THE latest SEAT Ibiza is so good that it has scored higher than the previously all-conquering Ford Fiesta in a number of comparisons.

And that shouldn't be a surprise when it now comes with five doors as standard, sharp and very Leon-like sporty styling, a big interior and excellent equipment. As if that wasn't enough, it is also a lovely car to drive.

All the various Ibiza models have been the company's best sellers, and have all used the same underpinnings as the VW Polo and the Audi A1.

Those two might seem to have a quality edge over the not so little SEAT, but put them side by side, and compare on equipment and ability per pound, and the Ibiza is right up with both of them.

There used to be a bewildering number of models in the range, but this latest offering, which was launched in 2017, starts off with just eight.

Petrol engines are 1.0 and 1.5-litre turbos with a range of power outputs and there is also the well-known VW group 1.6 TDI diesel.

The 1.0-litre starts with a non-turbo 73bhp that takes a yawn inducing 14.2 seconds to get from zero to 60 miles an hour but can cover 57 miles for every gallon.

Then comes a 93bhp version of the same unit that does the sprint in 10.6 seconds and is capable of 54mpg, and then there's a 108bhp version that reaches 60 in 9.7 seconds and can do 52mpg.

Finally, there's a more sporty version of the same 1 litre that comes with 113bhp. It gets to 60 in a sharp 9 seconds and can still do 49mpg.

Top performer by some margin is the 1.5 turbo that's only available in upper models. It covers the sprint from rest in a very good 7.8 seconds and yet can still reach 45mpg.

There are two versions of the 1.6TDI diesel, both of which have excellent 61mpg economy. First there is a 78bhp version that reaches 60 in 12.9 seconds, and then comes a 93bhp model and it does the sprint in 10.9.

Apart then, from the rather slow lowliest powered 1 litre and the lower powered diesel, all offer decent to good performance in a straight line.

And when it comes to a few corners, they all handle beautifully too, with well composed body movement and very good, informative and tactile steering.

Ride comfort is also very impressive. Some earlier SEATs had sporting setups that compromised the comfort but the Ibiza has all that sorted even when fitted with big wheels and low profile tyres.

Seat and steering column adjustment are excellent for all sizes of driver and all the controls are right to hand, helping towards a car that is very easy to live with.

For now, there are just eight trim levels and even the lower order cars come pretty well equipped, with audio remote control for the excellent infotainment system, electric windows and mirrors, split fold rear seats, remote locking, plenty of airbags and electronic safety, and traction control.

Mid-range SE Technology adds air conditioning, sat nav, alloy wheels, front foglights and metallic paint.

Pay about £6,650 for a '17 17-reg 1.0TSi SE 95bhp, or £11,700 for a '19 19-reg 1.6TDI Xcellence 95bhp.