Coinciding with its showroom debut in the UK this month SEAT is today revealing full price and specification details of its new Ibiza ST.

The exciting third ‘silhouette’ in the SEAT line-up joins the sporty Ibiza SC and practical Ibiza 5dr to make today’s Ibiza range the most extensive in the Spanish supermini’s 25-year history.

Another sleek product of the pen of SEAT’s chief designer, Luc Donckerwolke, the estate version of SEAT’s biggest seller is, clearly, created to offer more carrying capacity without compromising on the sporty style that makes the Ibiza one of the most dynamic and eye-catching superminis on the road.

Boot space is up 138 litres over the 5dr taking the car’s carrying capacity to a sizable 430 litres (seats up) meaning, among other things, that the ST offers a great value alternative to many apparently larger family hatchbacks from the class above.

Offered from launch with a broad variety of engines, including sporty turbocharged petrols and frugal latest generation turbodiesels, and with the option of a familiar five-speed manual or hi-tech seven-speed DSG gearbox, the new SEAT is even available to order in super-frugal Ecomotive form, with CO2 emissions confirmed at a road tax-busting 92 g/km and an exceptional combined fuel economy figure of 80.7 mpg.

The extensive array of modern engines includes a newly EUV-compliant 1.4 and rises to a turbocharged 1.2-litre TSI that’s available with manual or ‘self-shifter’ DSG ‘box. Diesel Ibiza ST buyers are offered the choice of a refined 75 PS 1.2-litre TDI CR – also available in the Ecomotive version – or a potent 1.6-litre TDI CR that’s good for 105 PS at 4,400 rpm.

Performance is fully in keeping with the Spanish brand’s sporty ethos and the most dynamic version at launch, the 1.2 TSI with DSG-auto, covers the 0-62 mph dash in a spirited 10.1 seconds before charging on, where legal, to a top speed of 118 mph.

Clearly, Ibiza ST buyers will be looking for practicality as well as sporty style, though, and to that end the new car includes a selection of common sense features that make it as ‘sensible’ as it is ‘chic’.

Split folding rear sears with a 60/40 bias, sleek roof rails in either black or chrome finish, a carefully designed low load height and wide rear hatch, a flat boot floor and innovative storage options throughout the ST’s smart interior enable it to work with effortless efficiency.

Available to order now in SEAT’s familiar and clear model line-up of S A/C, SE and Sport, the new Ibiza ST costs from just £12,070 RRP for the entry-level 1.4-litre 16V S A/C. Prices rise through engine and equipment levels to a current ceiling of £14,910 for the Ibiza ST 1.2 TDI CR Ecomotive in luxurious SE spec.

No matter what their budget, though, all Ibiza ST buyers can look forward to a generous complement of standard-fit kit including, among much else: air conditioning; four-speaker stereo radio with MP3-compatible CD and AUX-in; steering column-mounted audio controls; electric front windows; roof rails; speed sensitive electro-hydraulic power steering; volumetric alarm and remote central locking with deadlocks.

Like its Barcelona-built cousins the Ibiza SC and Ibiza 5dr, the new Ibiza ST boasts a liberal list of safety features as standard. All versions feature head and chest airbags for both driver and front seat passenger, head-thorax front side airbags, front passenger airbag disconnection, ABS and three three-point rear seatbelts.

Optionally available, depending on engine and spec choices, are other features such as SEAT’s clever electronic XDS system – which mimics the function of a conventional limited slip differential – and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

On the subject of options, Ibiza ST buyers are able to specify an extensive array of extras to make their new car even more luxurious. Among the items available are: climate control (including a refrigerated glove compartment); Bi-xenon headlights with AFS, headlight washers and daytime running lights; a panoramic glass sunroof (in lieu of roof rails) and a variety of alloy wheels that, depending on spec, can measure up to 17 inches.

Welcoming the latest addition to the stylish Ibiza ‘family’ SEAT UK Product Manager Andy McGregor said: ‘Our new ST shows that small cars really can be both roomy and stylish.

‘The car’s arrival in SEAT showrooms makes the Ibiza line-up not only the most extensive in our history but, also, the most practical and attractive. I’m sure we’ll see the new Ibiza ST carve out a very successful niche for itself as buyers latch onto its great looks, flexibility and convenience.’