Seat Ibiza ST

Although it belongs to a group of pretty well designed and well built cars, Seat Ibiza can hardly be called “famous”. It is not a model that would leave a deeper mark in automotive history. This car is usually a “victim” of more popular models from the VW family, above all Polo and Fabia. However, the Seat Ibiza has been one of the first estate models in this class. That is the reason of greater presence of this version, even in our market. Since the other two aforementioned competitors were perhaps too successful for the Spanish protégé, Seat reintroduced the wagon version called “ST” skipping one generation.

Unlike its predecessor, the Ibiza ST now features significantly more attractive design. As the main novelty is what lies behind the rear axle, Seat’s designers were obviously given the task to successfully compose that part of the car with, one must admit, pretty nice stylish base. It is never an easy task though. As the larger models have been “borrowed” from the Audi’s shelf (yes, we think about Exeo), it was logical to perform a similar procedure with the lines that formed Ibiza ST’s “bottom”. Probably because of this, the rear end of Ibiza ST is reminiscent of Avant versions with “four rings” badges on radiator grilles. By the way, the styling of this model is signed by Luc Donckerwolke – a man who worked for Lamborghini until recently.

In terms of dimensions, ST is 180 mm longer compared to the standard version, and with the tailgate opened, it boasts 138 liters bigger boot capacity (total 430 liters). Considering the properly formed space, it is quite usable, and when the rear seats are folded, the total capacity increases to 1164 liters. Therefore, the ST can hold up to 515 kg – people, luggage, or whatever the current situation demands.

However, the cabin has not changed much. The instrument panel is designed in a minimalist style in a way, so the excess of buttons found its place at the foot of a short gear lever. The steering wheel is nice to grab onto, and since the Seat Ibiza is a member of VW Group, the ergonomics is quite good. There is slightly less room for your knees on the rear seats, but that is a result of the decision to have more space for luggage.

The range of engines applies only to small displacement units (from 1.2 to 1.6 liters), but there are few surprises. The petrol engines are offered in three versions – two normally aspirated and a turbocharged four-cylinder, in the power range from 60 hp (which is not offered in our market) up to 105 hp (TSI that can be combined with the seven-speed DSG gearbox). The range of diesel engines starts with the new 1.2 three-cylinder TDI with 75 hp, which consumes 3.9 l/100 km on average if it is to believe the factory data, with CO2 emission of just 99 g/km. The more powerful 1.6 engine producing 105 hp is at the same time the most expensive and most powerful model in the offer.

The version that we drove is in the golden middle, with a well-known gasoline engine – 1.4 l with 86 hp, capable of being cost-effective when properly treated and prone to greater fuel consumption when “mistreated”.

The best Ibiza ST’s feature is its driving characteristics that can be “enhanced” by selecting a more powerful engine. In any case, regardless of the option, the driver and passengers can enjoy in pretty comfortable and quiet ride, good and “sensitive” power steering wheel, very good brakes and of course, practical body, able to satisfy the appetites of a young and “just-extended” family, assuming of course, that the starting price of 11.799 euros is not a problem.