SEAT Ibiza ST (2010 – 2017) Review

February 2010

First photos of ST version of Ibiza

Station wagon with low rear sill. 4,230mm long, so 180 mm longer than Ibiza hatch. Base luggage capacity 430 litres. 1164 litres with the split rear seats folded. 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 chain cam TSI. High-tech optional equipment to include VAG's dual clutch DSG automatic/sequential manual gearbox.

The 1.2-litre TDI with 75bhp uses stop/start technology to come in at just 90g/km CO2 in ths certification tests, so zero UK VED. Optimistic certificated 78.5mpg on the Combined cycle. 55mpg allegedly possible from the 1.2 TSI petrol, though 45-47mpg more likely. Certificated 67.3mpg for the 1.6-litre TDI diesel.

October 2010

Insurance groups

Modest repair costs and a standard alarm and immobiliser help to keep insurance groups low across the range.

April 2011

SEAT introduces new Ibiza Copa. The new trim level is launched in all three Ibiza bodystyles – sporty 3dr SC, practical 5dr and capacious ST estate – in one designation, SE Copa, and with a simple choice between two of the most popular engines, 1.4 16V petrol or 1.2 TDI CR turbodiesel.

It builds on the already generous SE spec by adding the following:

• 16” ‘Fabula’ alloy wheels (1.4 only)
• Climate control (including refrigerated glovebox)
• Rain and light sensors for automatic wipers and lights
• Dark tinted rear windows
• Leather steering wheel and gearknob
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Bespoke Copa upholstery

These features come in addition to the standard Ibiza SE’s medley of equipment which features the likes of cruise control, six-speaker MP3 compatible radio/CD with AUX-in and steering column-mounted controls, alarm, immobiliser and electric windows all round.

Ibiza SE Copa prices start at a highly competitive £11,995 RRP for the SC version.

January 2012

Announcement of improvements from Spring 2012

The trapezoidal grille has flatter proportions and the horizontal honeycomb structure of the grille and the lower air intake emphasise the car's width. The bumpers front and rear have been redesigned, with a look that is particularly accentuated on the sporty Ibiza FR version. Standard equipment on the FR, and available as an option on other models, are large fog lamps with integrated cornering light.

Headlamps are available in two halogen versions or with optional bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. The DRLs trace the form of the headlamps to deliver a unique light signature, as do the optional LED rear lights.

Interior detail changes include new design of Climatronic climate control system, new paint surfaces, new instrument binnacle with improved display, significantly larger glove compartment. SC luggage capacity 284 litres. 5-dr: 292 litres and a split/folding rear seatbacks. ST offers 430 litres up to a maximum of 1,164 litres with rear seats folded.

Range of petrol units extends from economical 1.2-litre 60 PS to1.4 TSI with supercharger and turbocharger. A peak power figure of 150PS and standard-fit DSG transmission give 7.5 second 0-60 and top speed of 132mph. In the new Ibiza, this power unit is now also available in the ST creating an Ibiza ST FR.

Particular efficiency is delivered by the Ibiza 1.2 TSI Ecomotive - a state-of-the-art turbocharged power unit with 105PS it offers a refined drive with its maximum torque of 175 Nm at just 1,550 rpm, yet an EC 55mpg combined with to start/stop.

Ibiza 1.2 TDI E Ecomotive, also with a start/stop system offers EC combined 83mpg, equating to 89g/km CO2in all bodyshell variants. Yet the compact hi-tech TDI delivers strong performance with its 75 PS and very respectable peak torque of 180 Nm. The sporty Ibiza diesel is the 2.0 TDI with a beefy 143 PS. No competitor in this segment offers such a powerful diesel; no other masters the combination of performance and efficiency so successfully - a top speed of 130 mph comes with an EC combined fuel consumption of 61.4mpg.

As well as five- and six-speed manual gearboxes, a number of engines are offered with DSG transmissions either as standard equipment or as an option. This dual-clutch transmission offers not only the comfort of an automatic but also the extra benefit of better efficiency than a tyorque converter auto.

Precise steering and ESP stability control, as well as the XDS electronic differential lock (on models of 100 PS or more) deliver safety even in difficult driving conditions. A powerful brake system with ABS is a case in point. The new Ibiza runs on wheels ranging in size from 15 to 17-inches and sporting several new designs.

