hi,
i will try and answer you as best as i can...
i have a 1.4 SC sport.
I find it very comfy, nice sport seats which feel really supportive and hug you in.
the sport also comes with sport suspension, which is stiffer, so lowers the body roll, but you cant really feel it, you cant tell it is stiffer but its not uncomfy or really bumpy. The car feels really solid and safe. and the steering is really good, it is really light when at slow speeds for parking etc.. but when going quicker it tightens a bit.
I have only had my car about 3 weeks, so it has been 100% reliable.
rattles..... well so far i have heard a small little creak from front left side when going slowly over speed bumps etc.. think this is just some rubber part, had it on my last
ibiza too, no problems.
i haven't noticed if it sounds like a diesel or not when cold, you can definitely hear the engine when driving but its not that bad.
shudder... nope...
MPG....the highest i have had so far is an average of 42mpg, i travel 20 miles each way to work everyday, on a and b roads. im not too sure what it would get on a motorway or anything.
insurance.. well it says that it is a group 4 or 5 ( if i remember correctly) my last
ibiza was a 1.2 and i am only paying an extra £10 per month for my new one.
performance.. haven't really tried it too its limits, but nice and smooth and quick to build up speed, in 5th gear at 60mph the revs are only 2600, so the engine is not screaming even at 70 (maybe a little bit more) the engine pulls great.
handling..as i said before the sport model has sport suspension so the ride is firm but not too firm, it feels sturdy..
erm... think that is everthing covered in your question.. if i have missed anything let me know..
oh also, if you havent done so already go and have a test drive of one and see what you think.. (unless your like me.. when i went to test drive it i ordered one the next day, lol) but it was the best decision ever)
Cheers.