Seat Ibiza

11:33am Friday 25th July 2008

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MORECAMBE is a desolate place. On a rainy day, it’s even worse.

And so it was as I pulled into the Lancashire seaside resort. The place was deserted and yet it was only four o'clock in the afternoon.

All along the promenade were businesses that had probably seen better days. There must have been better days.

But at the west end there was at least a beacon of hope, the renovated art deco Midland Hotel, which the locals hope will be a catalyst for future investment.

Further along, past some pretty flower beds and lawn that seem out of place, stands the impressive life-sized statue of the late comedian Eric Morecambe, and at his feet carved into a stage-like tiled circle, reads the legend “Bring me sunshine”. If anywhere was in need of sunshine, it is Morecambe.

Into this bleak place, car manufacturer Seat brought its only little ray of sunshine, the new Ibiza supermini, which is now on sale in petrol guise only – the diesels will arrive next year.

Seat is expecting big things of its revised best-seller. For starters, it shares the platform which will be used in the next Volkswagen Polo. But whereas the Polo has always been a conservative choice, Seat is keen to promote this Ibiza as one with “more emotions and fewer emissions”.

Seat design director Luc Donckerwolke, whose past creations include the Lambourghini Murcielago, was tasked with creating the new look, and came up with the distinctive Arrow Design for the nose, featuring lower headlights and grille, a hint of a flare to the wheel arches and sharper edges that create more contrasts. It's undoubtedly a more interesting exterior that will pick up some votes from showroom visitors, and is a sign of more good things to come in the cabin.

The steering wheel is a chunky three-spoke cracker, and the seats feel instantly comfortable. As for the dashboard, it's still very much a sexy Seat but more distinctive through the clever use of different materials. My only niggle was with the rev counter and speedo, which are identical in size and style and can be confused with each other at lower speeds.

In the centre of the dash, above the ventilation nozzles, sits the big talking point, an innovative docking station for the Tom Tom One V3 satellite navigation system (other systems will be compatible in the future). This negates the need for cables and suction cups, and is a simple, brilliant idea.

The Ibiza has grown by some 99mm, providing more leg room for passengers, and now has a boot capacity of 292 litres, which is 25 litres more than that found in the previous model.

The three engines at launch mean that your driving needs should be catered for here, although hotter FR and Cupra versions are still to come. plus a Sport Coupé.

The entry-model S version, which has a price tag of £8,995 has a lively, rasping 1.2-litre engine offering 70 bhp. Equipment includes body-coloured bumpers, 15-inch steel wheels , tinted windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, six-speaker MP-3compatible radio/CD player, immobiliser, speed-sensitive hydraulic power steering, remote central locking and ABS. It certainly feels faster than the 0-62 acceleration time of 15 seconds suggests, and is an excellent buy for those looking for a frugal, stylish car for city driving. An S A/C version, providing air conditioning, is available for £500 extra.

Next up is the 1.4 SE, which promises to be the best seller. You will feel the benefit of that bigger engine as you reach motorway speeds, and appreciate the upgraded dashboard trim. The steering feels light and responsive and the power supply will be more than enough for most needs. Air conditioning comes as standard in this model, while other features not seen in the 1.2S include a trip computer, electrically adjustable heated and body-coloured door mirrors, twin bulb headlights with daytime running lights, front fog lights and cornering illumination, electric rear windows, cruise control, split folding rear seats and 15-inch alloy wheels.The price of £10,395 looks attractive when you consider the extras and upgraded dashboard.

Step up to the Sport models, which are offered with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines, and you will enjoy a more composed ride and more dynamic personality. You also get sports suspension and seats, a leather-clad steering wheel and gearknob and low profile 16-inch alloy wheels. The 1.4-litre version sells for £10,695 and the 1.6-litre variant costs £11,295.

The average age of the Ibiza buyer is only 37, and Seat’s revisions certainly keep the car looking and feeling young, modern and in keeping with the “auto emocion” motto.

With the impressive design touches, extra length, wider track and reduced weight and emissions, it is a worthy rival to anything in the sector.

Model: Seat Ibiza.

Engines: 1.2-litre 70 bhp; 1.4-litre 85 bhp; 1.6-litre 105 bhp.

Transmission: 5-speed manual.

Average economy: 47.8mpg (1.2-litre); 45.5mpg (1.4-litre); 42.8mpg (1.6-litre).

CO2 emissions: 139g/km (1.2-litre), 149g/km (1.4-litre), 157g/km (1.6-litre).

Price: From £8,995.