The third bodystyle of the latest Seat Ibiza has arrived – the ST estate.

As a supermini with an added dose of practicality, it should appeal to younger drivers who want more space, in an affordable, chic and eco-friendly package.

Seat is entering a new niche with its Ibiza ST, currently occupied by models like the Peugeot 207 SW, Renault Clio Sport Tourer and Skoda Fabia Estate.

It’s based on the same chassis as the Ibiza hatchback, but its body is 18cm longer, to accommodate a bigger boot.

Lift the bootlid and there’s 430 litres of luggage space on offer – significantly more than the 341 litres found in the Seat Leon.

The rear bench can be split 60:40, and when the seat squabs are lifted vertically, the rear backrest folds almost flat into the floor for maximum practicality.

It’s possible to fit two bikes (with the front wheels detached) in the 1,164 litre load area behind the front seats.

The boot opening is impressively low – just 58cm above the ground – to make it as easy as possible to lift heavy and awkward objects inside.

A maximum load of 515kg can be carried safely inside the boot. It’s also possible to tow a braked trailer weighing a maximum of 1,200kg, depending on engine size.

Five-star EuroNCAP safety

The Ibiza ST has already been awarded the top five-star score in EuroNCAP crash tests, and is fitted with ESP, front, side and thorax airbags and ISOFIX anchor points as standard.

In the UK there’s a choice of two petrol engines and two diesel motors. With 85bhp, the 1.4-litre petrol is Seat’s entry-level model. It reaches 62mph in 12.3 seconds and manages 47.9mpg.

Full gallery: the Seat Ibiza ST

Fitted with either a seven-speed DSG transmission or conventional manual ‘box, the 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine is turbocharged and has 105bhp and range-topping performance.

Thanks to a sweet power delivery and pleasant exhaust note, it’s the drivers’ choice. And, it’s cleaner and more fuel-efficient than the 1.4, achieving 55.4mpg (52.3mpg fitted with DSG) and emitting 124g/km CO2.

Economical Ecomotive model

A 1.2-litre, three-cylinder diesel with 75bhp is available in standard and Ecomotive forms. The latter gains stop and start technology and energy recovery systems, which see it achieve 78.5mpg.

Performance is adequate and the thrum from the engine is more refined than we expected. With 0-62mph taking 14.6 seconds, it’s necessary to work the engine hard, but this is rarely a chore.

At the top of the ST range comes the 1.6-litre TDI, with 105bhp, fuel consumption of 67.3mpg and emissions of 109g/km.

It’s arguably the most accomplished model for motorway driving, and will bring a cost saving if you travel big distances. But, we preferred the power delivery, refinement and sportiness of the 1.2-litre TSI overall.

Available in S A/C, SE and Sport trim levels, the Ibiza ST is well equipped for a small car.

Sport models are fitted with firmer suspension and larger 17-inch wheels with low profile tyres, improving looks and handling, but making the ride less comfortable.

On a tight cliff-hugging road, we found the car perfectly happy changing direction from one bend to the next, but would have liked more feedback from the electrically assisted steering.

Still, this is an easy and satisfying car to drive, with snappy gearshifts from manual and DSG versions and well-laid out controls.

The Ibiza ST is on sale now, with first deliveries expected in July 2010, and its practicality and economical engines look set to give its competitors something to think about.

Key facts:

Model tested: Seat Ibiza ST 1.2 TSI DSG Sport,
Seat Ibiza ST 1.2 TDI S A/C,
Seat Ibiza ST 1.6 TDI Sport
Price range: £12,070 – £14,910
Date tested: May 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin