Spyshots: SEAT Ibiza Sport Tourer FR

There were once three brothers in a far away land called Hatchback. One had Spanish blood coursing through its veins and was known as Ibiza, the other has Czech sensibleness and people called him Fabia (we know it’s actually a girl’s name), while the last had all the German practicality he needed and a venerable name - Polo.

Through the ages, the trio lived long and prospered, giving birth to other versions, like estates, three-door with coupe looks and, most importantly compact hothatches. The Skoda Fabia was the only one to offer a hot version with a big boot, but now the Spaniards want in on the action and they are testing the new SEAT Ibiza Sport Tourer FR on the Nurburgring track in Germany to see if it’s got what it needs.

The Sport Tourer body is already available in Europe with three petrol engines and three diesel ones - a 70 hp 1.2-liter three-cylinder, an 85 hp 1.4-liter and a 105 hp 1.2-liter TSI, plus a 75 hp 1.2 TDI, a 90 hp 1.6 TDI and a 105 hp 1.6 TDI. But the new FR version will come with extra appeal, thanks to its 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 150-horsepower that’s already found in the hatchback model.

The prototype that our spy photographers caught testing sports no camouflage whatsoever. It already sports the FR logo on the lower front fascia, thought what gave it away is the full set of large alloys shod in lower profile tires and visible twin tailpipes at the back.

It’s likely that the Ibiza ST FR will drop by the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Septembers, with official details to arrive before that.