SEAT Ibiza

The current Ibiza is a case in point being fine to drive, competitively priced and built to last. But is it really as good as it seems? Judging by the latest diesel variant, we're not so sure. With a ΂£11,000 price tag, the 75bhp oil-burner isn't that cheap. It's not lacking equipment, as electric front windows, air-conditioning and a decent CD player are all included as standard, but you have to put up with a plain cabin, cheap-looking plastic wheeltrims and manually adjustable door mirrors.

The VW Group's three-cylinder turbo-diesel has been criticised for sounding clattery at tickover, and in the Ibiza the drone is too loud. Around town, you can hear the oil-burner working hard between every gearchange, making for tiresome progress. Fortunately, it is much more refined at speed and the car cruises effortlessly at the legal limit.

A 0-60mph time of 13.9 seconds doesn't sound quick, although a steady output of torque makes the newcomer feel markedly quicker than the figures suggest. When you include a combined fuel economy figure of 61mpg, the SEAT supermini seems even more attractive - until you realise you can have a VW Polo powered by the same engine for nearly ΂£100 less.