The Ibiza's generous line-up of equipment has also been revised, independent of bodyshell form. The base modelin European markets is Reference. Above it is the Style version, which comes with air conditioning as standard. The Ibiza FR sets particularly sporty characteristics with accentuated design elements front and rear, alloy wheels and a leather-clad steering wheel. And every SEAT can be adapted to suit personal style and individual preferences with an extensive range of colours, options and accessories.

March 2012

SEAT confirmed that the majority of New Ibizas will be available at a lowerprice than their outgoing equivalents. As before, the UK range extends up from the E through S A/C and SE to the sporty FR model.

The core basic model in the new line up - the SEAT Ibiza S A/C - is offered at an average of £300 less than the outgoing S Copa editions. The most affordable Ibiza 5dr is therefore the 1.2 70 PS S A/C model, at just £11,430 RRP on the road. This engine is also now available in the Ibiza ST body style, giving it a significantly reduced starting price of only £12,140 RRP.

On the mid-level New Ibiza SE, there's a similar £300 average price reduction versus the outgoing SE Copa. Here, all Ibiza body-styles have the same four derivatives on offer. The 1.4 85 PS petrol model is joined by the 1.2 TSI 105 PS, with state-of-the-art seven-speed DSG for those who require an automatic. Two diesels are offered in this spec; the hyper-frugal 92 g/km 1.2 TDI 75 PS Ecomotive and the 1.6 TDI 105 PS. The latter is available in SE trim for the first time.

The great news for fans of SEAT's sporty and stylish FR trim is that it now occupies an even more affordable place in the extensive Ibiza range, with engine availability widened to include turbocharged 105 PS units in both petrol and diesel. The established higher-end FR derivatives - 1.4-litre TSI 150 PS DSG-auto and 2.0-litre TDI 143 PS turbodiesel - are also available at much lower prices - up to a massive £1,100 less, in fact. For the very first time FR is also now available on the Ibiza ST. As on the outgoing model, the ‘walk' from any Ibiza SC model to the equivalent 5dr model is just £500. To move from 5dr to ST is another £710 in every case.

January 2013

SEAT Ibiza Toca editions announced with SEAT Portable touch-screen System. Toca is the Spanish word for ‘touch'. In the Ibiza Toca, buyers get a set of 16-inch ‘Stratos' alloy wheels (up from 15 inches) along with the SEAT Portable System, for a £425 premium over the SE car on which it's based.

The Toca editions are available to order now, with first cars expected to hit the road during early February - and customers buying the Ibiza Toca before April will enjoy huge discounts. The Ibiza Toca editions all receive a £2,705 cut, leaving the three-door (SC) model with an outstanding £9,995 price.

Every Toca edition is loaded with equipment, including air conditioning, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, electric front windows, electronic stability control (ESC), remote central locking, and front fog lights with cornering function (Ibiza Toca only).

The SEAT Portable System packs a deluge of digital driver aids into a lightweight package not much bigger than a cassette box. It includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, a MicroSD card slot for music storage, and trip computer functions, all controlled via a fool-proof interface on a five-inch touchscreen.

The SEAT Portable System is, from this month, available as an optional extra on all Ibiza models, superseding the TomTom unit previously available. The system is capable of having additional functionality added by way of software upgrades, and will shortly be updated to include internet search functionality. Existing SEAT Portable System owners will be able to access these additional features.

August 2014

SEAT Ibiza ST I-TECH introduced, fitting in the range between the Toca and the '30 Years Special' and based on the SE. Has the 1.2 TSI 105 engine, manual 5-speed, 16-inch 'Cartago' alloy wheels with titanium finish and I-TECH badges. Inside, has unique dark blue cloth and simil leather upholstery with embossed I-TECH logo plus a set of I-TECH floor mats, key cover and door sill plates.

May 2019

Haynes manual published for SEAT Ibiza IV 2008 - 2017.

Covers SC 3-door, 5-door, and ST estate. 999cc MPI and TSI, 1,197cc TSI, 1,390cc MPI, 1,598cc TDI Does not cover 1.2 3-cylinder MPI, 1.4 litre TSI, 1.8 litre or 2.0 litre petrol engines. Does not cover 1.2 litre, 1.4 litre, 1.9 litre or 2.0 litre diesel engines. Does not cover 1.4 Twincharger FR or Cupra models. Price £22.99 from Haynes.