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SEAT is supersizing its Ibiza supermini by the introduction of the ST estate model at next month's Geneva Auto Salon. The junior estate keeps the front-end styling of its hatchback siblings, but the rear is the big news.
Sitting 180mm longer than the five-door hatch, the Ibiza ST has an overall length of 4.23m to put it in direct contention with the Renault Clio Sport Tourer and Peugeot 207 SW wagons. The extra length frees up an impressive 423 litres of cargo space - up from the hatch's 292 litres - with the rear seats still in use, or the 60/40 split and tip rear chairs can be folded to create one of the largest load beds in its class.
SEAT engineers have foregone their siestas to make sure the Ibiza ST's boot is as practical as possible. They've made the opening wider and the load sill lower to make it easier to fit in large items. A storage tray has been incorporated into the design of the load cover too, while the tailgate swings up high to give good access.
Three petrol and three turbodiesel engines will be offered in the Ibiza ST, with power ranging from 70- to 105bhp initially. SEAT reckons the 1.2-litre TSI and 1.2-litre turbodiesel engines will be the most popular choices. SEAT has not confirmed if there will be an Ecomotive version of the Ibiza ST and while there are unlikely to be FR or Cupra models, it's expected that the 148bhp 1.4-litre TSI engine normally found in the Ibiza FR hatchback will make its way under the ST's bonnet. However, SEAT has verified that the Ibiza ST will be available with a dual-clutch gearbox depending on engine choice.
The Ibiza ST is set to go on sale in the UK this summer and prices are expected to start at around £12,500. The ST will follow the same three trim line-up as the five-door hatch with near identical levels of equipment.
We're told that something small, electric and sporty will be on display on the SEAT stand in Geneva, alongside the Ibiza ST, so watch this space...
Alisdair Suttie - 4 Feb 2010
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