SEAT Ibiza ST (2010 – 2017) Review

SEAT Ibiza ST (2010 – 2017) At A Glance

3/5

+Comfortable, easy to drive and affordable to run. Load area is a good size. Reasonable prices.

-Folding the rear seats could be easier. Skoda Fabia Estate is cheaper.

Insurance Groups are between 5–23
On average it achieves 79% of the official MPG figure

If you want a small estate car your choice is fairly limited. In fact, aside from the Skoda Fabia Estate, buyers are more or less restricted to one model – the SEAT Ibiza ST. Thankfully that’s no bad thing – it’s easy to drive, comfortable, practical, reasonably cheap to buy and affordable to run. As transport for a small family it’s ideal.

Boot space is generous at 430 litres with the rear seats in place – 160 litres more than the five-door hatch.  The load area is low but it does have a lip, which can make loading heavy items tricky, while folding the rear seats completely flat is a bit of a fiddle - but doing so frees up a total of 1164 litres. The rear row of seats is fine for adults at a push, but knee room is a little tight with taller occupants up front. This won’t be a problem for children, though.

Initially launched in 2010, the Ibiza ST has been lightly revised with new engines and equipment several times over the years. From 2015 the entire Ibiza range had a comprehensive overhaul, with a new, high quality dashboard design inspired by the bigger Leon, along with new customisation options including a variety of colour packs, plus new, cleaner engines.

The best of these for most buyers is the 1.0-litre 95PS EcoTSI petrol, which has official fuel economy of 68.9mpg and emissions of 94g/km. Despite its small displacement it suits the Ibiza ST perfectly thanks to 160Nm of torque from just 1500rpm, making for smooth, responsive, quiet progress whether in stop-start town traffic or on the motorway.

In total there are five petrol options with outputs from 75PS. The most powerful is a reasonably potent 1.4-litre with 150PS, available in sporty FR trim. Alternatively there are frugal diesel engines with outputs from 75PS to 105PS, but they’re pricier and louder than the petrols. Those who need an automatic are restricted to the 1.4-litre 90PS diesel with seven-speed DSG.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, roof rails and a small touchscreen with USB connectivity. Buyers who want luxuries like alloy wheels or Bluetooth will have to tick a few options boxes or pick a higher trim level, but thankfully that isn’t too expensive with the Ibiza ST – and there are some great extras including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There is a proverbial thorn in the Ibiza’s side in the form of the cheaper, more recent Skoda Fabia Estate, but the Ibiza has a broader engine range and sportier styling. For buyers who need a compact yet spacious family-friendly estate car the SEAT Ibiza ST is ideal, but it’s certainly worth trying the newer Skoda before making a final decision.

SEAT Ibiza ST facelift 2012 Road Test

Real MPG average for a SEAT Ibiza ST (2010 – 2017)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

79%

Real MPG

32–77 mpg

MPGs submitted

244

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What are the strange rattles coming from under my car?

"I own a 2014 SEAT Ibiza ST and when I drive down a road with an uneven surface, whether it be potholes, draincovers or speed bumps, I get a rattle noise from somewhere underneath the car. I have checked to see if the exhaust is loose, but it's not, so was wondering if it could be a suspension issue? I can even hear it over my radio. However on a smooth surface, like a good A road or a motorway they is no noise. "
Could be the rear suspension striking the exhaust system under compression. Just slackening off the exhaust joints and twisting slightly can fix this. Alternatively, might be a suspension bush and the most likely culprit is an anti roll bar sleeve bush dropped out.
Answered by Honest John

What small, estate car would you suggest I buy?

"I would like to change my car for a small, petrol estate. I currently drive a diesel car and it chokes up. I'm a stop start driver because I'm a mobile hairdresser. Maximum I can pay is £10,000, but would prefer it to be less and not high tax."
Realistically, a SEAT Ibiza ST or a Skoda Fabia estate, with the smallest 1.0 litre petrol engine, but the 95S version.
Answered by Honest John

What discount should I aim to get on the old model SEAT Ibiza?

"I'm interested in buying a Seat Ibiza 1.4 Eco TSi 150. This model is due to be replaced in July this year. The list price is £17,945 with red paint and a space saver wheel. What kind of discount should I aim for as I guess SEAT will be keen to get rid of the old model? I have a 2013 Mazda 3 SE with dealer full service history and 15,600 miles."
Yes, the new Ibiza will be the first VAG MQB A, with a new body and subframes. I'd be looking for at least a 20% discount; maybe 25%. But, of course, if you're trading in, it all depends on the cost to switch, so you need to know what that Mazda 3 is worth by keying in the reg and mileage at: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/used-prices/
Answered by Honest John

Why does my steering make a strange noise?

"I have a 2012 SEAT Ibiza 1.2 ST and every time I turn the steering wheel it makes a whining noise. The garage says it is the electric motor for the power steering (cost £720 fitted). Is this a common fault?"
If an electric power steering motor has been held on full lock too much it starts to burn itself out. You should never, ever hold EPAS on full lock. Always wind an inch off.
Answered by Honest John
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