8. SEAT IBIZA
Price From £13k (est) On sale July
SEAT finally found its stride when the new Leon went on sale back in 2013, but it’s taken four years for the smaller Ibiza to catch up.
The fresh supermini is new for 2017, and uses a scaled-down version of the VW Group’s MQB platform – so it will feature many of the same engines and componentry as found in models such as the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.
The sharper design pulls the Ibiza in line with its bigger brother, with bold LED headlights and piercing body creases. It’s 87mm wider than before, plus 95mm has been added to the wheelbase, making the new car much larger and roomier inside. The 355-litre boot is 63 litres bigger, too.
UK Ibizas will launch with a choice of two 1.0litre turbo petrol engines, plus a pair of 1.6-litre TDI diesels. Later, these will be joined by a more powerful 1.5-litre four-cylinder, offering manual or automatic gearboxes. Trims will kick off with S and SE, with the sporty FR carried over from the old car. Prices will start from around £13,000, but SEAT will also offer a flagship Xcellence model to take on Ford’s Fiesta Vignale.