ORIGINALLY, the Ibiza was essentially a Spanish Fiat and now it might be called an Iberian Volkswagen – but there are many reminders that this is still a car built with Catalonian flair.

And from here on Seat’s perennial best-selling car worldwide, features a raft of changes, most prominently sportier and more dynamic styling.

Nowhere is this more apparent than on the sporty 150 horsepower FR 1.8 litre 20 valve petrol model, which shouts ‘hot-hatch’ to onlookers louder than ever, thanks to its dramatic front end and rear design, bigger 17 inch wheels, dedicated badges and twin exhaust pipes.

There’s also a special bonus for FR devotees – the car costs £11,950 compared with £12,995 for its predecessor.

This version is also available with a 1.9 litre 130 hp turbo diesel unit. FR models are part of the big Seat promotion for 2006 – look out for Altea and Leon variants.

The entry-level 1.2 12 valve 64 hp Reference three-door keeps the same recommended retail price as before at £7,550 but also receives larger 15 inch wheels. The three-cylinder engine has been proven throughout the VW Group empire.

Three cylinder petrol engines use less heat and conserve more energy – that’s why trucks are so efficient.

Another even more economical alternative at this level is a 1.4 litre TDI diesel.

The range-topping Cupra models also offer greater value than previously, coming in at £14,400 for the 1.8 20v with 178 hp (compared with £15,505) and £15,375 (£15,500) for the 1.9 turbo diesel which here generates 158 hp. The latter is currently the most powerful diesel unit fitted to any supermini. The thrust of the changes is aimed at bringing Ibiza into line with the new generation of Seat models: Leon, Altea and Toledo.

To this end, the range has Stylance and Sport models sandwiched between Reference, FR and Cupra. Stylance is available with a 75 horsepower 1.4 litre petrol engine which can be mated to an autoshift as well as the standard manual transmission. Sport uses the 1.4 petrol unit, with a capability of 108 mph, or that 1.9 diesel with a 99hp tune.

The rationalisation process also means that all of the cars except Cupra have been given more aggressive air intakes similar in shape to that on the Leon World Touring Car. The new front end incorporates twin headlamps and versions with more than 100 hp are given more visible exhaust pipes.

The rear bumper is enhanced by a mock diffuser on its lower section while the badge is centred on the tailgate.

The powered steering employs electro-hydraulic technology. First used in the Skoda Fabia, but not majored on, the system operates independently of the engine by using what’s called a variable intensity electric pump.

What you get is especially precise roadholding and sharp handling, which complements the performance of the engine.

Seat’s recommended pricing includes a year’s road tax, a three years’ or 60,000 miles’ mechanical warranty, a 12-year body warranty and a two-year Service Mobility scheme valid in more than 30 countries in Europe.