Seat Ibiza ST Concept: First Sketch Released

Seat is going light on the details for the forthcoming Ibiza ST (Sports Tourer). They've released this sketch and that's about it, so far.

What do we make of it?

Well, first off, it is about time that Seat start leveraging some of the talent and know-how of the VW Group to benefit their brand, which some can accuse VW of having neglected on occasion since they declared that Seat would be a "sporty" marque potentially aligned with Audi and then left it at that. So here they're putting some Audi sportback styling flair into an ST version of the Ibiza which seems a smart and logical fit.

And there's more VW Group input via SEAT's design chief Luc Donckerwolke, formerly of Lamborghini, who has ushered the ST along. You can see elements of his Arrow Design concept at play and the ST's styling looks inspired, but the references to the A3 sportback are obvious, which isn't a bad thing at all, though.

No details on what the Ibiza ST will be sporting under the hood but chances are it will be some variation on the the VW Group's 1.4 liter TFSI engine that has seen its power output dialed up to 180 hp and 250 Nm of torque on the Ibiza Cupra model. The 1.4 TFSI is also currently available in the Golf with an output rating of 160 hp. The ST will also likely see VW's 7-speed DSG transmission too.

Press Release

In the week the new Exeo saloon and ST officially launch in UK showrooms, ambitious Spanish motor maker SEAT is underlining its intention to compete in other new sectors of the car market with first details of an exciting addition to the Ibiza line-up.

The forthcoming Ibiza ST, illustrated here with a concept design sketch, is destined for UK showrooms next year and becomes the third distinct body style in the Ibiza model family - joining established big sellers the practical Ibiza 5dr and sporty Ibiza ST.

The unveiling of the attractive ST is, however, not SEAT's first entry into the supermini estate segment: it follows the SEAT Cordoba Vario which debuted in showrooms here in 1998.

This time around, the compact estate offering promises even more style, comfort and practicality thanks to the exceptional creative efforts of SEAT design chief Luc Donckerwolke.

The ex-Lamborghini man, who has introduced SEAT's new trademark Arrow Design concept on cars such as the latest generation Ibiza and new Exeo, is again working to deliver a healthy dose of much-needed sporting SEAT style into a traditionally dowdy market sector.

The rationale behind SEAT's latest new car is as confident as its design. Speaking recently SEAT S.A. President Erich Schmitt said: ‘Customers want attractive, top quality vehicles regardless of whether times are good or bad. That is why we are launching ten new models that suit customers' tastes this year, thereby positioning ourselves for better times.

‘Next year we will be launching the third variant of our successful Ibiza model, a wagon version, which we will be producing here in Martorell. This will be the Ibiza ST.'

More precise details of the new model will be revealed closer to its launch, although SEAT is confirming that it will include a selection of engines not currently offered in the Ibiza.

Head of SEAT UK, Peter Wyhinny, said: ‘The addition of a great-looking, sporty and practical Ibiza ST to our fast-growing range is a very exciting development.

‘It will, I'm sure, find significant appeal across a broad spectrum of UK drivers and I'm very much looking forward to its arrival in 2010.'