Such paradoxes are rare in Spain’s automotive world: a model that hasn’t changed in nearly a decade is back on top in sales. In 2025, the Seat Ibiza confidently retained its title as the country’s most popular petrol-powered car, despite lacking a new generation and facing growing competition from electric and hybrid vehicles. While most manufacturers rush to update their lineups, the Spanish brand chose patience—and it paid off.
While car enthusiasts debate the latest releases and concepts, sales statistics speak for themselves. Over the past year, Seat Ibiza sold 23,201 units, securing a 7.29% market share. Even amid an overall 16% decline in demand for petrol cars compared to the previous year, this hatchback not only held its ground but achieved a 5.36% increase in sales. In December 2025, the model once again led the market, outperforming the Hyundai i10 and its stablemate, Seat Arona.
Market trends
The petrol car sector in Spain is going through tough times. The impact of electrification, stricter environmental standards, and uncertainty about the future of internal combustion engines have clearly affected sales dynamics. In December 2025, the sector saw a drop of over 30% compared to the same period in 2024. Nevertheless, these very conditions allowed Seat Ibiza not only to stay afloat but to strengthen its position.
Buyers are increasingly considering alternative powertrains, but for many Spaniards, the traditional petrol hatchback remains the optimal choice. Simplicity, affordable pricing, and time-tested reliability continue to attract thousands of drivers. At a time when the market is unstable and new technologies don’t always deliver on their promises, betting on tried-and-true classics proves to be a winning strategy.
The secret to success
What makes the Seat Ibiza so in demand? First, its versatility: compact dimensions (4.06 meters), ten different trim options, and a starting price from €14,900 make the model appealing to a broad audience. Second, the absence of complex hybrid or electric systems simplifies maintenance and lowers ownership costs. For many buyers, this becomes the decisive factor.
Interestingly, over eight years on the market, the Ibiza has changed little in both appearance and engineering. In an era when automakers update design and features annually, this approach might seem risky. However, Spaniards appear to value stability and recognizability. The model has become a symbol of reliability and practicality, and its success is a challenge to modern trends.
A double triumph
Seat has reason to be proud of more than just the Ibiza’s success. The brand’s crossover, Arona, claimed second place in the ranking of petrol cars for 2025. This result shows that the Spanish manufacturer has managed to find the right strategy and maintain customer trust even amid a turbulent market.
While competitors focus on innovation and aggressive marketing, Seat continues to rely on proven solutions. Perhaps this very conservatism is the key to its success. Buyers vote with their wallets — or rather, with their euros — for what truly matters to them: reliability, affordability, and the absence of unnecessary complications.
Looking ahead
Whether a new generation of the Ibiza will appear in the coming years remains an open question. For now, the manufacturer is in no rush to announce updates, and the sales speak for themselves. It’s entirely possible the model will again top the rankings in 2026, despite all the industry changes. Spain’s car market keeps surprising: here, people value not only what’s new, but also time-tested choices.
In case you didn’t know, Seat is one of Spain’s oldest and most recognizable car manufacturers. The company was founded in 1950 and has been part of the Volkswagen Group since 1986. The Ibiza model first appeared on the market in 1984 and has since become the brand’s signature vehicle. Over the years, the car has undergone several updates, but the latest generation, launched in 2017, has proven to be the most long-lasting and successful. Today, Seat continues to hold a leading position in the domestic market, despite growing competition from international brands and emerging technologies.
