- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
The smallest Spanish SUV
The SEAT Arona is a subcompact front-wheel drive SUV manufactured by the Spanish automobile maker, SEAT, since 2017. Israeli buyers can purchase the first generation SUV in two trim levels: Style and FR (as of 2021).
This model was released by SEAT after the Ateca SUV (which is 4.36 m long), and it turned out to be even more compact. The car was built by the Volkswagen Group on the MQB-A0 platform, distinguished by its semi-independent rear suspension. Due to the impossibility of installing a semi-axle reducer, the Arona can be front-wheel drive only. This is the first SUV of this size, followed by the Volkswagen T-Roc.
A long list of equipment combined with an attractive exterior made it possible to get the following sales figures in Europe: 2017 - 6 thousand cars, 2018 - 88.7 thousand, 2019 - almost 111 thousand (as of 2020).
Exterior
In the European market, the new SEAT Arona competes with such SUVs as the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur. Taking cue from these models, the Spanish manufacturers have adopted advanced personalization options: for example, as many as 68 exterior paint combinations are offered together with three roof colors.
Compared to the Ibiza that is built on the same platform, the 2017 Arona is 79 mm longer and 99 mm higher (4,138 and 1,543 mm, respectively). The ground clearance is increased by 15 mm to 155 mm, while the front seats are 52 mm higher and the rear seats are 62 mm higher.
Boasting of a stylish design, a spacious body, efficient power trains and an excellent steering response, the vehicle is targeted at the European market. The Arona’s appearance complies with the standards of this brand, being dynamic and aggressive. The mesh radiator grille is hexagonal, while a faceted bumper with a large air intake echoes the faceted hood. The car also looks stylish and bright in profile with the lines of edges flying along the sides, the window line soaring up and the sloping roof line. The roof, pillars in a contrasting color and unpainted plastic underbody protection make the vehicle look authentic.
Interior
Unlike a conventional passenger car, this vehicle is a high rider, for example, the above-mentioned Ibiza has some additional space above the passengers' heads. The trunk volume reaches 400 liters versus 355 liters of the original hatchback.
Moreover, the SUV has some such SEAT’s traditional elements, as instruments with downward “sleeping” arrows and a center console slightly turned towards the driver. The interior is very similar to the Ibiza, so it will take a long time to find differences between these models. This applies to both basic and medium trim levels, and such top-end versions as FR and Xcellence with a special interior decor and various inserts around its perimeter. The Arona FR has a stiffer suspension and a system that makes it possible to change the nature of the power train (four modes).
Power trains and chassis
In Israel, the 2020/2021 SEAT Arona SUV comes with a single engine. This is a turbocharged 1.0-liter gasoline engine. The direct injection technology allows it to produce 110 hp. It is complemented by a semi-automatic transmission.
European buyers can purchase the SUV with a 1.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine in two versions: 95 or 115 hp. As for the transmissions, a 115-hp engine can only be equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 95-hp engine can be equipped a 5-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed semi-automatic transmission. At the moment, the most powerful engine of the SEAT Arona is a 1.5-liter TSI Evo, which develops 150 hp.
The car is equipped with a semi-independent rear suspension, which is not very good for the steering response, but the maintenance of this suspension is much cheaper than that of levered suspensions. The front MacPherson strut suspension is also simple and inexpensive. In Israel, the car comes with 16-inch wheels.
Equipment
The 2020/2021 Arona offers an impressive list of options to its buyers. It has 2-zone climate control, an 8-inch media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces, LED headlights, six airbags, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, keyless access system, engine start button, as well as a wireless charger for smartphone and a parking assistant. The electronic systems are also represented by automatic braking and blind spot monitoring systems (for the Arona FR), traction control and hill start assist, fatigue detection system and tire pressure monitoring system, and much more.
The top FR version of the Arona has a two-tone color (roof and body pillars) and 17-inch wheels. The equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, LED taillights, passenger seat adjustment, parking assistance and the SEAT DRIVE PROFILE option.
