Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift ) 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) DSG

The Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2015) 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) DSG: A European Subcompact Workhorse

The Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2015) 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) DSG represents a significant iteration of the Spanish automaker SEAT’s popular B-segment (subcompact) offering. Launched in May 2015 as a refreshed version of the fourth-generation Ibiza, this particular model combines the practicality of a station wagon (estate) body style with the efficiency of a small-displacement turbodiesel engine and the convenience of a dual-clutch automatic transmission. While SEAT models are not typically sold in the United States, the Ibiza is a cornerstone of the brand’s lineup in its primary European markets, where it competes fiercely in the highly contested supermini segment. The “ST” designation, standing for Sport Tourer, highlights its extended rear section, designed to offer enhanced cargo capacity without sacrificing the compact dimensions suitable for urban driving. This facelifted model, produced until 2017, aimed to keep the Ibiza competitive by introducing subtle styling revisions, updated technology, and more efficient powertrains, including the 1.4-liter TDI engine under scrutiny.

Engine and Performance: The Efficient 1.4 TDI Powerplant

At the heart of the Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2015) 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) DSG lies a refined 1.4-liter (1422 cm³ or 86.78 cubic inches) three-cylinder turbodiesel engine, identified by the engine code CUSB. This compact powerplant delivers a respectable 90 horsepower at 3500 rpm, demonstrating a power-per-liter efficiency of 63.3 horsepower per liter. More critically for a diesel engine, it generates a robust 169.64 pound-feet (230 Nm) of torque, available across a broad and usable rev range from 1750 to 2500 rpm. This low-end torque is crucial for effortless urban driving and highway cruising, providing ample pulling power despite the engine’s modest displacement.

The engine’s architecture features an inline three-cylinder configuration with four valves per cylinder, a common rail direct injection system, and the benefit of both a turbocharger and an intercooler to optimize combustion efficiency and power delivery. With a compression ratio of 16.2:1, it is designed for maximum fuel economy. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a sophisticated 7-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic transmission. This dual-clutch unit is renowned for its rapid, smooth shifts and contributes significantly to both the vehicle’s performance and its impressive fuel efficiency. The Ibiza ST 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) DSG accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 10.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 11.4 seconds) and can reach a top speed of 113.09 mph (182 km/h). Its fuel consumption is rated at an outstanding 63.6 US mpg (3.7 liters per 100 km) in a combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km, adhering to the strict Euro 6 emission standards and featuring a particulate filter as standard.

Design and Features of the Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2015)

The Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2015) maintains the brand’s characteristic dynamic styling, even in its more practical station wagon guise. The “ST” variant, with its five doors and seating for five, extends the rear section to provide significantly more cargo space compared to its hatchback sibling. Measuring 166.77 inches (4236 mm) in length, 66.65 inches (1693 mm) in width, and 56.89 inches (1445 mm) in height, the Ibiza ST offers a compact footprint ideal for navigating congested European cities while still providing practical interior volume. The wheelbase of 97.2 inches (2469 mm) contributes to stable handling and a comfortable ride.

Key design elements of the facelifted model include updated headlights, a revised grille, and subtly tweaked bumpers, giving it a sharper, more contemporary look. Inside, the cabin received upgrades to material quality, a new infotainment system, and a redesigned instrument cluster, enhancing the overall user experience. Despite its subcompact classification, the Ibiza ST offers a respectable minimum trunk (boot) space of 15.19 cubic feet (430 liters), making it a versatile choice for small families or individuals needing extra cargo capacity. Standard features for the era included power steering with a rack and pinion system, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety, and various tire and wheel options ranging from 14 to 17 inches. The suspension setup comprises an independent McPherson strut system with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, and a semi-independent arrangement with coil springs at the rear, tuned for a balance of comfort and agile handling.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact

The Seat Ibiza IV ST (facelift 2015) 1.4 TDI (90 Hp) DSG played a crucial role in SEAT’s strategy to capture a significant share of the European subcompact market. As part of the Volkswagen Group, SEAT often positions itself as the sportier, more design-oriented alternative to its VW and Skoda siblings, sharing platforms and powertrains but offering a distinct Spanish flair. The Ibiza ST, in particular, carved out a niche for itself by offering the practicality of a small station wagon in a segment dominated by hatchbacks.

In the highly competitive European landscape, the Ibiza ST faced rivals such as the Skoda Fabia Combi, Renault Clio Estate, Peugeot 207 SW (and later 208 SW), and the Volkswagen Polo Variant (though the Polo Variant was less common in some markets where the Ibiza ST thrived). Its strengths lay in its combination of a frugal yet torquey diesel engine, the smooth and efficient DSG transmission, a surprisingly spacious cargo area for its class, and SEAT’s reputation for engaging driving dynamics. The 1.4 TDI engine, specifically, was a popular choice for its low running costs and compliance with stringent Euro 6 emissions standards, making it attractive to both private buyers and fleet operators.

The Ibiza ST’s legacy is one of a practical, efficient, and stylish option within the B-segment. It demonstrated SEAT’s ability to diversify its popular Ibiza range, proving that a subcompact car could also offer genuine utility without compromising on driving pleasure or modern features. While the station wagon body style has seen a decline in popularity in recent years due to the rise of compact SUVs, the Ibiza ST remains a testament to a time when automakers explored various body configurations to meet diverse consumer needs in Europe. Its blend of German engineering (via Volkswagen Group) and Spanish design sensibilities ensured its relevance and appeal during its production run, solidifying the Ibiza’s status as a key pillar of the SEAT brand.