SEAT Ibiza Sport Coupe (08 on) - Review

The standard suspension set-up in the Ibiza is very impressive and the small hatchback rides smoothly, dealing well with potholes and rough surfaces. There can be some vibration and road noise in the cabin over particularly uneven roads but overall it has a big car feel. The sport setting is stiffer, as you'd expect, but while it's noticeable firmer it still retains good road manners. Front passengers get plenty of space and the comfortable seats offer good support, however the rear space is quite cramped with limited legroom, while the sloping roof means headroom is tight for taller passengers.

The Ibiza Sport Coupe is one of the largest small hatchback on the market and this shows in the boot space. With a 284-litre capacity it offers more luggage room than rivals like the Peugeot 207 and Renault Clio (although it's not quite as large as the Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta) while split-folding rear seats are standard on all cars. However getting into the back seats is a fairly tricky operation (the same as most three-door hatchbacks). Up front there's good storage but the glovebox is disappointingly small.

SEAT has worked hard to give the Ibiza a stylish and upmarket cabin and it's succeeded - up to a point. The three-spoke steering wheel has a sporty look and the dials are clear and easy to read while the black piano finish on the stereo and optional climate control are a nice touch. But while the layout is neat, some of the plastics feel a little hard and it's functional rather than inviting - build quality is excellent though and all the controls work with a neat precision. Some models can be specified with a light grey dashboard trim, but it looks cheap and is best avoided. However the panoramic glass roof is a neat option and spans lengthways from the windscreen to the door pillar.