The Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2012) represents a key offering from the Spanish automaker SEAT within the highly competitive European B-segment, specifically catering to the compact station wagon or “estate” market. Produced between 2012 and 2015, this model was part of the fourth generation of the Ibiza (platform code 6J/6P) and benefited from a mid-cycle refresh that brought updated styling cues and minor mechanical refinements. As a practical and economical choice, the Ibiza ST, with its 1.2-liter (60 Hp) engine variant, was designed to provide ample cargo space and everyday usability for families and individuals in its primary European markets, where fuel efficiency and maneuverability are paramount. It underscored SEAT’s commitment to delivering accessible, stylish, and functional vehicles within the Volkswagen Group’s diverse portfolio.
Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2012): Overview
The Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2012) is a station wagon derivative of the popular Seat Ibiza hatchback. SEAT, a Spanish automobile manufacturer now majority-owned by the Volkswagen Group, primarily targets the European market with vehicles designed for urban environments and cost-conscious consumers. The “ST” designation signifies “SportTourer,” highlighting the model’s focus on practicality combined with a degree of sporty styling. This generation of the Ibiza, and particularly the ST variant, aimed to provide a versatile and affordable option for buyers needing more cargo capacity than a traditional hatchback could offer.
Engine & Performance
The Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2012) 1.2 (60 Hp) is powered by a 1.2-liter (1198 cm3 or 73.11 cu. in.) naturally aspirated, inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, identified by the engine code CGPB. This engine was designed with fuel economy and low running costs as primary objectives, typical for entry-level vehicles in the European market. It produces a peak power output of 60 horsepower (Hp) at 5200 rpm, resulting in a power-per-liter ratio of 50.1 Hp/l. Torque figures stand at 79.66 lb.-ft. (108 Nm) at 3000 rpm, providing adequate drivability in urban settings.
The engine features a multi-port manifold injection system and four valves per cylinder, optimizing combustion efficiency. It is paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission and a front-wheel-drive configuration. While not designed for high performance, the Ibiza ST 1.2 (60 Hp) achieves a top speed of 96.31 mph (155 km/h). Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 15.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 16.7 seconds), making it best suited for city commuting and relaxed highway cruising. Fuel economy is a significant strength, with combined fuel consumption reaching 42.8 US mpg (5.5 l/100 km), urban figures around 32.2 US mpg (7.3 l/100 km), and extra-urban figures up to 52.3 US mpg (4.5 l/100 km). CO2 emissions are rated at 128 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards. The 11.89 US gallon (45 liter) fuel tank provides a respectable driving range.
Design & Features
The Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2012) utilizes a five-door station wagon (estate) body style, offering increased cargo capacity compared to the standard hatchback. The facelifted model incorporates styling updates, including a revised front fascia with redesigned headlights and grille, giving it a more modern appearance. The vehicle’s dimensions are 166.77 inches (4236 mm) in length, 66.65 inches (1693 mm) in width, and 56.89 inches (1445 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 97.2 inches (2469 mm). These compact dimensions enhance maneuverability in urban environments.
The Ibiza ST provides a minimum trunk space of 15.19 cu. ft. (430 liters), making it a practical choice for small families or individuals needing extra cargo room. The vehicle has a kerb weight of 2447.13 lbs. (1110 kg), a maximum payload of 1003.1 lbs. (455 kg), and a gross vehicle weight of 3450.23 lbs. (1565 kg). The chassis features an independent McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, paired with a semi-independent rear suspension also utilizing coil springs, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear, with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for improved stopping control. Steering is rack and pinion. Available tire and wheel sizes range from 175/70 R14 to 215/40 R17.
Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
| Brand | Seat |
| Model | Ibiza |
| Generation | Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (60 Hp) |
| Start of Production | 2012 year |
| End of Production | 2015 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 128 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 15.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 18.5 kg/Hp (54.1 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.3 kg/Nm (97.3 Nm/tonne) |
| Power | 60 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per liter | 50.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 3000 rpm (79.66 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CGPB |
| Engine displacement | 1198 cm3 (73.11 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.9 mm (3.42 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt) |
| Coolant | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1110 kg (2447.13 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1565 kg (3450.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal) |
| Length | 4236 mm (166.77 in.) |
| Width | 1693 mm (66.65 in.) |
| Height | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2469 mm (97.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1457 mm (57.36 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine drives the front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14; 185/60 R15; 215/45 R16; 215/40 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.0J x 14; 6.0J x 15; 7.0J x 16; 7.0J x 17 |
Legacy and Market Impact
The Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2012), particularly the 1.2-liter (60 Hp) version, played a significant role in SEAT’s strategy within the European market. SEAT, as part of the Volkswagen Group, is positioned as a brand offering a blend of sporty design and practicality. The Ibiza ST embodied this approach, providing a visually appealing design alongside affordability, efficiency, and practicality. In Europe, where fuel economy and lower vehicle taxes are important, the 1.2-liter engine was a popular choice. While modest in power by American standards, it was sufficient for urban and highway driving, especially considering the car’s light weight.
The Ibiza ST competed with models like the Volkswagen Polo Estate, Ford Fiesta Estate, and Skoda Fabia Estate. Its distinctive Spanish styling and competitive pricing helped it gain market share. The Ibiza ST contributed to SEAT’s brand recognition and demonstrated the company’s ability to offer versatile and practical vehicles. Today, the Ibiza IV ST remains a popular used car choice in Europe, valued for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, solidifying its legacy as a smart and economical family car.
