SEAT Ibiza ST estate (2010 – ) first UK drive

Nov. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- Styled by the firm’s design team headed by Luc Donckerwolke, the result is attractive and looks as sharp as the rest of the current range. The key change over the hatchback and SC models is a prominent rear crease that runs along the rear wings and into the smart rear light clusters.

Along with the sloping tailgate, it disguises the extra metal well and the ST almost looks like a scaled-down Audi A4 Avant from the rear. Smart matt silver roof rails also distinguish the ST from other Ibiza models.

430-litre boot can’t match rivals

Sadly, the Ibiza ST’s stylish design means it’s 430-litre boot can’t quite match rivals such as the Skoda Fabia Estate‘s 480-litre capacity. Thankfully, minimal intrusion from the wheel arches mean the boot is a useable size and neat features such as the elastic straps and netting mean things won’t roll around.

The rest of the interior is unchanged from the five-door Ibiza, so the driving position is great, our Sport test car had supportive seats and the dashboard looks modern.  Whilst the interior feels well-made, the dashboard and door trims are shiny and look as though they will scratch easily.

The ST’s back doors are 15mm longer than a five-door Ibiza; so access is slightly improved. Sadly, once inside taller rear passengers will moan at the lack of head and legroom.

High level of standard equipment

At launch, S A/C, SE and Sport trim levels will be available. Standard equipment includes electric front windows, CD player with column controls, remote central locking, driver, passenger and side airbags.  The Ibiza ST is available with a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines; 105bhp 1.2 TSI, and 85bhp 1.4 litre and a 75bhp 1.2-litre and 105bhp 1.6-litre TDi diesel engines, which offer acceleration from 0-62mph in 10.2, 12.4, 14.5 and 10.7 seconds respectively. All models are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox, while seven-speed DSG twin-clutch transmission is available as an option on the 1.2 TSI petrol.

We drove a 1.6 TDI Sport model which is tuned for economy rather than performance, so it needs to be worked hard with frequent gearchanges to get the best out of it.

We’re not fans of the Ibiza’s electric power assisted steering either, as it feel over light and imprecise. Our Sport test car had thicker anti-roll bars and stiffer dampers, as such it handled well but the ride is on the firm side.

We think the Ibiza ST estate(http://www.autotrader.co.uk/carmakes/seat/ibiza) is stylish, spacious, well priced and good to drive.

Key facts:

Model Tested: Seat Ibiza ST Sport 1.6 TDI
One the road price: £14,730
Date tested: November 2010
Road tester: Martyn Collins

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