2012 SEAT Ibiza

SEAT has priced its updated Ibiza. And reversing the trend of nigh on every facelifted model nowadays, it comes without a price increase; most new Ibizas will be cheaper than the car they replace. The range kicks off at £9995 for a 59bhp 1.2-litre SC – making it competitive with modestly specced city cars from a class below – with an average price reduction of £300 among mid-spec Ibizas. Up at the interesting end of the range, and the warm FR model, there’s up to £1100 off compared to outgoing Ibiza FRs, and the choice of a brisk 148bhp 1.4 TSI petrol (with DSG gearbox) or torquey 141bhp 2.0 turbodiesel is now available in the Ibiza ST estate as well as three-door SC and five-door hatch bodystyles. The redesigned Ibiza gets a sharper look, with the obligatory new headlights a facelift brings alongside new bumpers, alloy wheel designs and colour choices. An updated Ibiza Cupra hot hatchback comes later in the year, primed to fight the all-new Ford Fiesta ST and Peugeot 208 GTI.