Used Seat Ibiza 2014 Petrol for Sale

The Ibiza uses Seat's new Arrow Design language which explains why it's covered in slashes and creases and has a much more athletic shape than its siblings. It works well when viewed from the rear but the 'face' is too narrow for the car and there's shades of Kia Cee'd and Mazda3 in its profile.

Fast it ain't. The 1.2 need 15 seconds to hit 100km/h and is out of puff at 163km/h but at least its fun getting there. The 1.4 is quicker (12.2s, 175km/h) but really doesn't feel it. The 1.9 TDI should be the pick of the range but it never lives up to its 10.6s, 186km/h performance claims.

Seat have worked hard to make the Ibiza ride with finesse and the handling isn't bad in the basic models, with a reasonably sharps steering and not too much roll. The 1.9 TDI is all at sea, though, pushing wide and fighting the ESP all the time. Avoid it.

The basic cabin ergonomics work fine, with a fine driving position with loads of adjustments, easy to use switchgear and big, clear displays. The stereo's a bit fiddly, though, and basic models don't have electric mirrors for some odd reason.

While the Ibiza feels well made and robust, the quality of interior plastics used are nothing to write home about. It's also only average in terms of noise suppression, although it does ride reasonably well and cruises nicely.

The Seat has all the basics including six airbags, ISOFIX and seatbelt reminders. It has a 5-Star NCAP rating but welcome extras like ESC and parking sensors aren't offered, even as options. Foglights and electric mirrors only appear on the S model.

The Seat Ibiza is roomy and comfortable up front but the rear isn't as massive as we'd expected, given this is a new platform. The boot's a decent size and there are lots of cubby holes everywhere, while the rear is fine for kids and teenagers.

The Ibiza isn't the value you'd expect from a company on the fringes of mainstream acceptance. Rivals offer comparable specification for similar money while the upscale S model doesn't offer A/C or ESC as standard. Resale vale will likely be fair, but not great, but it does dip into VRT Band B.

The basic R model gets all the basics, with the exception of electric mirrors and fog lights, although it counters with Bluetooth and remote stereo controls as standard. The S adds adds an alarm, cornering headlamps, foglamps and cruise control (?) but does with alloys, A/C or electric mirrors. Odd.

As yet only one engine is offered in Ireland, a gutsy little 3-cylinder shared with other VW clones. It's not fast but it's willing and it sounds great even when being thrashed, which is just as well. The 1.4 is quicker and more refined but lacks character while the 1.9 TDI is coarse and lethargic.