regarding the
Ibiza old and new shape-I do not honestly have a clue which version of
Ibiza is coming down the road
towards me.
They all look the same from the front to me. Unless you spot a bit of different grille or a little show of intercooler or slightly wider tyres, they all look the same.
The same can be said of the new Leon in my opinion.As posted before, this lack of exterior 'bling' can work as a marketing exercise for many people. Not everyone! (at the moment I am on the fence about the Mk11 Leon-its growing on me but I dont think it will ever turn me on like my old LCR even if it is more capable)
Blinged up, chaved up, spoilt, hairdressy, are all terms that turn up when trends dictate. I for one hated the wing on the Escort Cosworth and much preferred it without all those years ago, but previously I thought the Sierra Cosworth looked cool-Its horses for courses on this matter though I'm afraid to say.
For a complete insight/overview into the word 'chav' head along to the next DONNY show for an hour or so(thats all I lasted AND it cost £40 for 2 of us to go in

) or a fast-car show and just have a walk around. The complete explanation is right there for you to see.
I have been a hot hatch geek for 22 years (including a Leon Cupra brand new and a Leon Cupra R brand new) almost now and feel really disenchanted by the current crop of hot hatches.
Focus st-too lardy and restrictive seat height
Astra VXR too small cabin/restrictive headroom/seat height /too in your face
Honda Civic-Not enough power for me-too tall looking.
Seat Cupra-Awfull cabin(for me)restricted driving view-but growing on me
Volvo hatch-cracking looking car but a Volvo
BMW 130i-Just right for me but no LSD and too expensive at the mo.
Golf Gti-tempted but too common(does that say something though)
R32-Cracking car but a bit lardy for my liking
Mini cooper S-very good but too small for me.
Renault Meganesport 230 R26-very tempted without decals-The first proper drivers hot hatch to emerge to challenge the Golf for its all round ability and deft handling-with a tad of exclusivity-dubious build quality aside.
I do think SEAT have headed in a strange direction with the current similar shaped range. However, looking at the above list of cars, the Cupra is not a bad choice for what you actually get.
I also think Renault will bounce back with a new 'cup' clio and that will be a cracker, as will the final model in the Megane range before it changes in 2009. No I am not a previous Renault lover but for me they really do listen to what the enthusiast want and do something about it.
I honestly hope SEAT do the same at some point!