The SEAT Arona lands in Barcelona and surprises us with its presence

Barcelona’s beaches witnessed an unusual sight a few days ago. A helicopter airlifted a SEAT Arona so that bathers could see, though from a distance, how this new crossover from the Martorell-based brand looks. And now, the new compact SUV from the brand has been seen up close and in all its glory. Following the SEAT Ateca, this model arrives, positioned below it in size but not in image.

The new Ibiza served as the basis for this car, which uses the same MQB A0 platform as the brand’s smaller models. It will be one of the models built in Martorell and it comes ahead of the third SUV the brand is preparing for next year, which, they say, will have seven seats.

The Arona has a length of 4.13 metres and although it is based on the Ibiza, it is slightly longer and even taller, as it should be for a car of this type. It not only offers more ground clearance but also more headroom in both the front and rear seats. The boot surprises with 400 litres of capacity and easy access, ideal for carrying everyone’s luggage without any problems.

The car’s design follows the design language SEAT has used so far, yet it stands out with its own personality that defines its style. The roof has rails for carrying all sorts of things and helps give it the look of an off-roader. Inside, a higher driving position has been chosen, and the centre console conveys a sense of strength, elegance and security.

The driver will have an eight-inch screen to keep everything in view without ever taking their eyes off the road. The interior can be personalised, just like the exterior. The bodywork will be two-tone, with several combination possibilities, with the roof in a different colour from the body.

As for the powertrain, it will feature three petrol engines and one diesel, offered in two power outputs. A 1.0-litre petrol engine will deliver 90 CV, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, and another of the same displacement will reach 115 CV, which can be matched either to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual. The third petrol engine will be offered with the FR trim and has a displacement of 1.5 litres. It delivers 150 CV and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The diesel range consists of a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, offered with 95 and 115 CV. The first will be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and the second with a six-speed manual. In mid-2018 a version powered by Compressed Natural Gas will arrive, based on the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and producing 90 CV.

The brand’s driver assistance systems are fitted to the model, which has also been prepared to offer good connectivity with mobile phones, both Android and iPhone. The SEAT Arona will be presented in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and we do not yet know the prices it will carry, but we can take a look at it and see how it turns out. What do you think?

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverSEAT Arona18 versions · from 23,060 €