SEAT Ibiza FR TDI

There's something hugely exciting about the combination of a big thumping diesel engine and a lightweight body, and in this respect the stylish SEAT is currently in a class of one. It proved in this test that economy and fun can go hand-in-hand, but it lacks the final level of dynamic polish needed to beat the BlueGT.

SEAT has been winning over its critics with the stylish new Leon, so can this Ibiza FR continue the good form by striking a blow against its VW Group stablemate here?

It certainly looks the part next to the more conservative Polo. Our test car came finished in striking Lima Green metallic paint that really draws the eye, and the slender grille and wide front-splitter give the car real presence.

The Ibiza is also longer, lower and wider than its sibling. Subtle FR badges in the grille and on the bootlid add more visual flair, but the two most striking features are options. And although the 17-inch Targus alloys are a reasonable £150, the Audi-style xenon lamps and LED running lights set you back £765.

However, while the Ibiza looks great on the outside, the interior lags behind the Polo’s. Despite boasting sporty touches such as an FR-branded steering wheel and racy red stitching for the seats, the rest of the cabin feels rather cheap and dated, as the materials lack the touch of quality that comes as standard in the VW. The switchgear is robust, but the radio is tricky to use and the cheap air vents look particularly low rent.

The SEAT makes up for this by offering kit such as a portable TomTom sat-nav with Bluetooth and an SD card slot. Still, basics such as electric rear windows and privacy glass are not included in the price, and neither is a tyre pressure monitor – all are standard in the VW.

The Ibiza also narrowly loses out when it comes to practicality. Its boot is only slightly smaller than the Polo’s, at 270 litres, but the lower roofline is awkward for tall passengers.

Fire up the engine and the unmistakable diesel clatter is in stark contrast to the hushed sound of the BlueGT, and our noise meter proved that the SEAT was several decibels louder, whether idling or on the motorway.

The twin exhausts sound sportier at higher revs, but the SEAT’s narrow power band and turbo lag meant the Polo was faster off the line and in gear. The Ibiza took 8.3 seconds from 0-60mph – eight-tenths longer than the VW.

Like its rival, the SEAT also gets lowered sports suspension and an electronic XDS diff to aid the handling. Yet while it rolls less than the Polo through corners, the firm ride sends bumps and shudders through the cabin. The steering feels a little more numb, too, and the heavier diesel engine makes it seem more prone to understeer in tight corners.

There’s no arguing with the efficiency of the bigger 2.0-litre engine, though. The SEAT returned 42.1mpg (against the VW’s 36.8mpg), so it will cost you less in fuel than the Polo will. Weaker residuals and higher emissions narrow the gap in day-to-day expenses – but the Ibiza is £805 cheaper to start with, so the end result should be a very close call.