SEAT takes great pride in the sporty look of its cars, even if the performance doesn't always match.

Buyers seem impressed, the Spanish-based firm has just had a record first quarter for sales.

The stylish Ibiza, featuring a 1.2-litre petrol engine would not at first seem like the power unit to get the heart racing, but looks and first impressions can be deceptive.

This compact turbo-charged TSI unit from the parent VW group is a bit of a spitfire and is capable of a claimed 55.4mpg.

It pumps out 105bhp, no small amount for a car of the Ibiza's proportions and this gives rapid acceleration, the 0-60mph sprint taking just  9.8 seconds. It does feel much quicker.

Those new proportions are very stylish on this recently facelifted model that has produced an even more chic design, particularly the tested SC Sport model, which is longer and wider than its predecessor.

SEAT's traditional arrow-design remains, as does the signature grille, but the three-door gives a more muscular shoulder line towards the rear end with subtly-flared wheel arches encasing smart alloys, while there is a different roof profile, reworked rear end and  the option of bespoke colours including the distinctive gold/orange slightly garish affair on the test car.

Inside the instrumentation has been revamped with new ventilation nozzles and central console housing a radio that includes an optional Bluetooth connection that can be activated via controls on the steering column. There are now soft-touch sections to the dash with contrasting shades to the exterior.

The lowered driving position means there is more headroom for the driver and three passengers while boot space has increased by 17 litres to 246 litres to make it the most spacious in its class.

The good looks are undeniable, but the star is surely the engine. It replaces the previous 1.6-litre unit and offers greater pace and torque while offering 10mpg better economy and CO2 emissions of slashed by 20 per cent to 119g/km through stop/go technology and brake energy recovery systems.

It all adds up to cash savings but with that bit of extra pace for a satisfactory driving experience.

The engine is power is matched by precise handling and cornering thanks to the lower sports suspension while the ride is firm and sporty but not uncomfortable.

The speed-sensitive steering is also nicely weighted and precise to give a nice feel.

Standard kit is impressive for the price, even on the standard model, with electric windows,  remote central locking, body-coloured bumpers, height and reach adjustable steering wheel and CD player with steering column-mounted controls.

The Sport adds the sport suspensions, sport seats, tinted rear glass, 16-inch alloys , plus a host of other goodies, making it exceptional value.

The Ibiza is also a safe car with a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating thanks to ABS, front passenger and front head/thorax side airbags, while the Sport adds stability programme, hill hold control and ISOFIX  child seat anchorage points.

It is a good, economical package that starts at £12,780, and it needs to be with  rivals that include the  Renault Clio, Peugeot 207, Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta, Fiat Grande Punto, Toyota Yaris, Citroën C3 and MINI and Suzuki Swift.

But is an excellent drive with a dash of panache that won' t necessarily have you counting the pennies.