ONE of the great things about all SEATs is their very good second-hand value and that's just as true with the smaller models as the large ones.
The supermini Ibiza is based on the VW Polo and is built in the same Spanish factory, so quality is excellent.
Power comes from the VW group's 1.2 63bhp, a 1.4 with either 73 or 98bhp, and a two-litre 113bhp petrol units, plus 1.4 and 1.9 diesels ranging from 73 to 128bhp. Later FR models have huge power in both petrol and diesel forms.
All have power steering, the brakes are very good, road holding and handling are excellent and short length and good visibility, combined with a decent turning circle, make for very easy parking.
But the ride is pretty hard in most, as it is in the majority of SEAT's cars these days.
Avoid anything which is not in near perfect condition with service history and five doors are much more practical than three - especially if you have a family.
Interior
Interiors are straight out of the VW parts bin and are roomy, with a very comfortable driving position.
At night, they are much better than VWs because they don't have the dangerously distracting blue panel lights, which are exactly the same colour as the lights on emergency vehicles.
FAST FACTS
SEAT Ibiza 1.2
Price: About £2,170 should get an '02 02 reg base model, while an '04 04-reg Reference will be £3,100. An '05 05-reg SX should be about £4,425.
Mechanical: 63bhp, 1.0-litre, 3cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox.
Max speed: 103mph
0-62mph: 14.4 seconds
Combined mpg: 47
Insurance group: 2
Marks: 8/10
Main rival: VW Polo, Vauxhall Corsa.