SEAT Ibiza (02-09) - Review

A tall shape provides plenty of headroom in the front, though this is reduced in the back as the roof slopes. Legroom is limited in the rear but at least the seats offer good support and it's quite a light cabin, though at speed it can get a little noisy. Most models - especially those from 2004 onwards - have air conditioning while some later models are fitted with MP3 compatible CD stereos.

The load area is reasonably generous but while the split-folding rear seat aid practicality they don't fold flat. With 267-litres of boot space the Ibiza offers better luggage capacity than the Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta.

The interior layout is clear and functional, but there's little in the way of sophistication or refinement. All the buttons are welll laid out and easy-to-use but the design lacks flair and on base models the mix of black and grey plastics looks dour. The 2006 facelift adds a splash more colour, but the Ibiza still has a fairly dull interior. An adjustable driver's seat and a steering wheel that adjusts for height and reach means that it's easy to find a comfortable driving position and get a clear view of the instruments while top models come with a trip computer that gives details of fuel consumption and average top speed.