SEAT Ibiza ST estate (2010 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The introduction of a SEAT Ibiza ST estate takes the Ibiza range up to three bodystyles, alongside the five-door and sporty three-door SC variants. 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 with the seats up.

Our rating: 4

2. Interior

Everything’s well laid out, easy to use and practical. But the hard plastics and uninspiring, no-frills finish means the overall effect is an interior which isn’t as classy as we’ve come to expect from a SEAT. Some touches are particularly disappointing – such as the flimsy door handles and rather bare centre console – but it’s easily forgiven when you consider the ST’s on the road price and it compares to its rivals. It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position, visibility is good and the feeling of space is impressive – especially in those models fitted with a panoramic sunroof.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

The Ibiza ST is based on the same chassis as the standard Ibiza hatchback, but its body is 18cm longer, to help accommodate a bigger boot. Lift the bootlid and there’s 430 litres of luggage space on offer – 50 litres less than the Skoda Fabia estate but more than the Renault Clio Sport Tourer, and significantly more than the 341 litres found in the SEAT Leon. This increases to a mammoth 1,164 litres with the seats folded. 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. The ST’s back doors are 15mm longer than those on a five-door Ibiza to improve access.

Our rating: 4

4. Ride and handling

The ST drives like a slightly longer, heavier version of the Ibiza – it’s retained its smaller sibling’s drivability but does sacrifice some of its agility, and it’s not quite as fun to drive. But it never feels bulky or cumbersome, unlike traditional boxier rivals. Most models come with softer suspension which smoothes out all but the harshest bumps while Sport version has stiffer dampers, which means it handles well but the ride is on the firm side. Road noise is good but the standard roof rails generate a fair amount of wind noise at speeds. The electric power assisted steering doesn’t provide much feeling and is a bit too light.

Our rating: 4

5. Performance

Four engines are available from launch: two petrol and two diesel engines. The entry-level petrol option is a four-cylinder 84bhp 1.4 16V engine but the newer three-cylinder 103bhp 1.2-litre TSI is our pick. The smaller engine is a good example of SEAT’s practice in downsizing and is refined and plenty powerful. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 10.1 seconds with a top speed of 118mph. Diesel buyers can choose between the new three-cylinder 74bhp 1.2-litre TDI and a range-topping 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI. 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. The impressive seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox is available as an option.

Our rating: 4

6. Running costs

For the best fuel economy, it’s best to opt for the diesel options. The smaller engine can return 70.6mpg and emit 102 g/km of CO2, while the larger, more powerful engine can still achieve 67.3mpg fuel economy and emit 109g/km. An Ecomotive version is also available, powered by the 1.2-litre TDI. It’s the most expensive option in the range but thanks to stop and start technology and energy recovery systems it’s capable of returning 80.7mpg and emitting just 92g/km of CO2, which makes it free to tax. The petrol engines also offer decent economy, with the 1.2-litre TSI returning 55.4mpg and emitting 119g/km of CO2.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

The Reliability Index places SEAT in the middle of its manufacturer ratings. The Ibiza is a well-built car and there have been few problems with its widely used engines or gearboxes.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The Ibiza scored a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating when it was tested in 2008. It scored four stars for child occupant protection and three out of four stars for pedestrian safety. Standard safety equipment is generous and includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability programme (ESP), hill hold assist and seat belt reminders, as well as driver, passenger and side airbags.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

It’s available in three trim levels: S A/C, SE and Sport. Standard equipment is generous and includes air-con, tinted windows, body-coloured bumpers, roof rails, steering column-mounted audio controls and a four-speaker stereo system with MP3 connectivity. SE adds 15-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated wing mirrors, front fog lights with cornering function, cruise control, electric rear windows and split folding rear seats for added practicality. Range-topping Sport models also get sports suspension, sports seats, a leather steering wheel and 16-inch alloys. Optional extras include a panoramic glass sunroof.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

The introduction of an ST estate takes the Ibiza range up to three bodystyles, alongside the five-door and sporty three-door SC variants. It’s the manufacturer’s first foray into the small estate market, dominated by the Skoda Fabia Estate and the Renault Clio Sport Tourer, and should appeal to younger buyers who want something more practical, affordable and stylish.

Our rating: 4