Seat Ibiza S Copa 1.2 TDI CR 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The 1.2 S Copa has a powerful, little, 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder 1199cc diesel engine. Despite being the smallest engine size in the trim, it is packed with enough power to give a satisfactory performance. It produces a maximum of 74bhp and a respectable 139 lb-ft of torque which gives the car enough push on the motorway. The S Copa is not the fastest small family car. It reaches 62mph in a slow 13.9 seconds and has a top speed of 104mph, which is decent enough but far from the class best.

Handling is one of the car’s selling points. It grips firmly and rolls along the road steadily, with measured body control. It is not as much fun to drive as the Ford Fiesta, but the responsive chassis ensures a good level of driver involvement, which is every motorist’s dream. Suspension is a little firm and occasionally causes the ride to turn jittery.

Seat has done a good job in ensuring that Ibiza models are refined, and that includes the S Copa. The rumble of the engine only becomes loud at speed. Some wind and road noise can occasionally be heard through the cabin but only enough to make a minimal impact on the refined atmosphere inside.

This S Copa is a 5-door hatchback with five seats. Good looks are part of what makes it popular with young people. Its stylish nose is flanked by two bright headlights on each side. A long and wide grille completes the modern look. Large taillights stand out in the rear, where the rear-screen slopes to meet the tailgate in typical hatchback style.

The first thing you notice inside the S Copa is the high quality materials used on surfaces and neat cabin design. It is easy to think you were in an Audi - the quality is that good. Some parts could do with a little sprucing up but they do not spoil the intended classy look.

The equipment level in the S Copa is impressive. Power steering, central locking, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, driver airbag, passenger airbags, front side airbags, immobiliser, alarm, air con, alloy wheels, cruise control, MP3 connectivity and CD player are all standard in the car.

There are only two extras available at a cost: stability control for £300 and metallic paint for £420.

The Ibiza S Copa feels well constructed from behind the wheel. You can sense a familiar Volkswagen steadiness, which is not a bad thing because it indicates the good quality to which the car is made. There's a wide range of safety equipment installed so you can rest in the assurance that you are protected in all ways possible. The Euro NCAP crash test yielded good results for the S Copa - a 5-star rating for occupant safety. This says a lot about the car’s safety level.

There isn’t much adjustment for the steering wheel, but most drivers will be comfortable in the set driving position. The dashboard is simple – there are no fussy dials to confuse you. Controls are clearly marked and easy to use.

Up to five adults can squeeze into the car and travel in relative ease. There is sufficient headroom and legroom to ensure comfort, even at the rear. Personal items can go into the glove box, which is a good size, or any of the multiple door pockets.

The boot has a capacity of 292 litres, just three litres short of the class leading Fiesta. The load lip is low and the opening big enough to guarantee an easy time loading and offloading stuff.

There has been scepticism as to why the S Copa would cost the same as the Audi A1, but really, the car does provides a lot of value for money. The price debate has everything to do with brand supremacy and nothing more. But when it comes to the basics of a car, the S Copa is worth every pound you pay. Plus it has good residual values, making it a worthy investment.

Running costs are unbelievably low, with the engine returning an excellent 72.4mpg. Emissions are also low and average 102g/km to place the car under road tax band B, for a measly £20 a year in tax. The car falls under insurance group 8 and is one of the cheapest cars to insure in the class.

You get a 3-year/60,000 mile warranty and a 10,000 mile service interval. The interval may seem short but service rates for the Ibiza S Copa are low and won’t cripple you financially.