Spanish manufacturer SEAT, part of the VW group, has been steadily building a solid reputation in recent years for attractive, well-built, well-priced cars and its latest Ibiza models are a fine example.

The Ibiza competes in the ultra-competitive supermini sector, where rivals include the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa, but SEAT boldly says its Ibiza is now ‘in pole position’ in this sector.

Prices start at around £10,000 for a 60hp 3-door model, with the sporty flagship Cupra version at around £26,000. In between there are a wide variety of models, but in view of current high fuel prices, SEAT’s Ecomotive models are attracting increased attention.

These versions offer the lowest emissions, revised gear ratios, aerodynamic enhancements, stop-start technology and reduced-resistance tyres, which all help save fuel.

My recent test model was the 5-door Ibiza SE Copa 1.2 diesel in Ecomotive guise. This version has 75hp on tap, and costs £14,730. Specification includes alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows and door mirrors, climate control, auto lights and wipers and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The 3-cylinder 1.2-litre diesel makes good use of its rather modest 73 hp by delivering surprisingly nippy performance. Despite the on-paper 0-60 mph time being 13.9 seconds, this Ibiza is smooth and fluent and never feels that slow. Certainly there are times, on hills for instance, when you might have to shift the gears a little more, but in normal day-to-day journeys it offers decent power.

The upside of course is the astonishing fuel economy – a combined figure of 80 mpg. True, most drivers won’t achieve that without driving in ideal conditions, but most will get 60-plus mpg without much effort.

And with emissions at just 92g/km, you get zero road tax, no London congestion charge, plus group 3E insurance rating.

So much for the figures.  The Ibiza looks great - sleek, sporty and eye-catching. The lower grille and headlamps give it a more potent appearance and the cabin also impresses, with neat unfussy functional layout and good quality trim materials.

The Ibiza seats four adult in comfort and you can get a fifth on the rear seat at a pinch. The boot is a decent size and the rear seat split-folds for extra versatility.

On the road, this Ecomotiove Ibiza drives nicely, with smooth acceleration and nimble handling. It isn’t quickest in its class but you are always comforted by the thought that you are getting outstanding mpg.

FOR: Excellent build-quality, low running costs, good standard specification.

AGAINST: On rough surface, the ride is rather hard.