SEAT ARONA
Seat’s Arona is the Spanish firm’s new baby SUV, and the latest in a line of excellent new Seat models.
The new Seat Arona is the second SUV the firm has introduced in the last couple of years and is perhaps best thought of as the firm’s popular Ibiza supermini with chunkier styling and a raised height.
First appearing in 2017, the Arona is heavily based on the Ibiza, which is no bad thing as the Ibiza is one of the best cars in its class and has always proven popular. Like all Seat models, it is named after a settlement in Spain, in this case it’s Arona, a town on the island of Tenerife. The Arona goes up against the likes of the Nissan Juke and Mazda CX-3, but truthfully, every car in this segment of the market is going to prove popular as this is the most fashionable part of the car industry right now.
Power for the Arona comes mostly from efficient little petrol units, though a 1.6-litre turbo diesel is available for those who cover more miles. This 114bhp engine has 4-cylinders, gives out just 114g/km of CO2 can achieve 60mpg+ on a combined cycle. If petrol is your preferred source of power, then the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder ‘TSI’ unit is an excellent choice, particularly in 114bhp output, where it gains a 6th gear (if you have chosen a manual transmission) or a 7-speed double-clutch ‘DSG’ automatic if you prefer to let the car swap the cogs itself.
With 7 different trim levels for the Seat Arona, choice isn’t exactly something you’ll struggle to find. Even the base model gets air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and DAB digital radio, cruise control and ambient lighting. If you’re looking for more in the way equipment and luxury, ‘XCELLENCE’ trim comes with navigation, wireless phone charging, an upgraded touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry.
With its fashionable looks, peppy engines and affordable pricing, the Seat Arona is an SUV sure to surge in popularity in 2019, along with its larger sibling, the Ateca. Anyone seeking a new SUV would be wise to consider Seat’s latest offerings, as they’re right up there with the best.