SEAT Ibiza   Women's view

Can Driving SEATs Ibiza Supermini Bring A Taste Of Sunny Spain To Suburban England? June Neary Gets Behind The Wheel

Oh, were going to Ibiza or so the song says. Well, I think Im a bit long in the tooth to spend my holiday clubbing, so I opted for a test drive in SEATs latest Ibiza instead. This sunny supermini is said to reflect the party spirit of its namesake - though you have to take a long hard look at the Ibiza in the metal to be convinced of the fact. Having said that, this is as much a compact family car as it is a supermini, so I think its a model that will suit buyers of any age.

After all, youre never too old, or too young, to have fun. The latest Ibiza incorporates a huge number of improvements. I wont list them all, but naturally, the visual tweaks are the most prominent. The Ibiza of today carries the effects of a facelift which edged the car closer to its newer SEAT stalemates on aesthetic grounds.

Aggressive air-intakes are now evident, carved into the lower reaches of the front bumper. Twin headlamps are also fitted as standard to all Ibizas, as are wheels of at least 15" in diameter. As with all modern SEATs, the Ibiza displays its name centrally on its tailgate, below the large SEAT badge which doubles as the boot release.

Although superminis are generally known to be town cars, thanks to power steering and retuned suspension, my entry level 1.2-litre seemed just as at home through the country lanes as it did on the one-way system. Its a good all-rounder, even when it comes to the weekly trolley dash. As youd expect, you wont have a problem parking the Ibiza.

However, you might think youd have bit of trouble cramming the weekly shop in the back. Youd be wrong - its a piece of cake. Lift the tailgate and youll find impressive reserves of space (before folding the rear seat). When it comes to rear passenger space, theres enough to comfortably accommodate two adults.

Golf and Astra customers might find the cabin a little narrow but otherwise, there shouldn't be too many complaints, even if you're travelling four-up.

Compare the new Ibizas cabin to that of its predecessor and youll find its undergone many changes. Theres a real upmarket feel, giving the impression that youre in a much more expensive car. In the centre console theres a screen that displays time, exterior temperature and climate-control air conditioning settings. The seats give excellent support which I find invaluable on long journeys.

Theres also a three-spoke steering wheel which incorporates the airbag. In pursuit of better ride and handling, the suspension has been re-tuned and the standard power steering set-up given more feel. Both are improvements I found you could really feel, once out on the road. The result is that even the entry-level 1.

2-litre version I tried feels good to punt along twisty secondary roads. On the move around urban areas, the Ibiza's more natural habitat, the car remains as nippy and manoeuvrable as its predecessor. So then, it's fun to drive. Safety too, seems to have been a Spanish development priority. Amongst the many passive safety features, you'll find standard twin front airbags, side impact protecting door bars, the very latest crumple zone technology, seatbelt pre-tensioners and doors that can still be opened after a very heavy impact. Other reassuring features include a high level rear brake-light, advanced bifocal headlamps, a collapsible steering column and front seats equipped with reinforced bases to prevent occupants from 'submarining' beneath their seatbelts.

The range starts at a price of £8,195, so the Ibiza would certainly suit my pocket. At the moment, there's a choice of either three or five-door bodystyles and five levels of trim Reference, Reference Sport, Stylance, Sport, FR and Cupra. Engine-wise, customers choose either 1.2 12v, 1.4 16v or 1.

8 turbo petrol units or theres a 1.4 or a trio of 1.9-litre turbo diesels in 100, 130bhp and 160bhp guises. The Reference trim level is good for a CD player, electric front windows, a two way adjustable steering wheel, body coloured bumpers and a rear spoiler.

While safety equipment runs to ABS with brake assist, twin front airbags and front seatbelt pretensioners. Unfortunately, three-door customers will have pay extra if they want the really useful Access-Plus front passenger seat. Here, as the front seat is tilted, the seat cushion lifts and moves forward as the backrest folds, creating a 31cm gap from the B pillar to the back of the front seat through which rear passengers can pass. When the front seat is pulled back, everything returns to its original position.

SEAT has certainly put a lot of effort into making its latest Ibiza a class leader. Although my lifestyle would probably force me to choose something a little larger, this is my kind of car and given half a chance, I could definitely live with an Ibiza.