What's the news?
Spanish car maker, SEAT, is on something of a roll at the moment and the Arona is the latest model to join its expanding lineup. This new compact crossover will sit below the Ateca and provides a more SUV-themed alternative to the new Ibiza. Buyers will be able to choose from a variety of vibrant colours with higher grade models featuring a distinctive contrasting roof colour.
In all there will be four specification grades to choose from, starting at €17,995 with the Arona S. Standard features on this model include auto headlights, front assist, black roof rails, air conditioning and a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth. Engine options in the S grade are limited to a 95hp 1.0-litre petrol or a 95hp 1.6-litre diesel costing €20,295.
One step up is the Arona SE, which has a starting price of €20,715 for the 115hp 1.0-litre petrol engine, which is also the sweetest engine in the range. Equipment on the SE model includes LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it has a leather steering wheels, interior chrome pack and ambient lighting, painted dashboard insert, 8-inch touchscreen media system with two USB ports, CD player, Full Link for smartphone connectivity and Voice Control. An automatic DSG transmission is available with the 1.0-litre TSI at the cost of €22,115 while the 1.6-litre TDI will retail at €22,295.
Two models share top billing in the range, with both specifications appealing to different tastes. For the sportier soul, the Arona FR gets larger 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, bi-coloured roof with chrome roof rails and an FR grille design on the front. The interior features Alcantara trim, leatherette dashboard, Drive Profile Section, reversing camera and Park Assist.
The SEAT Arona Xcellence model, which has a starting price of €22,815, gets a more upmarket look with different alloy wheels, bi-coloured roof, keyless entry and start and a 'hotstamping' front grille design. The interior features Alcantara upholstery, reversing camera, Park Assist and a front armrest.
Neil Dalton, Head of Marketing and Product at SEAT Ireland commented, "We are delighted to finally welcome the all-new SEAT Arona to Ireland and are extremely confident it will be very well received. Our SUV range is proving to be extremely popular, and the Arona is the perfect complement to its larger brother the Ateca which is continuing to generate a phenomenal reaction from Irish drivers".
Click here to read our full first drive review of the SEAT Arona.