The Ibiza was awarded a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant crash safety along with an impressive four stars for child protection. Unlike the standard Ibiza range, ESP stability control comes as standard on the FR along with side and twin front airbags while curtain airbags are an option. There are two Isofix anchoring points in the rear seats while a third anchor point called Top Tether, which prevents child seats from rotating in a crash, is also available.

Unlike the Cupra, the FR is available with five-doors (only with the TDI engine) which makes it a much more realistic choice for buyers with children. Getting in and out of the back of the three door model is tricky – although it’s no more difficult than any other three-door hatchback of this size. But if you regularly carry passengers in the back or have child seats to fit, the five-door is far easier.

The rear doors open fairly wide, giving good access and there’s more headroom too. The boot is a decent size and with 284 litres the three-door model is larger than other hatchbacks like the Renault Clio. The five-door has 292 litres which is on par with the Ford Fiesta, but annoyingly there’s quite a prominent boot lip too. Up front there’s good storage but the glovebox is disappointingly small.