When you think of a fast supermini the chances are it’s a Renault Clio 172, Citroën Saxo VTS or a Vauxhall Corsa SRi. Here's an alternative — the Seat Ibiza Cupra Sport.

In the world of the hot hatchback it’s all about the power-to-weight ratio. The Clio is the most powerful but weighs more than the Seat. The Citroën is the lightest but is down on power. The Vauxhall is a waste of time, the heaviest of the three yet with only 3bhp more than the Citroën. The Seat, however, gives you a 150bhp, 2 litre 16-valve engine with only 1,984lb to pull, making it the unofficial supermini world champion.

Not many years ago the name Seat had as much sex appeal as Skoda. But that’s all changing because VW bought them both and the millions it invested are beginning to pay off. Seat and Skoda don’t just make good cars, they make some great ones.

But one thing about Seat remains unchanged — its reputation for good value. A new Seat will cost you less than an equivalent VW, and when they’re second-hand the savings get bigger. In fact, you pay supermini money for an Ibiza and end up with a car nearly as big as a VW Golf.

Seat has been bringing the Ibiza into Britain in one form or another since 1989. It was first updated in 1993 and, based on the VW Polo, it wasn’t a bad car. In 1999 came the quantum leap, with 6,000 changes, to the car intended to move Seat towards its ambition of being the Spanish equivalent of Alfa Romeo. If it didn’t achieve that in one go, with this car it took a big step forward.

Under the skin the suspension revisions and increased rigidity reduced body roll and improved refinement, making the Ibiza one of the tautest, quietest cars in its class.

Performance from the 2 litre 16-valve engine is superb, with 0 to 60mph in less than 8sec on the way to a maximum of 134mph. Economy is also pretty good, the relatively large engine and light body making 35mpg possible on a run.

The Seat still shares components with the Polo and Golf. Inside, therefore, the car feels more German than Mediterranean, which is good, the switches and dials being clear, simple and well made. The driver’s seat and steering column can both be adjusted for height.

Standard equipment on the 2.0 16V Cupra Sport includes air-conditioning, 16in alloy wheels and remote central locking. The split folding rear seat and large boot give surprising luggage capacity.

Potential buyers should check the exhaust system; replacement involves removing the subframe and can cost a fortune. Watch out for some of the early cars: many, finished in yellow, were thrashed by the press, so check the registration document for details of the previous owners.

Used examples are now appearing in fairly good numbers. All Seat main dealers offer a highly rated approved used scheme but prices tend to be a little high. Privately you can save at least a grand, so check the classifieds. The best buy is a three or four-year-old Cupra. Track down a good one and you’ll have bought a seriously good car at a seriously good price.


Check it out

Paintwork Bright yellow may be your choice but can be difficult to resell, so don't pay a premium
Steering Wheel is adjustable for height but not reach
Safety All cars come with twin airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners
Economy 2 litre engine is unstressed by the light body and will return more than 30mpg
Styling Colour-coded bumpers, deep spoilers and front foglights give the car a squat, purposeful stance
Air-conditioning Standard on all 2.0 GTi 16V Ibizas
Tyres A heavy right foot will eat a front set in less than 10,000 miles
Security Remote control alarm and immobiliser are standard
Insurance Group 14 is reasonable for a car with this kind of performance
Warranty New cars come with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, so get more recent models checked over while cover remains
Exhaust Check carefully, they're very costly to replace
The one to buy Seat Ibiza 2.0 16V Cupra Sport, 1998 S with 40,000 miles. Pay £6,295 at a main dealer or £5,250 privately.

Vital statistics

Model Ibiza Cupra Sport 16V
Engine 2 litre, 4 cylinder
Power 150bhp @ 6000rpm
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 33.6mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 60mph: 7.9sec
Top speed 134mph

Values: Seat Ibiza 2.0 16V Cupra Sport 3-door

Mileage 30,000
1997 P Trade £3,950. Retail £5,295
1998 S Trade £5,000. Retail £6,595
1999 V Trade £5,700. Retail £7,325
Mileage 40,000
1997 P Trade £3,700. Retail £5,095
1998 S Trade £4,675. Retail £6,275
1999 V Trade £4,425. Retail £6,925
Mileage 70,000
1997 P Trade £3,000. Retail £4,350
1998 S Trade £3,725. Retail £5,325
1999 V Trade £4,425. Retail £6,095

Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car, 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer