The SEAT Cordoba will appeal to buyers looking for a well specced but reasonably priced small family saloon. The Cordoba is based on the SEAT Ibiza hatchback.

The car went on sale at the start of last year with five models and three trim specifications, Stella, Sport and Signo.

Of particular interest is the new 1.2-litre engine in the range which makes it attractive to young buyers as a sporty saloon or as a versatile family car.

This is the second model to get the new sporty SEAT family look which makes it a lot better looking than the previous model, with a very high waistline.

It’s also wider and taller than the older model and has an increased wheelbase of 17mm. The boot area is bigger too, now up to 485 litres, even with the full-sized spare wheel.

The interior is perhaps a bit on the dull side, but everything is within easy reach and is well marked.

I found it a very user-friendly to drive and the 1.4 engine was ample for everyday driving. It was a fine, composed drive in the spirit of the highly respected current model Seat Ibiza hatchback. For the owner with a growing family, who wants something a little apart from the ordinary small saloon, almost as roomy as the more expensive Corolla/Focus/Astra, it will fit the bill.

It has a maximum speed of 121mph and can accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.5 secs.

Combined fuel consumption is 6.6 l/100m.

The list of standard equipment is impressive. It includes on the entry level Stella twin airbags, radio-CD with 8 speakers, electric front windows, remote central locking, height adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, spare wheel, tinted glass, anti-theft roof aeriel, split rear seats with headrests, front seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners, and Isofix anchoring points for child seats.

In addition to the Stella, the top of the range Signo adds electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors in body colour, front foglamps, alarm, electric rear windows, on-board computer and height adjustable front passenger seat. Air conditioning is an optional extra. It is standard on the Sport version which also has ABS and EDS.

Options on certain models include a sunroof, air conditioning, climate control and ABS with TCS.

Cordoba buyers can chose from five new engines - a three-cylinder 1.2-litre with an output of 64bhp; two 1.4-litre 16v units developing 75bhp and 100bhp; a 64bhp 1.9-SDi diesel with peak power reached at 4000 rpm; and at the top end a 1.9-litre 130bhp TDi turbo diesel (with a six speed gearbox) that can do the 0-62mph sprint in circa 9.5 seconds. It returns around 55mpg.

SEAT Ibizas and Cordobas are built on the same platform as the VW Polo and use the same power trains.

The SEAT Cordoba is covered by a 2-year unlimited mileage warranty, 3 year paint and 12 year corrosion perforation warranty.

There is also a new 5-year SEAT Assistance roadside assistance cover which includes European coverage should you take your car abroad.

Prices range from €15,650 - €24.050. The review car is the 1.4-litre 75bhp, 4-door saloon in the top of the range Signo specification priced at €17,150.