Seat Arona makes its debut

Another week, another new compact crossover. But this could be an important one.

Hot on the heels of the Kia Stonic and Hyundai Kona comes the Seat Arona - the Spanish manufacturer’s second foray into the crossover/ SUV market in as many years.

Given how good last year’s Ateca was and how popular it’s proving, the brand will be hoping the Arona can make a similar impact in the compact SUV segment.

Based on the same platform as the new Ibiza, the Arona is longer and taller than the supermini, offering more ground clearance and interior room. Seat say it combines the compact dimensions needed for city driving with the spacious, robust and sporty feel drivers of all ages are looking for.

Buyers will have a choice of five engines from launch. A three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol in 94bhp and 114bhp tunes is joined by a 1.4-litre 148bhp four-cylinder petrol and 1.6 diesel in 94bhp and 114bhp tunes.

Depending on the engine the Arona will come with a fiveor six-speed manual or sevenspeed DSG gearbox.

Available in four trim levels, the new crossover will come packed with the latest driving assistance systems, including front assist, adaptive cruise control, hillhold control, tiredness recognition, multicollision braking, and keyless entry and start.

Rear traffic alert, blind spot detection and park assistance will be among optional extras.

It will also offer an eightinch touchscreen media system, wireless phone charging and connectivity hub.

Unveiling the car, Dr Matthias Rabe, executive vicepresident for research and development at Seat, said: “We’re certain that the Arona is the perfect answer to the current demands of our customers, in terms of dynamic behaviour, comfort, safety and state-of-the-art technology.”