SEAT is on a roll at the moment.

The Toledo is breaking new ground for the marque, helping establish its credentials as the sporting arm of the VW-empire, and now the Ibiza is ready to set the small hatchback market alight.

This is the fourth generation Ibiza. It has come an awful long way since the unloved original, with its Porsche-designed engine and dodgy electrics.

Based on a VW platform, nothing has been carried over from the old cars. The new Ibiza inherits the good looks of its bigger brother, the Toledo, and a wide range of engines.

Cost-conscious motorists will head straight for the 1.4-litre version with its gentle performance and outstanding fuel economy.

But it's the 1.8-litre turbocharged Ibiza, packing a hefty 156bhp, that will reinforce Seat's sporting qualifications.

A Seat corporate nose gives the new-look Ibiza greater street cred. The tail treatment is a successful re-styling job with the boot handle now incorporated, Alfa Romeo-style, into the Seat badge.

Slip into the brand new cabin and even the puniest Ibiza feels sporty and purposeful. Seat engineers have delved deep into the VW parts bin, dredging out the very best switchgear and plastics.

Gone is the old Polo hand-me down. In its place is a smart new fascia topped by a classy LCD screen with read-outs for the stereo, heater, the time and outside temperature.

Although there's room enough for a family, the Ibiza struggles to get on terms with key rivals despite being one of the larger cars in its class.

The boot is deep and well proportioned, well up to the job of swallowing a supermarket shop or a family's luggage.

Seat reckons the new Ibiza is a sporty car to drive.

It has tightened up the steering response and firmed up the suspension, albeit not to the detriment of an absorbent ride that's just the job for soaking up pot-holed roads in town.

And, with prices starting at just £8,315 for a three-door hatch, the Ibiza is a winner in the showroom, too.