The petrol range opens with a 1.2 - it's adequate in town, but not suited to motorway journeys. The 84bhp 1.4 does a little better on that score, and there's another 1.4 with 99bhp that gives slightly sprightlier acceleration. None are quick, though. The three-cylinder 1.4 diesel is leisurely, too, but at least the Ecomotive version gives reduced emissions and excellent fuel economy. Two 1.9 diesels give swifter performance, but power is delivered in one big surge.

Firm suspension gives the Ibiza good body control and ensures that body lean is well controlled through corners, but the firm suspensions mean it thumps over potholes. The steering is quick-witted and turns the car into corners sharply, but it's a little overlight at speed.

Newer rivals such as the latest Renault Clio have left the Ibiza way off the pace for refinement. Its door mirrors kick up wind noise at higher speeds and road roar also intrudes into the cabin. None of the engines are particularly quiet, but the loud, clattery diesels are the worst offenders.

Ibiza prices are competitive, but the arrival of the new version will hit this older version's resale values hard. All the engines are quite frugal fuel consumers and fall into low company car tax bandings thanks to their low emissions. Servicing and insurance should prove affordable, too.

The Ibiza received a mild face-lift in early 2006, including improvements to interior quality. Despite the improvements, though, the cabin is still dark, drab, and the materials are still too hard and cheap-looking. The controls operate with smooth precision.

Twin front airbags are standard across the range, but side and curtain airbags cost extra. You only get traction control with the more potent models, and you can only add stability control if you buy an FR and pay extra. The Ibiza scored very well when we tested it for security, resisting both entry and drive-away. An alarm costs extra, however.

Most drivers will find it easy to make themselves comfortable at the Ibiza's helm. The seat is supportive, with all models getting height adjustment, and the steering wheel moves for both reach and rake. The dash layout is clear, simple and unfussy, and there's plenty of headroom up front.

Although space is good in the front of the car, the rear seats are not so accommodating. Because of the curved roofline, adults won't get as much headroom as they would in many rivals in this class, but legroom is still adequate. The 60/40 split rear seat folds to create extra luggage space. The boot gives you enough room, but has a high load lip.

Entry-level Reference Sport models come with most of the kit you need - alloy wheels, air-conditioning, a CD player with iPod socket, electric front windows and front foglamps are all provided. Ecomotive models get similar equipment. Upgrading to Stylance earns you climate control and electrically-adjusting mirrors, while Sport models get sports suspension and racy design touches inside and out. FR models look even sportier, and also come with a six-speed manual gearbox.