JUST ANNOUNCED
Seat Ibiza
Price £8,995-£11,295
On sale July 16
What’s different? The new Ibiza is larger than the car it
replaces, has five doors and is available from launch with three petrol
engines, from 1.2 litres and 69bhp to 1.6 litres and 104bhp. A three-door
version – which Seat would rather you called the SportCoupé – goes on sale
in November. Diesels will be available in the first half of next year, as
will sporting FR and Cupra models
Why should I care? It’s not often you find a supermini designed by a
former Lamborghini chief stylist, but that’s what the Luc
Donckerwolke-penned Ibiza has to offer – along with Volkswagen underpinnings
and an entry price that undercuts that of the outgoing model
Consider also
Volkswagen Polo five-door £8,300-£15,775
Fiat Grande Punto five-door £9,160-£13,005
Peugeot 207 five-door £9,995-£15,845
IN THE SHOWROOM
Citroën Berlingo Multispace
Price £10,995-£14,625
On sale Now
What’s different? The UK’s bestselling budget MPV has been on
sale since 1998; this update, available in three trim levels and with two
petrol and three diesel engines, is based on the running gear of the C4
Picasso MPV and provides more room for passengers and luggage
Why should I care? With its tall sides and sliding doors, the Berlingo
may look little more than a van with windows but if you don’t care about
cutting a dash and just want a spacious, versatile MPV for a minimal outlay,
the Berlingo has a great deal to commend it. That C4 platform means the
Berlingo will be better built and have superior crash performance
Consider also
Peugeot Partner Tepee £11,215-£15,305
Renault Kangoo £10,195-£12,595
Skoda Roomster £10,055-£14,220
