SEAT Ibiza

Now, the Ibiza has been given a mid-life facelift to reinforce its position. Most of the alterations centre on improving interior quality and sharpening the outline of the front and rear lights.

The changes are best shown off by the new Formula Racing (FR) hot hatch. Pitched as a value-for-money alternative to the flagship 180bhp Cupra, it gets a 150bhp engine and sporty suspension.

To further spruce up the looks, the FR also offers 17-inch alloys, new headlights and a chunky front bumper. The performance figures are very impressive for a £14,000 car; 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 134mph will put a smile on most faces.

There's a slight hint of body roll when you first enter a bend, but thanks to the stiff suspension settings, the car quickly settles down, and for the most part the FR is extremely composed in bends. The speed-sensitive steering also feels nicely weighted, while feedback through the wheel is positive.

Although the changes are wel-come, they're far from radical. The Ibiza is beginning to look a little dated next to the opposition (and other SEAT models), so it's unlikely that potential buyers will still be so enamoured in two years' time, before the introduction of the all-new version. That said, the firm's core values of affordability and sportiness will always be a plus.