Should you buy one?

Yes. The SEAT Ibiza feels like a grown-up hatchback that’s been shrunk down without sacrificing on space or comfort. With genuine space for four and a comprehensive selection of frugal yet nippy engines to choose from, there’s an awful lot going for it. It also has a sense of fun about it as all good small cars should.

We think it’s starting to fall behind its rivals for kit. If you like your supermini dripping with the latest technology as standard then the Ibiza looks a little barren until you look at the top of the trim list, where prices are north of £25,000.

It’s still a desirable and affordable car though, and with some of the best handling in the small car class. It feels far sturdier than the likes of the Suzuki Swift but cannot quite match the all-rounded excellence offered by the Renault Clio.

Yes. The SEAT Ibiza is good value in its latest form and feels very grown-up to drive without losing the sense of fun you expect in a small car. It has a well-specified interior with genuine space for four, plus a comprehensive selection of frugal yet nippy engines to choose from.

What we like

The engines are all willing and economical and the long-distance comfort is excellent for this class of car. The interior is roomy and the infotainment is up-to-date and the exterior is desirable, especially with bright colours available with standard-issue metallic paint.

What we don’t like

Standard kit levels have fallen behind the current crop of small cars. The interior quality is sub-optimal in places, and some of the coloured trim looks too cheap and cheerful for our liking. The engine selection is restricted to petrol too, and it’s not as practical as a Skoda Fabia.