Close on the tailpipes of the new SEAT Ibiza five-door, we have the potentially more important three-door entering showrooms now.

In the former Ibiza series, the three-door accounted for over 70pc of sales and with its more sporty styling and compact design the new Ibiza SC three-door is likely to do even better.

Ibiza is the first product to come from SEAT since ex-Lamborghini stylist Luc Donckerwolke took over head of design and the SC is very different to its five-door stablemate. It has a distinctly coupe profile to its shorter body but it still retains four seats and a useful, if small, boot.

Engines are familiar 69bhp three-cylinder 1.2 or four-cylinder 83bhp 1.4 and there’s a new 103bhp 1.6, with five-speed or early next year a seven-speed DSG automatic, so there is something for everyone from the frugal to the fast. Diesels join the range in 2009.

With the new series, SEAT has moved away from naming the trim levels to S, SA/C, SE and Sport which they believe is more readily understood in showrooms.

Standard equipment on the S includes electric front windows, adjustable column and height variable driver’s seat, remote controlled CD player, four airbags, and remote central locking. 

You can upgrade to SA/C with air con, while the SE is fitted with 15 inch alloys, cruise control, powered mirrors, fog lights with corner illumination and split folding back seats.

The top level Sport gets 16 inch alloys shod with low profile tyres, with firmer suspension and sports seats, leather wheel rim and gear knob. Prices range from under £8,600 to almost £10,900.

Under the skin, the Ibiza SC has a longer wheelbase and wider track to improve stability and room and this has brought about new electro-mechanical steering and modified suspension. Boot space is up 17 litres to maximum 284 litres, the most in its class.

It not only looks different and sporty but it has been safety tested and emerged with the top five stars.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I briefly tested the mid-range 1.4 in top level SE trim and found it roomy for a six-footer, particularly with headroom, comfortable and smooth riding in country lanes or along main roads.

Acceleration was adequate to keep up with traffic flow and it handled with commendably agility when needed, being light to park and responsive to throttle but I personally wished the smooth brakes had shown more assistance underfoot.

Secondary controls and instruments were good, the climate controls straightforward and the powered windows worked quickly.

The sweeping rear roofline beside the rear seats slightly restricted sightlines but the back window gave a good view when reversing or in the mirror.

Noise levels were all low and the most noticeable being the bump and thump from the suspension and tyres as it smoothed out surface bumps and gave occupants an unruffled ride.

Out of all the current three door models on the market today, the SEAT Ibiza SC is a stylish and still substantially practical city car promising low running costs but high satisfaction.