The FR proves that running a sporty hatch needn’t be expensive. Economy is 45mpg in the TSI while respectable emission levels mean annual road tax is reasonable. The TDI is even better and is capable of 61mpg – amazing for a hot hatch with 143bhp. Insurance is affordable too – the TSI is group 22 while the TDI is group 19 – better than alternatives like the Abarth Grande Punto.

Add to that competitively priced servicing from SEAT dealers and the sporty Ibiza makes plenty of sense.

Despite being a sporty hatchback, the FR is fairly green for a car. Thanks to the small 1.4-litre engine, the TSI emits 146g/km of CO2 and returns 45mpg – near identical to the Cupra. This is even more impressive when compared to less powerful cars like the Suzuki Swift Sport. But it’s the TDI which really makes the headlines thanks to CO2 emissions of 119g/km and economy of 61mpg.

This model also has a display on the instrument cluster which tells you the recommended gear to be in for maximum economy.

Many of the components in the Ibiza are used in other cars, such as the Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo, so they are well developed and shouldn’t cause any major problems. Both engines has also been well proven in other models in the Volkswagen Group range.