THERE are some clever choices in superminis out there at the moment and in my books one of the top options is the SEAT Ibiza 1.4 FR Edition TSI.

This is the one for those who want a moderately sporty SEAT hatch without having to splash out on the more powerful Cupra model.

The Edition is one of two 1.4 FR models and comes with those extras that make everyday driving more enjoyable without paying a lot on money for them as options.

With a top speed of 130mph via a six-speed transmission and a 0-62mph sprint of 7.8 seconds it tips the price scale at £16,470 and has a low CO2 emissions figure of 109g/km meaning that its road tax is only £20.

The Ibiza is descended from a somewhat lowly and cheap and cheerful option that came into Britain from Spain decades ago. But the Spanish car maker was taken over by the masssive Volkswagen Audi Group and the marque underwent a massive transformation in quality and style.

Volswagen technology is there in abundance but there is a sunny Spanish character to the car that gives it a positive identity in the VAG line-up of makes.

The Ibiza, in three or five-door versions, is one of those stylish all rounders that feature a roomy cabin with an impressive 292-litre bootspace.

The FR edition is distinguished by a number of features include a flat-bottomed steering wheel and sports seats in the front. There are also other sporty and stylish touches including red brake calliper covers and seatbelts. There are also rear tinted windows and 17-inch alloys.

The turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine which is of VW origin is a very lively unit and has the capacity to close down two of its cylinders during low and medium load states. ACT stands for active cylinder technology and is a statement of just how advanced SEAT power units have become.

The new 140ps ACT petrol engine replaces the 150ps 1.4 TSI non-ACT engine in the Ibiza range, offering performance as close as makes no difference (it takes 0.2 seconds longer to hit 62mph) but delivering a whopping 12.2mpg average efficiency improvement, and 30g/km less CO2.

In addition to the day-to-day fuel savings, drivers also save £110 annually in raod tax compared to the outgoing 1.4 TSI engine, because the ACT Ibiza drops into VED Band B - just £20 per year. BIK taxation falls from 20% to 14%, too.

The handling is very positive thanks to lowered suspension and the steering gives a high degree of road feel.