The Cupra badge has been adorning Seat’s hot hatches since the Ibiza first wore the moniker way back in 1999.

All those years of experience will be essential as the latest hot Ibiza to roll off the production line faces some very stiff competition so it needs to be good. Very good.

Power has risen, which will help it keep pace with its rivals, and it’s still excellent value but those that fact alone might not prove enough to sway discerning buyers who are already spending north of £15k.

Fortunately the Ibiza Cupra has plenty more to offer though.

Under the bonnet sits a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox which is essentially the same combination that drives the VW Polo GTI.

The front axle wears an XDS electronic differential to help tame the additional 52lbft of torque. You also get adjustable dampers for no extra cost.

The front seats are snug - although that might be as much to do with my relentlessly expanding waistline as anything - and supportive with plenty of flexibility to allow you to get comfortable, very comfortable, behind the wheel.

There have obviously been some cost-savings in the cabin - some of the plastics are less tactile than you might like - but they are generally reserved for less well explored areas. The bits that you regularly come into contact with are of excellent quality while the ergonomics are first class.

The five-inch touchscreen comes equipped with Media System Plus 3D map display, high resolution colour driver's display, two SD card slots and navigation voice control. You also get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink thrown into the mix, so there are plenty of connectivity options.

Rear legroom is restricted - this is a small car, after all - but if you do have tall friends who insist on being chauffeured around they at least won't be lacking for headroom.

You won’t be concerning yourself with all of that once you’re on the move. The Ibiza will, according to Seat’s official figures, reach 62mph in just 6.7 seconds but in real life, even in my hands, it feels much, much quicker.

Peak torque arrives at just 1,450rpm but, while the engine will rev to just short of the 7,000rpm, it does get a little breathless towards the top end so it’s better to change up a little early if you want to keep the motor in the hot zone.

There exhaust emits a satisfyingly raspy note that perfectly suits the Cupra’s character but, if it’s a little too muted for you, Sport mode will raise the volume in the cabin – although it’s largely synthetic – while also stiffening up the dampers and adding a little welcome weight to the steering, which I found a tad light in normal mode.

It is direct, though, and accurate. Turn into a bend and there’s never any doubt that the rear wheels will follow the carefully prescribed arc of the fronts.

The gearbox is excellent. It’s a slick and precise process, throwing the lever through the gears, helped by a clutch pedal that offers just the right amount of resistance underfoot.

Refinement is top notch. Aside from the engine noise permeating the cabin under hard acceleration – which is more than welcome, thank you – there’s very little else to disturb the peace and quiet, which means that you don’t even have to crank the stereo up to enjoy Smooth tunes. The Cupra’s performance potential hasn’t impacted on its comfort.

The boot is a reasonable 293 litres, which during my week with the hot hatch proved to be perfectly adequate for my day to day needs.

I’ve had a soft spot for the Ibiza since I drove the one-litre FR earlier this year and the Cupra only reinforces that affection.

Apart from the fact that it’s a bit of a bargain, it’s an absolute hoot to drive quickly, yet can also accommodate four passengers in comfort, or five if they don’t mind their comfort with a little dis.

It’s a strict three-door which does impact on practicality a little but hot hatches always look a little cooler minus the rear doors so I don’t mourn their absence.

There are some very capable machines providing the Cupra with some serious competition – the Ford Fiesta ST chief among them – but Seat’s hot hatch is hard to ignore.

Seat Ibiza SC Cupra Black 1.8 TSI

Price: £18,900

As tested: £18,150

Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol

Transmission: 6-speed manual driving the front

Max power: 190bhp

Max torque: 236lb/ft @ 1,450rpm

Max speed: 146mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 6.7sec

Urban: 36.2mpg

Extra urban: 53.3mpg

Combined: 45.6mpg

Emissions (CO2): 145g/km

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