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The new Seat Ibiza features a new chassis and design to catch the eye and improve the driving experience.

Now in its fourth incarnation the Seat Ibiza is the UK’s favourite Spanish car but will the love affair continue?

Web Editor Adrian Higgins got behind the wheel for the week to bring you his verdict.

View our Seat Ibiza slide show

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks

The new Seat Ibiza is the first of the Spanish manufacturer’s cars to come from the pen of former Lamborghini designer Luc Donckerwolke and it looks sharper than its predecessor. We reckon the car’s most eye-catching feature is its profile with three swooping creases giving the car a more contemporary look but the front has also been revised with the arrow-design nose more prominent and grille and headlights repositioned.

8/10

2. Looks inside

We thought the more driver-focussed minimalist interior was improved when we covered the Seat Ibiza launch in Ibiza and driving the car for a week only confirms this view. Instruments are angled towards the driver and materials look well-fitted and feel robust. We like the three-spoke steering wheel, easy controls and swooping dash. The driver’s seat has been positioned lower while the amount of headroom has been increased. The design is simple and functional with controls sensibly-placed and intuitive. The dashboard features a docking station which is currently compatible with the TomTom satnav system (it’s a neat idea which prevents tell-tale sucker marks alerting would-be thieves you have an expensive bit of kit in your car). Everything is well-positioned to make driving easy and fun.

7/10

3. Practicality

The new Seat Ibiza is based on a new platform which is wider and longer than its predecessor with the extra room that affords translated into 25 litres additional boot space and a total of 292 litres. Looking for split rear seats? These didn’t feature on our S specification model but they are included on SE and Sport versions.

7/10

4. Ride and Handling

The longer and wider platform combined with a lighter stiffer body has brought improvements to both the new Seat Ibiza’s ride and handling while the introduction of a new “agile” chassis gave us greater confidence through corners. Speed-sensitive steering ensures the wheel turns to a lighter touch at lower speeds for parking manoeuvres while requiring a heavier hand for higher speeds.

8/10

5. Performance

The new Seat Ibiza went on sale with a choice of three petrol engines: the 70bhp 1.2-litre model, 85bhp 1.4-litre model and the 105bhp 1.6-litre model, all of which are coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox. 0-62mph times are 15, 12.2 and 10.5 seconds respectively and top speeds are 101, 108 and  116mph. Diesel models are due to follow in 2009. We found the three cylinder 1.2-litre version a willing city runaround and still comfortable, if a little whiney, at higher speeds.  Further models yet to be added include what will be the range-topping Seat diesel versions and FR and CUPRA performance cars.

7/10

6. Running Costs

The 1.2- and 1.4-litre engine models both fall within car tax band C with emissions of 139g/km and 149g/km and an annual bill of £120. The 1.6-litre model produces carbon emissions of 157g/km placing it in car tax band D with an annual bill of £145. Average fuel consumptions average at 47.8mpg for the 1.2-litre model, 45.4mpg for the 1.4-litre and 42.8mpg for the 1.6-litre car. Insurance ranges from Group 2-5 with our 1.2-model falling within Group 2. Major services are only required at 20,000 mile intervals and the warranty includes two-year Seat road assistance throughout Europe.

7/10

7. Reliability

Historically the Seat Ibiza scores well in the Reliability Index, with the Spanish manufacturer a part of the wide-ranging Volkswagen group – which has a reputation for well-built reliable cars.

8/10

8. Safety

The new Seat Ibiza was awarded a maximum five stars following EuroNCAP crash tests. Anti-Lock brakes are standard while the Electronic Stability Programme is an option.

8/10

View our Seat Ibiza slide show

9. Equipment

The new Seat Ibiza is available in four levels of trim: S, S A/C, SE and Sport. Features on the S level trim include: body-colour bumpers, front electric windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, CD player with steering column mounted controls and anti-lock brakes. The entry-level model is also available with aircon for an extra £500. The SE adds 15-inch wheels, body-coloured door handles, front foglights, split folding rear seats , electric rear windows and cruise control. The Sport trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, sports seats, leather steering wheel and gear knob. Options include new bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting system, metallic paint, Hill Hold Control, Electronic Stability Programme, rear parking sensors and iPod/USB connection.

8/10

10. X-Factor

The Seat Ibiza is a stylish supermini which stands comparison with updated rivals.

Compare best prices of Used SEAT Ibiza Cars For Sale with Auto Trader UK

8/10