SEAT Ibiza

Initially, two petrol engines and two diesels will be available, in either three or five-door bodies. And although prices have yet to be confirmed, we expect the Ibiza to start at around £8,000 for the entry-level 64bhp 1.2-litre model, through to £12,000 for the flagship 130bhp 1.9-litre turbodiesel.

Specification levels have also yet to be finalised, but SEAT's value-for-money tradition will continue to be to the fore. Twin front airbags, anti-lock brakes, air-con, central locking, a high-quality sound system and an engine immobiliser will appear on all models.

The first SEAT to be developed ground-up by new design chief Walter de'Silva, the Ibiza bears a striking resemblance to the funky Tango roadster concept the firm unveiled to great acclaim at the autumn's Frankfurt Motor Show. We tried the mid-range 1.4-litre in 100bhp trim - which is expected to cost around £9,000 - first. Although SEAT markets itself as the sporty member of the VW Group, the newcomer«s overwhelming character is that of refinement. Like the Skoda Fabia - with which it shares a platform - the Ibiza rides with real sophistication and poise. Despite its firmer set-up, the suspension sweeps aside most road bumps. At motorway speeds, the car is superbly damped, while body control through corners is first rate. The 1,380cc engine is refined and smooth right up to its 7,500rpm limit, but it must be kept in the upper half of its rev range if swift progress is to be made. The five-speed manual box's short gearing helps, but the Ibiza never feels brisk. That can't be said of the quick six-speed 130bhp turbo-diesel. With 310Nm on tap at 1,900rpm, this model posts impressive in-gear times, flying past slower traffic and making short work of any inclines. It marries a 128mph top speed and 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds with excellent fuel economy of 56mpg. At low revs, the engine is impressively refined, and at cruising speeds wind noise is practically non-existent. It's a pity, then, that the car's suspension - stiffened even further to offset the weight of the heavier oil-burning engine - feels brittle and fidgety when tackling urban roads.

Styling is equally as dramatic as the performance. The hawk-eyed front end gives way to a heavily sculpted bonnet and wedge-shaped, high-sided shoulders. These combine to give the Ibiza a squat, muscular stance. Wheelarch flares and a roof-mounted tail spoiler uphold the SEAT's sporting nature. Inside, the cockpit offers the same soft-touch quality that makes Golf owners feel so smug. The cabin is now more driver-focused, too, with the seat mounted lower and plenty of height adjustment. The steering wheel's movement in terms of reach and rake makes getting comfortable simple. But despite a longer wheelbase, space in the back is only average, and the deeply sculpted rear seat is best suited for two passengers rather than three.

But the new car betters the model it replaces in every area. Refined, zesty and distinctively styled, it continues with SEAT's enticing mix of performance and value for money. It looks as though the Ibiza could become a favourite resort for supermini buyers.

The fifth-generation SEAT Ibiza sees the car come of age. In spite of fierce competition in the supermini market, the newcomer has the refinement, quality and price to more than hold its own. Ignore this car at your peril.

At a glance

* New SEAT Ibiza goes on sale from the end of April

* Engines: 75/100bhp 1.4-litre plus 100/130bhp 1.9-litre TD

* Entry-level 64bhp 1.2-litre and hot Cupra TDi versions to follow

* Prices expected to range from £8,000 to £12,000