SEAT Ibiza

The Ibiza is really easy and fun to drive, it can zip in and out of traffic with ease. And it doesn't cost a bomb to run. The fuel economy on this thing is great.

It's perfect for a family of four, five would be pushing it a bit. The reat seats can get a bit squeezy for three people.

Other than that, it's a practical car for a small family.

I test drove the Ibiza on Sunday during their launch event, and a SE by the name of Jerry attended to me.

First impressions of the car was good: it looks like a slightly smaller Leon, and that is no bad thing given how sharp its bigger sibling looks. The doors have 2 distinct character lines which give the car a bit of attitude when viewed from the side profile. It is certainly a refreshing change from the boxy and somewhat-boring Polo on which it shares its underpinnings with.

The car was amazingly fun to drive, and the SE encouraged me to floor the gas to have a feel of the car. I was impressed with it's pick-up and near-instant turbo kick-in, and how it handed very tidily around the corners with almost no body roll. However, the tyres that came with the car were lousy ones that did not do its handling any justice. Had he not already told me about the Ibiza's displacement, I wouldn't have guessed the engine was a simple 1.0l three-potter that was smaller than an A4 piece of paper. Contrary to what the UK reviews say, I opined the car felt very stable even when going over bumps and road imperfections.

There are some hard plastics that adorn the top of the instrument cluster and door panels, but I suppose it's forgivable for a sub $100k car. The front door panels are nicely padded though, and the whole car felt like it would last a full COE with nary a rattle. Rear space was a tad cramped, but it is a supermini after all. The Honda Jazz and Nissan Note may have more space, but they are certainly not as engaging to drive nor as solidly made.

Features-wise, it is equipped with bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, auto wipers and lights (on Style Plus), 4 airbags, front and rear parking sensors (quite redundant for a car of this size), auto start/stop, and digital climate control. I had to use a physical key to enter the car and start the engine, though, and that is a rarity these days - most cars have a keyless system with a push-start button.

Overall, I would highly recommend this car as it does seem like a much better buy than the 1.2l Polo - you pay lower road tax on the Ibiza but it has more power than the Polo (110hp Vs. 105hp). Having 200Nm of torque from just 2000rpm is a treat, too.