Spanish company Seat was a late starter compared to some other car manufacturers, not producing its first vehicle until 1950. However, Seat grew rapidly from that point to become the largest car manufacturer and supplier in Spain.
Seat was acquired by Volkswagen in 1986 and is still a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German VW Group. From that point, the brand went from strength to strength, producing much-loved models like the Ibiza and the Leon, which became hugely popular with younger drivers.
Calling the Seat Arona 'a hatchback' is a loose definition. It's so much more than that; a car of many talents, in fact. The media has described it as a crossover, novelty and a mini-SUV. But, whatever you call it, you definitely get a lot of car for your monthly lease payment.
The Seat Arona range offers a startling amount of variations to choose from in terms of trim and accessory levels. Let's look at some details of the most popular options, all of which are available as a 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine, or as a 1.6 litre diesel version.
The SE is the entry-level model, but still features metallic paint, sporty 17" alloy wheels and a whole host of driving aids, including cruise control and AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking).
If you opt for the SE Technology, in addition to the standard features, you get a choice of contrasting roof colours, rear parking sensors and a hefty upgrade to the infotainment system.
The next step up is very popular. As well as the Technology features, the FR has a more stylish exterior, plus more colour options, tinted windows, aerodynamic bumpers and rain-sensing wipers.
The interior of the Seat Arona may feel like a trip down memory lane for some drivers. It's almost identical to the much-loved. Ibiza model in terms of colour and layout.
The upholstery is functional and hard-wearing, with different options for upgraded models. The passenger space is big enough for adults to travel comfortably and the car has a surprisingly spacious boot. The driver has plenty of scope in terms of seat adjustments to maximise comfort on even the longest journey.
Despite the small engine sizes, don’t be fooled into thinking this car won't be fun. It's surprisingly light in weight, making the 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine feel delightfully lively. The same goes for the 1.6 litre diesel, which is made for long motorway journeys. That engine is happy to cruise at 70mph all day but remains economical around town.
The suspension and steering are robust, which gives the Seat Arona great road holding ability. Even in tricky weather conditions, you feel safe.
All models of the Seat Arona have achieved 5 stars under the Euro NCAP classification system, actually doing better than several more costly rivals in the sections concerning pedestrian and adult passenger protection. Every model across the range benefits from tyre-pressure monitoring and AEB as standard.