As manufacturers gear up for the September number plate change, many of them are trimming prices or revising equipment levels. In the case of the entry-level SEAT Ibiza, it's worth bearing in mind that this model now comes with air-conditioning, previously fitted as standard only from the S variant upwards, included in the price.Like other cars in the range, the 1.2 feels very solidly built, and it's quite a heave to open one of the wide doors in the three-door model from the inside. This newer and longer-wheelbase Ibiza doesn't have as much rear kneeroom as you might expect, although there's plenty of luggage space.Inside, you can't quibble about the quality for a supermini at this price, but there doesn't seem to be as much pzazz as SEAT likes to suggest its cars provide. In fact, there's more of a German element than Spanish in the presentation. For many people, of course, that will be just fine.The three-door Ibiza does look very smart from the outside. I didn't fancy the early efforts in which SEAT used the "S" motif as the main styling point at the front end, but the design team has refined that approach, and the new headlamp array helps to make the whole thing more coherent. Very attractive, in fact.One thing about SEATs is that they don't seem to be quite right without bright colour schemes, and they certainly look better in the metallic or pearl-effect finishes which cost an additional £250.Other extra-cost items available for the entry-level car include ABS at £300, and side airbags for the front cabin at £125. A similarly priced package includes height-adjustable front seats, an Access-Plus design of passenger seat which makes it easier to get into the back of the three-door model, and an under-seat stowage tray.All SEATs, of course, have Volkswagen Group engines, and the entry-level Ibiza comes with the 1.2-litre three-cylinder unit also available in the Polo. Despite the acoustic cover under the bonnet, this is an engine which is noisier than its four-pot counterparts, except at cruising speeds, and you certainly know when it's revving hard on hills, something it does with considerable enthusiasm.In fact, the little three-cylinder engine, with just over 60bhp and 83lb/ft of torque, can hustle the Ibiza along pretty smartly. Sound effects? Well, if you remember the three-cylinder Daihatsus, the Ibiza will ring a few bells.For a car of its size and power output, the SEAT treats country-road motoring as quite good fun, and the electro-hydraulic power steering allows for easy turn-in to corners. Where something has gone wrong, though, is in the amount of road-surface noise that comes through to the cabin on anything but the most smoothly spread tarmac. While they may not be the only cause, I don't think I'd want an Ibiza 1.2 on the standard tyres.Second opinion: It was only when I opened the bonnet and saw a "1.2" logo on the cam cover that I finally believed this car has such a small engine. And if it really only has 64 horses, they are certainly all pulling in the same direction. This is a nippy little car. But there's no excuse for all that noise. SEAT just hasn't done enough work on keeping the decibels down, and the result is that the Ibiza seems a lot cruder than it really is. David Finlay. Engine 1198cc, 3 cylinders Power 64bhp Transmission 5-speed manual Fuel/CO2 47.1mpg / 144g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 14.9 seconds Top speed 103mph Price £7995 Details correct at publication date
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