By Ian Strachan.
SEAT updates its appealing SUV range on a regular basis, keeping them fresh and attractive. The compact crossover, the Arona, is no exception and this attractive vehicle is a competitive choice in the sector.
The Arona has the advantage of excellent interior space compared to some of its rivals. It is a good looking car inside and out, with SEAT’s distinctive looks combined with practicality, space and a high specification.
The Arona, built at SEAT’s Spanish headquarters, is a capable alternative to more established small SUVs, with sleek, eye-catching design, a front end which shows off SEAT’s trademark grille and headlights, and a comfortable and roomy interior.
And it performs well, particularly in the FR spec which I tested, and is still fairly frugal. The 150 bhp 1.5 litre petrol engine delivers around 48 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.
The Arona 1.5 TSI petrol DSG automatic in FR spec comes in at £29,875 on the road. As well as being keenly priced it is very well-equipped.
The interior of the Arona is light, pleasant and spacious. Load carrying capacity is good, with 400 litres of boot space. Seat materials and trim materials are of a very high quality, and the heated front seats are supremely comfortable.
Equipment is impressive, with remote central locking, dual-zone climate control , all-round electric windows, automatic stop/start, roof rails, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors with camera ,satnav and DAB radio with MP3/Bluetooth compatibility via a colour touchscreen, 18 inch alloy wheels and tinted rear windows.
You also get rain-sensing wipers leather steering wheel with steering wheel mounted controls, and electrically adjustable heated door mirrors. There’s also the full range of safety and driver aids.
My test car had an uprated sound system at an extra £550 and a space-saver spare wheel at £200.
I enjoyed the latest Arona, which moves this ubiquitous brand further up the SUV choice lists.
