance in all situations. If you’re looking for a car that’s affordable to run, the Polo is one of the most fuel-efficient VWs out there.

It’s worth noting that if you’re looking for something with a bit more pace, Volkswagen offers a performance GTI version of its Polo. There’s no counterpart for the SEAT Ibiza, however.

SEAT Ibiza vs. VW Polo: interior

It’s a similar story inside, where both cars use the same base parts with their own styling. SEAT, for example, gives the Ibiza a slightly smaller infotainment display, while most models get analogue dials.

Volkswagen has been using digital dials for a little bit longer, and the Polo also has the option of larger screens.

If you’re looking at newer models, then all versions of both cars get multi-display setups with smartphone mirroring and other comforts like cruise control and air-conditioning.

Space inside the Volkswagen Polo is a little more generous than the SEAT Ibiza – both cars’ rear seats are best suited to children, but the Polo might be able to accommodate adults a little more forgivingly.

For more information on the tech and design of its cabin, read our in-depth Volkswagen Polo review.

Volkswagen Polo vs. SEAT Ibiza: which has more boot space?

The difference between these two cars is negligible and virtually unnoticeable in real life. The SEAT Ibiza’s 355-litre boot is only slightly larger than the 351 litres of space in the back of the Volkswagen Polo.

They’re not too far off what you’d find in the larger Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Leon and are slightly above class average, and a long way ahead of a Ford Fiesta, which has 292 litres of storage space.

Compare Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza: which is more reliable?

When it comes to reliability, both the SEAT Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo have a good reputation for being dependable cars.

According to customer satisfaction surveys, the Volkswagen has a slightly better track record for reliability compared with the SEAT, which could be down to any combination of factors, including the fact that more Polos than Ibizas are sold, that they’re more upmarket cars, and that dealership experiences are often slightly better.

Ultimately, they share so many parts that there’s more in common than there is different, making them about as dependable as each other.

Furthermore, because SEAT, Skoda, Audi and Volkswagen all share key components, getting hold of parts shouldn’t be too problematic as they’re readily available.

SEAT Ibiza vs. VW Polo size and dimensions

Surprisingly, although the Volkswagen Polo is generally seen as the more upmarket of the two, it’s actually slightly smaller.

The SEAT Ibiza is 4,059mm long, 1,780mm wide and 1,444mm tall, compared with the Volkswagen Polo, at 4,074mm long and 1,751mm wide. It’s a bit taller, at 1,451mm.

Again, the difference is so minimal that you’ll have a hard time noticing, even with the two parked side-by-side.

Used Volkswagen Polo vs. used SEAT Ibiza: which should you buy?

Both the Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza have been around for so long that they’ve accumulated plenty of loyal fans, but even for newbies, they’re excellent picks.

Together, they’re the ideal pick for younger and first-time drivers thanks to affordable insurance and running costs.

If you’re after something plush and premium-looking, the Polo is the way to go, but for something with just as much style and a little less common or ‘obvious’, consider the SEAT Ibiza.