The first-generation Seat Ibiza Ecomotive helped set the benchmark for efficient, good-looking and affordable superminis.

Now in its third incarnation, it has gained the latest efficiency technology, three bodystyles and a subtle aerodynamic makeover. The result is a car that has a combined fuel economy of 80.2mpg and emits just 92g/km of CO2, making it free to tax.

The outgoing model’s 80bhp 1.4-litre engine has been replaced by a new, ultra-efficient 75bhp 1.2-litre TDI CR unit, which is also used in the new Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion and Skoda Fabia Greenline.

Ultra-efficient 1.2-litre TDI

This engine is impressively quick despite its reduced size and power. Thanks to its 133lb/ft of pulling power (torque), better aerodynamics and less weight, it is actually slightly faster than the standard Ibiza.

The five-door model can go from 0-62mph in 13.9 seconds and has a top speed of 108mph – 4mph more than its standard sibling.

But this pace does come at the price of engine noise. While wind and road noise are impressively low, the rattle from the Ibiza Ecomotive’s three-cylinder diesel engine is considerable. It’s especially loud around town but things do improve when at a cruise.

Full gallery: Seat Ibiza Ecomotive

The longer gearing – intended to improve efficiency – takes a little time to get used to; a lower gear than expected was needed to negotiate our mountainous test route on the outskirts of Barcelona.

The chassis is responsive and fun to drive, while Seat’s characteristically firm ride wasn’t exacerbated by the Ecomotive’s stiffer suspension and higher tyre pressures.

Ecomotive technology

For the first time, the Ibiza Ecomotive also features a stop and start system, brake energy regeneration and a gear shift indicator, which suggests which gear is most appropriate for maximum efficiency.

The Ecomotive’s aerodynamic tweaks includes a lower, closed grille to redirect airflow out of the engine bay, a front spoiler, a rear hatch spoiler, deflectors over the rear wheel arches and 15-inch low-resistance wheels.

The new Seat Ibiza Ecomotive is well-equipped and comes in two trim levels:  S A/C and SE levels. The entry-level version gets ABS, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, air conditioning and MP3 connectivity. SE adds front fog lights with cornering function, heated door mirrors and cruise control.

It is available in three body styles – five-door, sporty three-door SC and ST estate. The option of an efficient estate version is rare in this market and it should prove a popular choice, with its 92g/km of CO2 and 80.7mpg.

Full gallery: Seat Ibiza ST Ecomotive

But variety alone will not help Seat achieve its aspirations for Ecomotive to account for 20 per cent of all Ibiza sales, up from 13 per cent. As the Ecomotive costs £800 more than the standard car, how will it persuade buyers to pay a premium for efficiency?

Youthful, sporty image

While old rivals the Ford Fiesta Econetic and Vauxhall Corsa Ecoflex have not improved on their 98g/km CO2 status, other manufacturers have stormed ahead. The Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion and Skoda Fabia Greenline estate now emit 89g/km of CO2. Even Seat itself has come along in leaps and bounds with its new Leon Ecomotive, which emits 99g/km – the same as the original Ibiza Ecomotive.

The new Ibiza Ecomotive’s big selling points are its competitive pricing – it matches Skoda and Vauxhall, and is nearly £2,000 cheaper than the VW and Ford, which start from £15,045 and £15,445 respectively. Its youthful, sporty image has helped it capture the lowest average new car buyer age in Britain.

It’s for these reasons and its exceptionally low running costs that the new Seat Ibiza Ecomotive will become a hit when it arrives in UK showrooms in October.

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Key Facts:

Model tested: Seat Ibiza Ecomotive ST 1.2 TDI CR
On the road price: £14,910
Price range: £9,560 – £17,720
Road tester: Rhian Angharad Jones
Date tested: July 2010