| First Drive | Ibiza, Spain | SEAT Ibiza |

The Ibiza is by far the most important car to SEAT, accounting for a massive 45% of sales. Although SEAT plans on nearly doubling output by 2018 - with six new model types across its range - it is likely that the Ibiza will always be the bread and butter model for the Spanish firm. This fourth generation goes on sale in Britain on July 16th, built on a new so-called 'A0' platform due to be rolled out across the VW Group.

In the Metal

One of SEAT's new brand goals is to be the class leader in terms of design. Luc Donckerwolke (ex-Lamborghini) has been installed as Design Director and the new Ibiza is the first SEAT to come under his guidance. A strong hint of the Ibiza's style was presented at the Geneva Show earlier this year in the shape of the Bocanegra show car.

First sight of the showroom-ready Ibiza confirms that it retains much of what made the Bocanegra so striking. Distinctive lines come from either end and dramatically cut into the rear doors. The shape of the side glass is attractive too, with the pillars painted black to give the appearance of a single piece of material. The upsweep of the rearmost side window is not unique, but does serve to emphasise the chunky rear shoulders and distinctive lights. The rear end is quite plain in comparison, though the Ibiza name is boldly emblazoned across the centre of the hatch. Potential buyers should like what they find inside too. Even base models feature a completely new cabin, which, like the exterior, features a distinctive design

What you get for your Money

Full price lists were unavailable at launch, though the cheapest model, the 1.2-litre Reference, will retail for approximately £9,000. The majority of UK buyers will opt for the 1.2- or 1.4-litre petrol engines and the 1.9-litre TDI option when it comes on stream in 2009. Above the entry-level Reference model sit the Stylance and Sport specs. All versions boast improvements in fuel economy.

SEAT aims to continue its appeal to the younger generation and hence offers plenty of new technology options in addition to the comprehensive standard equipment. Along with powerful bi-Xenon lights and parking sensors, Ibiza buyers have the option of a neat docking port for their portable satnav. For now, only a single Tom Tom model fits, but in time several adaptors should become available, the benefit being no need for cumbersome cables or suction pads, but also the integrated charging. Additionally there is the option for Bluetooth connectivity and a USB interface for MP3 players - with control for iPods via the steering column controls.

Driving it

The Ibiza's new floorpan has a wider track and the 9mm longer wheelbase, endowing it with better stability. SEAT also claims significant rigidity gains in the body design, to the benefit of dynamics and refinement. Despite all that, the new Ibiza is about 50kg lighter than the outgoing version on a model-for-model basis.

It rides well enough, even in Sport guise, but not only that, it isolates its occupants from the outside world with greater refinement than the outgoing car. The 1.4- and 1.6-litre engines are nicely soundproofed too, though it's difficult to hide the off-beat thrum of the three-cylinder 1.2-litre and the 1.9 TDI engine is really showing its age now with a gruff, gravely tone and loud idle.

On the twisting mountainous roads of our test route, the 1.2-litre version felt a little gutless; the 1.4-litre isn't much more powerful, but it is a lot quieter on the motorway. Only the 1.6-litre has any real verve and it proves to be a good companion for the Ibiza's chassis, in cohorts with a slick five-speed gearbox. It understeers at its limit, but the Ibiza is still fun to drive, with well weighted steering, a keen front end and remarkably little body roll. Just when it feels like the chassis is coming alive the ESP system kicks in, dominating the driving experience with its sometimes intrusive electronic nannying.

Worth Noting

The Bocanegra concept car was so well received that SEAT is seriously considering using the black nose style on a future Ibiza model, though no decisions have been made as yet. However, we were told that the three-door model will be even sportier than the five-door version and will be badged the Ibiza SportCoupé when it is revealed in July. Around the same time, we expect the first sporty derivative - the FR - and SEAT confirmed that a Cupra model will arrive at some stage, though no word as yet on its powerplant.

Beside the more driver-focused Ibizas, the Ecomotive version of the Ibiza will be the only car on sale with five doors and air conditioning that manages to emit less than 100g/km of CO₂. A seven-speed DSG 'box will also become available, helping to reduce fuel consumption on other models.

Summary

SEAT's Ibiza could not have come at a better time. The supermini market is hotly contested, but the segment is crying out for innovative design and integrated technology and gadgets. Ford's new Fiesta is only around the corner and as it stands it is the only car in the class that looks half as good as the new Ibiza. First impressions are that SEAT's new baby is worth making a song and dance about.