Key facts:
Model tested: Seat Ibiza FR CR TDI 5Dr 6-spd manual
Price: £17,020
Date tested: July 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader rating: 81%
The Seat Ibiza FR could be the perfect all-rounder. It's good-looking, fast and in diesel form it's incredibly economical. Very few other manufacturers offer a quick diesel supermini either.

1. Looks 9/10
The Ibiza is one of the best-looking superminis, and the FR trimmings make it look even better. There's an enlarged front bumper and honeycombe grilles, FR badging, double headlamps and a rear spoiler, plus elegant alloy wheels.

2. Looks inside 8/10
Black and red dominates the interior, giving the FR a sporting feel. FR badging is everywhere, the seats are supportive and comfortable, and there's plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment.

3. Practicality 7/10
The five-door is the more practical choice, giving better access to the rear seats. It also has a slightly bigger boot, measuring 250 litres instead of 236.

4. Ride and Handling 8/10
The Ibiza FR sits 15mm lower on stiffer suspension, which reduces body roll but it also makes the ride less comfortable. But the FR fun to drive while the steering and gearbox are light and precise.

5. Performance 8/10
The petrol Ibiza FR has a potent 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged engine with 150bhp, giving 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. The FR TDI packs just over 140bhp to give 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. Very long gearing allows motorway cruising with minimal effort.

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6. Running Costs 9/10
The Ibiza FR offers performance without breaking the bank. The FR TDI emits just 123g/km of CO2, placing it in one of the lowest tax bands. It also returns 60.1mpg, giving it a possible range of around 500 miles on a single tank of fuel.

7. Reliability 8/10
The Reliability Index places Seat in the middle of its manufacturer ratings. The Ibiza is a well-built car and there have been few problems with its widely used engines or gearboxes.

8. Safety 8/10
The Ibiza scored five stars in EuroNCAP crash tests. It features ESP, traction control, low tyre pressure warning, front and side airbags and two rear ISOFIX child seat anchoring points.

9. Equipment 8/10
There's everything most drivers will need, including climate control, leather steering wheel, sports seats, Hill Hold Control, CD player/radio with MP3 and AUX socket, multi-function steering wheel, trip computer, remote central locking, heated door mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, cornering fog lights and tinted rear windows.

10. X-Factor 9/10
The Seat Ibiza FR is a good-looking and enjoyable car to drive, which should also be reasonably cheap to own. If the small boot and firm ride don't cause concern, there's little else to fault with the car. The petrol FR is the most fun, but the diesel is better for motorway driving.