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.’

· Third Ibiza silhouette significantly extends range

· New engine options enhance existing, impressive, powerplants

Making its world debut at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland this week, the forthcoming Ibiza ST promises space and style in equal measure.

The Spanish brand’s latest addition to the already popular Ibiza family which currently comprises both sporty SC and practical 5dr bodystyles – the ST adds accomplished load-carrying to the Ibiza’s list of attractive family traits thanks to a capacious 430-litre load bay (rear seats up).

Making its debut in the metal alongside the stunning SEAT IBE electric concept car, the production-ready Ibiza ST prepares to fight for a slice of the UK’s supermini estate market and is geared to take on the likes of the Peugeot 207 SW and MINI Clubman in the process.

In the UK, the new arrival from Martorell will debut with no fewer than five modern engines and an extensive array of equipment and new technologies.

At launch later this year, British buyers will get a choice of three petrol and two TDI diesel units with the latest common-rail fuel injection. Four of the five engines operate with direct injection and turbocharging and outputs span from 75 PS to 105 PS. Highlights include the exceptionally efficient new 1.2 TDI common rail diesel and 1.2 TSI.

Transmission options comprise both five-speed manual and six-speed dual clutch DSG automatic/sequential manual ‘boxes, while every new Ibiza ST will be offered with a combination of ventilated front disc brakes and either disc or drum rear brakes.

The new Ibiza model’s range structure in the UK will mirror that of its familiar siblings, with versions available in S A/C, SE and Sport specs.

Generous levels of standard equipment across the range, allied to the new SEAT’s undeniably elegant lines, promise to help the Ibiza ST make an instant impression. Buyers in the UK can, therefore, look forward to the availability of all manner of creature comforts.

Highlights of the ST’s standard equipment roster in the UK include, depending on model: speed-sensitive electro-hydraulic power steering; electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors; electric windows front and rear; front fog lights with cornering function and climate control.

Performance is fully in line with the Spanish brand’s sporty ethos so, despite being a practical load carrier, the Ibiza ST will not be left wanting on the road. Provisional performance figures suggest a 0 to 62 mph time of as little as 10.1 seconds – for the version equipped with SEAT’s new 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS powerplant – while that same version is also capable of a top speed of 118 mph.

Provisional economy figures suggest that the Ibiza ST will be as frugal as it is practical. When equipped with SEAT’s hi-tech EU5-compliant 1.6-litre TDI CR turbodiesel with latest generation common rail fuelling the forthcoming supermini estate will be good for more than 55 mpg around town, rising to 78.5 mpg on the extra urban cycle.

Welcoming the public debut of the Ibiza ST in Geneva, Head of SEAT UK Peter Wyhinny said: ‘The arrival of our new supermini estate marks another important milestone for the growing Ibiza family.

‘This sleek, practical yet sporty new car is certain to appeal to a wide variety of drivers and I know our dealers are eagerly anticipating its UK showroom debut later this year.’

UKpricing and full specification details will be revealed closer to the car’s showroom launch.

Sporty estate is third body shape in new Ibiza line-up
Expressive design, dynamic driving fun
Five efficient engines including new 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI
SEAT is continuing its relentless 2010 new product offensive with another stylish and svelte newcomer to the Ibiza range.

The Ibiza ST is the third silhouette to join the Spaniards’ supermini line-up and significantly expands SEAT’s presence in this important market segment.

The new arrival from Martorell debuts with no fewer than five modern engines and an extensive array of equipment and new technologies.

SEAT’s renowned design team, led by Luc Donckerwolke, has taken the highly functional concept of the Ibiza ST and clad it in the Spanish brand’s unique design language. Despite the estate layout and generous load capacity the newcomer retains the youthful, sporty character of the rest of the Ibiza range.

The roofline stretches rearwards, the rear overhang is integrated perfectly into the overall design and the tight span of its flanks lends tautness to its proportions. The front end bears the hallmark of SEAT’s now trademark ‘Arrow Design’ with the rear end receiving a new look courtesy of the split rear light clusters.

Measuring 4.23 metres in length, the Ibiza ST is 18 centimetres longer than the Ibiza hatch. This creates ample load capacity to satisfy the varied requirements of ST owners. The new car’s base luggage capacity of 430 litres is already comparatively generous, and can be easily increased in stages by folding the split rear seats.

SEAT’s engineers have also paid particularly close attention to the optimal width and low height of the load opening.

Sporty dynamics with a high degree of efficiency are par for the course with every SEAT. State-of-the-art engines see the Ibiza ST offer, in the UK, a choice of three petrol and two TDI units with the latest common-rail fuel injection. Four of the five engines operate with direct injection and turbocharging. Outputs span 85 PS to 105 PS and highlights include the exceptionally efficient new 1.2 TDI and 1.2 TSI.

Aside from a generous standard spec’ the new Ibiza ST will also offer hi-tech optional equipment including SEAT’s impressive dual clutch DSG automatic/sequential manual gearbox.

More details about the new car’s specification, pricing and model line-up will be revealed closer to its UK on-sale date this summer.