Seat expands the Ibiza range

Seat has expanded its Ibiza range to include a third body style. A new estate model, the ST, will join the existing three and five door hatchback versions this summer.

The ST represents a return to previously abandoned market territory for Seat; the company offered an estate version of the second-generation Ibiza produced between 1993 and 2002 (although like the saloon variant, it was badged as a Cordoba rather than an Ibiza), but hasn't offered a small estate since. Like other versions of the current Ibiza, the ST has crisp and neat styling, the work of a team led by Seat's styling chief, Luc Donckerwolke. It is 18cm longer than the hatchback and provides 430 litres of load space even with the rear seat-back in the raised position. Initially, at least, the sportier Ibiza engine options won't be available on the ST, although new fuel-saving 1.2 litre petrol and diesel engines will be on offer.

Seat has also confirmed that a new version of its Alhambra MPV is on the way, although it isn't telling us what that one looks like yet. The current Alhambra, a sister model of the Volkswagen Sharan, has been in production since 1996, making it one of the longest-established models on the market.