SEAT Arona 2023
By Ian Strachan.
SEAT seems to be updating its SUVs on a regular basis, keeping the range fresh and attractive. The latest vehicle to get the treatment is the compact crossover, the Arona.
The Arona has the advantage of superb interior space compared to some of its rivals. It is an attractive car inside and out, with SEAT’s distinctive looks combined with practicality, space and high specification.
The Arona, built at SEAT’s Spanish headquarters, is an attractive and 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’s well-priced, with the entry model starting at £21,695. The 110 bhp 1.0 litre petrol engine in my test car delivers up to 53.3 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.
I test drove the Arona TSI petrol six-speed manual in FR Sport spec, which comes in at £26,240 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 sports 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, Satnav and DAB radio with MP3/Bluetooth compatibility via an 8.25 inch 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.
I enjoyed the latest Arona, which moves this ubiquitous brand further up the SUV choice lists.
