The 2008 Ibiza is among one of the safest small cars on the road, achieving the highest star rating in official independent crash tests for occupant protection (five stars) and for child protection (four stars). The pedestrian impact rating of three stars has not been bettered by a car without a sophisticated ‘pop-up’ bonnet to increase protection.

New safety kit was added in 2015, including a Tiredness Recognition System which can spot diminishing driver concentration, and Multi-Collision Brake which automatically slows the vehicle down following a serious impact. If the airbag goes off then the brakes can be automatically activated and the hazard lights switched on.

The Ibiza’s boot is among the largest in this class, easily able to swallow a couple of suitcases before you have to think about folding down the rear seats. With 292 litres it’s similar to a Ford Fiesta and larger than the Volkswagen Polo.

The rear seats fold down to boost space and the Ibiza can carry a surprising amount overall. There’s decent storage upfront although the shallow glovebox is disappointing.