Smart new SportCoupé Ibiza from SEAT

What is it?

This is the Ibiza SportCoupé. Not content merely to call it the three-door version of its popular supermini SEAT insists on either SportCoupé or SC. SEAT is justifiably proud of its new Ibiza derivative though, taking the five-door's smart lines and sharpening them up even further. The Spanish firm has traditionally been popular with younger buyers and this neatly styled machine is certain to attract more of them into its showrooms. The front is the same as on the five-door version, but from the A-pillar back it's all new - and more than a little reminiscent of Vauxhall's Corsa three-door from some angles. Every single manufacturer bands about 'coupé-like lines' nonsense for everything from SUVs to saloons, but with the SportCoupé SEAT can use it with some justification.

Is it any good?

Prices have yet to be announced, but if SEAT gets them right then the SportCoupé should do well. It's certainly a good looker, its sharp lines certain to appeal to the target market. It's based on the same platform as the forthcoming Volkswagen Polo and it actually lives up to its sporting name. The chassis is offered with two different suspension settings: either Sport or Comfort. Both ride commendably well, the Sport naturally a bit firmer and more resistant to roll. We'd probably go for the Comfort option as it's the best compromise for all-round use.

The engine line-up consists of 1.2-, 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol choices and a pair of turbodiesels in 1.4- and 1.9-litre capacities, though the latter isn't yet confirmed for the UK market. None of the engines feel particularly lively, all needing to be worked fairly hard to produce their best. Refinement isn't great when you do so either, the Ibiza's engines the car's weakest point. Inside, the interior is neatly styled, and materials - on the surfaces you touch at least - are decent quality. On the left-hand drive test cars the pedals were very offset to the centre of the car, so hopefully this will be resolved on right-hand drive models. There are some really neat touches inside though, SEAT offering a docking point to plug a TomTom satnav into the top of the dashboard, the Spanish firm admitting this is a better solution than offering an expensive, fully integrated system into the dash.

Should I call the bank manager?

Really you shouldn't need to. The Ibiza SportCoupé isn't likely to be a bank-breaker. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but it's probable that the SportCoupé will start at around the £9,000 mark for the entry-level 1.2-litre petrol model. That's a great-looking car for the money. Economy on all is good too, as are emissions, so running costs should also be low.

Summary

SEAT has been clever in its positioning of its cool three-door Ibiza. Smart looks are certain to attract young customers, as will sensible pricing and decent standard kit. Obviously you lose some of the five-door's practicality for those rakish lines, but the rear seats are useable by adults at a squeeze and the boot is a decent enough size. The engines aren't the liveliest, but they offer respectable economy and emissions. Things look good for the hot FR and Cupra models too, which should make the most of the highly competent chassis.

Kyle Fortune