SEAT makes no bones about its major product offensive in the UK this year. The Spanish manufacturer, under the umbrella of the VW group, aims to build on the very healthy market share growth of last year.

First into the ring is the new five-door Ibiza. On sale this week it has certainly been given the proper makeover treatment.

The entire design is the work of Luc Donckerwolke, a name you may not be familiar with but one which in automotive design terms is practically royalty.

He is the stylist behind, among others, the Lamborghini Murcielago and Gallardo supercars. Impressive credentials and boy does it show in the Ibiza.

SEAT has also been hard at work in build quality right across the car and even down to the way the control switches work. It certainly feels a substantial and well-made vehicle.

It is on the large side for a supermini and is just over four metres long which gives it great arm and leg room all round as well as a boot that will take far more than a couple of carrier bags.

Ibiza is on a new version of the Agile chassis which will be used for other brands across the group. It gives a good ride and fun, sporty handling.

There are three petrol engines available from launch this week: a 1.2 70PS; a 1.4-litre 85PS; and a more sporty 1.6-litre 102PS. All come with a five-speed manual gearbox, and emissions fall below 160g/km. Diesel variants will come next year.

Trim levels come in S, SE and Sport and standard equipment across the range is high. Indeed the entry level 1.2S is a great car for less than £9,000 on the road.

Look out for more driving impressions soon.

By Sharon Walters