SEAT Ibiza Sport Coupe

It's hard not to feel a little disappointed by SEAT’s new three-door Ibiza. From the outside, the SportCoupé has certainly got the looks to match its badge, but once you climb inside, it feels more like a regular supermini than a sporty hatch. What’s more, the performance from the 1.6-litre engine does little to shake this impression. Nevertheless, it’s a very good-looking and highly competent small car.

If history is anything to go by, the new Ibiza SportCoupé will be one of the most important cars SEAT has ever launched.

In the past, the three-door Ibiza has outsold the five-door, thanks mainly to the brand’s youthful customer base. So will this new model attract even more buyers?

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the SEAT Ibiza

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Well, it’s certainly got good looks on its side. Penned by ex-Lamborghini design chief Luc Donckerwolke, the newcomer is dramatically different to its predecessor. Its reworked nose is much sportier than before, with a stronger grille and stylish eye-shaped headlights.

The roofline slopes towards the rear spoiler, echoing the angular lines that have shaped the car. Along the flanks there are sharp creases, while at the rear there’s a rakish tail with inset light clusters inspired by the Bocanegra concept seen at March’s Geneva Motor Show.

Climb inside, and the cabin doesn’t quite live up to the sporty exterior. It feels rather plain – although SEAT argues owners can customise it in a similar way to a MINI.

The seats are comfortable, if a bit firm and short on support. And while the driving position has been lowered 22mm, it still feels high and doesn’t offer much scope for adjustment.

In the back, the Ibiza has lots of room for a three-door – two passengers will fit in with ease. The boot is seven litres bigger than before, at 284 litres, and is at least as big as rivals’.

There are two suspension set-ups in the new line-up: Comfort and Sport. We drove the 1.6-litre Sport and found the ride to be firm but compliant. The stiffer chassis provides decent handling, with body roll well controlled and lots of grip.

As with the five-door, the steering is precise but short on feedback. Still, overall, the Ibiza has a pleasing, big car feel – although the engine fails to capitalise on its potential.

We drove the range-topping 105bhp 1.6-litre model, and it simply doesn’t deliver the excitement that the car’s name and styling suggest it should.

There isn’t enough punch when you want it, and as the unit has to be revved hard, a six-ratio box would have made more sense than a five-speeder.

Still, the SEAT does return impressive 42.8mpg economy. The petrol line-up is completed by 85bhp 1.4 and 70bhp three-cylinder 1.2-litre units – and when the Ibiza SportCoupé hits showrooms in October, these will be the only engine options.

Prices will be revealed closer to the launch, but three-doors are set to cost around £400 less than the equivalent five-doors. Diesels don’t arrive until next year, along with an ECOmotive Ibiza with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions. Buyers will also get the option of a seven-speed DSG box for a £1,500 premium.

The SportCoupé is a capable all-rounder; it just lacks sparkle. We can only hope the 150bhp FR and 180bhp Cupra versions, on sale in February, bring the excitement the looks deserve.