Funny Seat didn't think of doing the same for the previous three generations of this family hatchback.

Traditionally, family hatchbacks have cost thousands of pounds more due to their greater size and number of doors.

These family hatchbacks and estate prove that low-emissions motoring need not be dull.

That all this comes from a model whose origins lie in a humble family hatchback is hard to fathom at times.

I mourned the old chassis a bit, but this is a family hatchback, not a track-day special.

Why can't all family hatchbacks be as good to drive as this?

This is a very likeable car that drives with some verve, and it's certainly more interesting to look at than most family hatchbacks.

Now the definitive family hatchback and deservedly the most popular car in Britain.

Verdict: Pretty good first attempt at a sporting family hatchback.

The 309, a small family hatchback, is the first "foreign" car to be built in the UK.