IT was no surprise that last year turned into another cracker as far as sales go for Spanish car makers SEAT.

With a range that includes the Alhambra, Leon, Altea, Ibiza, Mii and Toledo, the Volkswagen-owned marque sold more than 53,500 cars in the UK last year, an increase of 18 per cent over 2013.

Playing a big part in the success story was the evergreen Ibiza, the brand's fashionable, yet highly-practical, supermini.

When it was first introduced in 2010, the two-litre diesel FR model quickly became a favourable choice with both private buyers and fleet managers alike.

While the car was identical in looks and interior trim to its petrol-powered FR sibling, the powerful 140bhp two-litre common-rail TDI was then the most powerful diesel car in its segment, while having the added bonus of cutting back emissions to just 119g/km.

It also delivered performance figures that measured up to its sporty heritage, with a top speed of 130mph and a standing to 62mph sprint time of just 8.2 seconds.

Yet these figures didn't in any way compromise fuel consumption, which was an impressive 62.7mpg on the combined cycle.

As with the other sportier models in the Ibiza range, the FR TDI came fitted with SEAT's fully-electronic XDS dynamic stability system, which worked as an automatic self-blocking, limited-slip differential without the addition of any mechanical parts.

Coupled with the car's electronic stability system, XDS took grip and road-holding ability to new heights, while stiffer shock absorbers and coils, combined with a lower ride height, gave the car greater overall precision.

Out on the road, the FR was easily recognisable from the standard model by its large bumpers. These helped the FR take on a more aggressive purpose and when coupled with the large chrome-framed front honeycombed grille, large air intakes and lower mounted headlights, combined to give the car its unmistakable arrow-design look.

Inside there was exclusive sports seats with FR initials embroderied into the backrests. FR badging also appeared on the leather-clad, flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, while other neat touches included leather-covered gear lever and high gloss black finish to the radio/CD unit, instrument binnacle and heating/ventilation nozzles.

From a safety point of view, the FR proved a safe place to be, with its comprehensive line-up of active and passive safety features, such as ABS, brake assist, traction control, hill hold assist and full array of airbags.

Other on-board features, like climate control, adjustable steering column, electric anti-trap windows, cruise control, cornering foglights, six-speaker CD sound system with MP3 and Aux-in compatibility and trip computer now help make the Ibiza FR TDI a great used buy.

Expect prices for a 2010 10-plate five-door FR to range from £4,635 to £6,640, with a 2011 11-plate example coming in at between £5,280 and £7,245.

Move up to 2012 and a 12-plate model and you will have to pay anything from £6,560 to £8,835 for a five-door model. However, SEAT introduced a three-door FR diesel model in 2012 and those in the market for one of these should be able to source one for around £250 cheaper than the above prices.