SEAT Ibiza Sport 1.4

Nov 28 2008 Edward Stephens

IT might come as a surprise to most people to learn that the Spanish car company SEAT was formed way back in 1950.

In the early days of course the only time you normally saw one of the company's models was if you went on holiday to Spain.

Since it became part of the Volkswagen Group in 1986, however, the changes have been dramatic both in terms of sales and design.

But it's in recent years that those design changes have become radical. So when a new SEAT hits the streets we expect something different.

The latest Ibiza is no exception. It certainly is something different.

This new supermini with its arrow design nose, dynamic folds in the metal and striking headlamps is certainly a world away from the Ibiza that it replaces.

It has a strong youthful image and will certainly appeal to young buyers seeking an eye-catching design but at a sensible price.

And that youthful design is not confined to the exterior.

On my Ibiza Sport model the contrasting mid grey and pale - almost white - grey dashboard certainly made the car come alive, and even on a sombre November day evoked a sense of warmer times in Spain.

And the Ibiza Sport is as practical as it is good to look at. During my time with the car II had to move numerous large items including a filing cabinet.

But with the rear seat backs down - and covers to protect the car in place - any worries I might have had about it not being flexible enough to cope soon disappeared.

The Sport is very well equipped for a car in its price range, having a host of standard features which include air conditioning, cruise control, trip computer sports suspension, sports seats and low profile tyres on 16-inch alloy wheels.

It is available with a choice of either 1.4-litre, 85bhp or 1.6-litre, 105bhp petrol engines.

My test car had the 1.4-litre mated to a very slick five-speed gearbox, but from my perspective its performance was disappointing. On today's busy roads you need a lively engine but in this case when I put my foot down hard I found there was very little immediate response.

On paper the Ibiza 1.4 will hit 62 miles per hour in a not unreasonable 12.2 seconds, but on my car it felt nothing like that.

The ride, however, is good and the road holding impressive. It's also a quiet car and one which - for a supermini - always felt spacious, even with five passengers.

And I particularly liked the optional extra available on the Ibiza of a Tom Tom navigation system with a built-in docking station on top of the dashboard rather than having to use the traditional window sucker fixing.

FAST FACTS

SEAT Ibiza Sport 1.4 5dr

Price : £10,695

Mechanical : 85bhp, 1,390cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 108mph

0-62mph : 12.2 secs

Combined mpg : 45.6

Insurance group : 3

CO2 emissions : 149g/km

BiK rating : 16%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust