IT simply oozes sun and fun!
Not so surprising really when you consider that the car is called Ibiza and is the pride of SEAT, the Spanish arm of the Volkswagen-Audi empire.
But what you have to consider about the SEAT cars of today is that they are far removed from the tatty efforts that came to this country originally, long before the German parent company came along and changed the image of SEAT from cheap and cheerful to quality all the way.
Typical of current SEAT choices is the subject of this week's drive, the Ibiza FR, which features a 150PS 20-valve engine which can zoom this model to a maximum of 134mph and from standstill to 62mph in just 8.4 seconds.
And all this comes for a bargain £12,955 in three door form.
The modern Ibiza is not that far removed from a Volkswagen. Its handling is superb and there is a tautness about it that cannot fail to impress.
It is little wonder then that it scooped the What Car? Best Supermini category three times and the same publication's Car of the Year award in 2003.
The Ibiza is SEAT's best selling model of all time. It certainly does back up the Spanish company's brand claim of 'Auto Emocion', becuause it does inspire enthusiastic driving.
For the current model year the Ibiza range and prices were modified and rationalised to better reflect customer demands. This attractive supermini is available in three and five-door versions and in six equipment and trim levels with eight engines.
It is one of those cars that appeals to people looking for keen pricing, high specification and quality, but with a measure of good looks.
SEAT seems to have hit on the right combination, because this model receives very little in the way of criticism.
On the road it is an inspired drive that gets more than its share of admiring looks. The front-end styling is highly individual and the Ibiza cannot be mistaken for anything except what it is.
Its high-waisted, wedge-shaped profile is an increasingly familiar sight on Britain's roads. There are a number of innovative features including the large 'S' for SEAT logo on the rear which doubles as a boot handle.
One of the things that struck me most about this car is its quality of finish, with laser-welded joins to give smoother edges, tighter shut lines and more even surfaces. This is an indication of how discerning the modern car buyer has become.
An awareness and eye for quality of construction is often becoming the norm with purchasers. Gone are the days when a smart-talking salesman could gloss over obvious defects in manufacture.
But, happily, visible bad quality is becoming a thing of the past as are the old fashioned hard-sell salespoeple. These days the atmosphere in car showrooms is quite different.
Manufacturers are aware of the demands of the discerning customer and cars like the Ibiza reflect the vast amount of development and manufacturing finesse put in to fuel this philosophy.
With SEAT these days, quality really does count and it shows.
FAST FACTS
SEAT Ibiza 1.8 T FR 3dr
Price: £12,995
Mechanical: 150bhp, 1,781cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 134mph
0-62mph: 8.4 secs
Combined mpg: 35.8
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 190g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 1yr paint; 12yrs anti-rust