Key facts:
Model Tested: Seat Ibiza ST Sport 1.6 TDI
Price: £14,730
Date tested: November 2010
Road tester: Martyn Collins

The SEAT Ibiza ST is the third member in the modern Ibiza family, offering more space and practicality for family buyers. The ST is 4.23 metres long, with an extra 18cm of metalwork grafted on to the back of the five-door hatch.

Styled by the firm's design team headed by ex-Lamborghini 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.

Sadly, the Ibiza ST's stylish design means its 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 means the boot is a useable shape 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.

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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 have 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 feels over-light and imprecise. Our Sport test car had thicker anti-roll bars and stiffer dampers, so it handled well but the ride is on the firm side.

We think the Ibiza ST estate is stylish, spacious, well priced and good to drive.