Seat quickly expanded its SUV range from nothing to three models in a short space of time, and it’s the Arona that serves as the Spanish firm’s most affordable crossover.
Slotting underneath the Ateca and Tarraco in the line-up, the Arona brings a smart design, fun driving experience and great value to its segment, which is one of the most competitive around.
Recently benefiting from further updates, the Arona now gets a more rugged look, higher-quality interior and tweaked trim levels. Here’s what you need to know about it…
What engines are available?
Seat discontinued diesel engines from the Arona a few years ago, with this crossover now just available with a trio of petrol engines.
Kicking off the line-up is a turbocharged 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, which is available with outputs of 94bhp of 108bhp. The former comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, with the latter getting a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic.
Accelerating to 60mph with the 94bhp Arona takes 11.3 seconds, but this drops to 10.4 seconds with the more powerful engine. Though both models will return around 50mpg, it’s actually the 108bhp version that’s better on fuel, with Seat claiming 53.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 121g/km.
At the top of the range is a 148bhp 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine. It’s noticeably quicker, with this being able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds and capable of a top speed of 130mph. In terms of efficiency, Seat says it can return 45.6mpg, with CO2 emissions of 140g/km.
What trim levels are offered?
Seat offers a wide range of trim levels on the Arona, with equipment highlights and prices as follows.
SE – from £20,730
The Arona comes with lots of equipment as standard, including 17-inch alloy wheels, a contrast roof, metallic paint and an 8.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth and DAB radio. It also comes with an eight-inch digital cockpit, cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and air conditioning.
SE Technology – from £21,725
Upgrade to the SE Technology and it brings an upgraded, larger 9.2-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and advanced connected services. It also brings a wireless phone charger and rear parking sensors.
FR – from £24,145
If you want more in the way of style, the FR gets smarter 17-inch alloy wheels, a sportier bodykit and tinted rear windows. It also gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers and configurable driving modes.
FR Sport – from £25,225
Upgrade to the FR Sport and it adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, microsuede upholstery and heated front seats.
Xperience – from £24,865
The Xperience builds on the SE Technology with a more rugged styling kit, along with a front armrest and further interior storage. You also get adaptive cruise control, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and keyless entry and start. You also get an alarm, high beam assist and traffic sign recognition.
Xperience Lux – from £26,405
At the top of the range is the Xperience Lux, which adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and microsuede upholstery. You also get heated front seats, front parking sensors, park assist and a reversing camera.
What about personalisation?
Seat doesn’t offer quite as many optional extras as some other manufacturers – instead preferring customers to buy the trim level that suits them.
For starters, Seat’s paint colours are all free of charge, meaning you should upgrade to a brighter or more vibrant colour as it won’t cost you any more – highlights are Emocion Red and Sapphire Blue. You can choose to have the roof painted, grey, black or white, too.
Some of the few options on offer include a spare wheel (£115) and Beats sound system (£500).
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