Our Ibiza’s sleeker looks and versatility will tick many boxes for company car drivers

The fifth-generation Ibiza is an important car for Seat. As the first model to use Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0 platform it prompted Seat president Luc de Meo to declare it the “best small car in Europe”, before jumping ship to Renault.

While that’s a bold claim in a hugely competitive sector, this Ibiza’s sleeker looks and versatility will tick many boxes for company car drivers requiring a small five-door hatchback.

The latest Ibiza is marginally shorter and lower than the old model but wider. A significant benefit of the new platform is increased cabin space. This means more leg and head room in the rear and wider seats and extra headroom in the front. The extra internal dimensions also deliver a welcome best in class boot space of 355 litres.

Having lived with the car for a month it’s easy to see why de Meo was so confident. Driving around town and manoeuvring, the car feels compact and agile. But the roomy cabin makes it feel more grown- up and accommodating, a small but practical supermini.

Power comes from the group’s three-cylinder 1.0-litre 115PS TSI engine and is currently delivering returns just outside its claimed 45.6-48.7mpg on short hops. With some longer journeys coming up we’ll see what impact they’ll have on economy and comfort.