The SEAT Ibiza ST safety testing produced a score of five out of five stars for overall safety in independent crash tests carried out by Euro NCAP – a commendable result, but the SEAT isn’t so fortunate here. Ibiza comes with only four airbags – curtain airbags are not even an option – and stability control isn’t standard-fit, and isn’t even an option even on the range-topping Sport.

To help make up for some of these failings we must praise the Sport Tourer for offering steering-mounted controls as standard on all models. There’s also the option of adaptive bi-xenon headlamps that swivel in the direction you are cornering. The Ibiza also, uniquely in its class, offers a secure mounting point for an aftermarket TomTom sat-nav that does not interfere with the airbag detonation.

Although good, SEAT Ibiza ST estate practicality isn’t class leading. Buy a Skoda Fabia estate if space is your priority because it has a bigger load area at the rear. The Ibiza claws back an advantage by being the better car to drive and is, arguably, a more stylish choice. The SEAT does offer more boot space than the Renault Clio Sport Tourer but the rear seats don’t completely fold flat.

SEAT has worked hard to ensure the Ibiza can carry decent loads: it says it can carry more than half a tonne’s worth of gear (515kg.) To ensure it copes as well fully loaded, as it does when it is empty, the firm has redesigned the rear suspension’s dampers to ensure the car offers a cosseting ride when half empty and a stiffer, more controlled ride when full to ensure better road holding.