Seat Ibiza SC Sportrider 1.4 16v 3dr Car Review - February 2012

In terms of the ride that is delivered by the Sportrider package, this is probably a little too firm for British roads, but it does mean that the driver will have a good feeling for the car on the road. There is plenty of grip even when cornering at a good speed, but the steering is predictable rather than exciting. The Ibiza has been on the market for quite some time now, and the sporty seating included in this model does add to the comfort of the driving position, which is fully adjustable, however drivers may find the lack of rear visibility to be a bit of a problem.

In terms of the engine performance supplied by this version of the Ibiza, the acceleration from 0-62mph is only 11.8 seconds, meaning that it really isn't in the hot hatch bracket. A top speed of 110mph is reasonable enough, but this version of the Ibiza is more of a balanced offering, with good fuel economy to go with the slightly sportier ride.

The Ibiza has seen some advancements in the looks department over the years, and the three part air intake running across the front bumper brings it more in line with modern car design. The headlights and grille is distinctively an Ibiza though, with the bulging bonnet also a nice piece of design to give a sportier look. The back of the Ibiza is quite nice, but the boot door is made smaller so that it can accommodate the bulging rear bumper, and the look on this model is completed by the alloy wheels.

Cruise control and climate control are both welcome additions to the car, and the power folding mirrors are typically seen on much larger cars. Bluetooth connectivity and a CD stereo are also nice to have in this version of the Ibiza.

When it comes to practicality in small hatchbacks, it is often a balancing act, and the Seat Ibiza does have a balance of reasonable legroom and headroom in the front and the back of the car. The boot space is also quite good, and the folding seats mean that it can transport a larger load too. The Ibiza also has years of engineering experience behind it, meaning that it is a very reliable car.

The Seat Ibiza has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, which is the top star rating available, and this is delivered with the range of airbags available. There are also driving aids to help keep the car on the road, but it would have been nice to include ESP as standard rather than it being an optional extra.

This is one area in which the Seat Ibiza does do very well, because the entire range is competitively priced, with this SC Sportrider coming in at £12,625. Those who are on a budget can find cheaper models, and those without the sporty tag will also find a more comfortable ride if they regularly carry passengers.

One of the positive aspects of the Ibiza is that it is also quite cheap to run, achieving an average 47.9mpg. The low insurance group means premiums are kept to a minimum, and the Ibiza also has a very good resale value. All cars in the Ibiza range are supplied with a three year warranty, and also benefit from two years' roadside breakdown cover.