Sports tourer breaks cover ahead of Geneva

A practical and stylish Seat Ibiza ST (Sport Tourer) is to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva motor show.

The front is identical to the Seat Ibiza supermini, but from the windscreen back it’s all change with a higher roof and a much longer rear overhang.

The result is an increase in boot space over the hatchback from 292 litres to 430 litres.

There will be a choice of five engines when sales start in the summer, including a new three-cylinder 1.2 TDI diesel and a 105bhp 1.2 TSI petrol engine.

The excellent 7-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox will also be an option. Prices will start from around £12,500.

The Ibiza ST will go head-to-head with two other supermini-based estates – the Skoda Fabia Estate and the Renault Clio Sport Tourer.

Both its rivals might boast bigger boots but the Seat is looking to trump them both on style.

By Owen Ready