Since it was launched in 2017, the SEAT Arona it has sold more than 350 000 copies, quickly establishing itself as one of the most important models of the Spanish brand.
Now, four years later, it has just undergone the usual mid-life cycle upgrade and presents itself with many new features to continue its success story.
The aesthetic changes exist, but they are far from radical, with SEAT concentrating almost all efforts on the interior.
This one is practically brand new and features better ergonomics, more connectivity, bigger screens and, above all, more quality — the same intervention was carried out on the Ibiza, unveiled simultaneously with this Arona. Thus, it aligns with the rest of the Martorell brand range, which recently renewed the Ateca and Tarraco SUVs and launched a new generation of the Leon.
Exterior image has changed… little
On the outside, what stands out the most is the new front bumper and the repositioned fog lights (optional). They are located in a higher position and are circular. Is it just us who think they're inspired by CUPRA Formentor's?
The headlamps are now equipped with LED technology — optional Full LED — and together with the new radiator grille, they help to create a distinct visual identity for this B-SUV, which seeks a more robust image, especially in the new level of equipment Xperience, which forces all terrain attributes.
Behind, there is the introduction of a new spoiler and a new air diffuser, as well as the name of the model in handwritten relief, a detail that we had already seen in the latest models of the Spanish brand.
The exterior design of the revamped Arona is completed with three new wheel designs, ranging from 17” to 18”, and a 10-color palette that includes three absolute firsts: Camouflage Green, Asphalt Blue and Sapphire Blue. In addition to this, three different tones for the roof can be added (Black Midnight, Gray Magnetic and the new White Candy), which allows each Arona to be customized to our taste.
In total, four equipment levels will be available for the new SEAT Arona: Reference, Style, Xperience (replaces Xcellence) and FR.
revolution in the countryside
The Ateca's interior was already beginning to show its age and SEAT realized this, correcting that situation in this renovation of its smaller SUV. The result is a complete revolution in the interior, which has seen improvements on almost every level.
One of the biggest highlights of this cabin is the new infotainment system with an 8.25” (or optional 9.2” screen) in a central position. This panel has been placed in a higher position (which improves ergonomics, safety and ease of use) and is teamed with the 10.25” Digital Cockpit, for a fully digital interior.
Xperience level adds details in Aran green.
Through the Full Link system, it is possible to integrate the smartphone wirelessly with the infotainment system through the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems. Online features are also available (for traffic information, parking, service stations or internet radio) and SEAT CONNECT services.
SEAT claims that improvements have also been made in terms of assembly and finishes, for an overall superior quality. This is reflected in the new multifunction steering wheel in Nappa (standard on Xperience and FR) and in the new dashboard. Ventilation grilles surrounded by LED lights are also new.
Rounded fog lights are one of the great aesthetic novelties of this Arona.
more security
The renewed SEAT Arona has also strengthened the range of driving assistance systems and, in addition to continuing to rely on fatigue recognition, Front Assist and adaptive cruise control, it now offers a travel assistant that provides semi-autonomous driving at any speed, ensuring that the vehicle maintains speed in time with the traffic, lane assist (keeps the vehicle centered in the lane) and traffic sign recognition.
In addition to this, there is a new lateral assistant that allows you to change lanes safely, a system for monitoring vision blind spots up to 70 meters, the high beam assistant and the Park Assist.
And the engines?
The new SEAT Arona is available with four petrol blocks (EcoTSI), with powers ranging from 95 hp to 150 hp, and with a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) unit with 90 hp. All gasoline engines feature turbo and direct injection technology:- 1.0 EcoTSI — 95 hp and 175 Nm; 5-speed manual box;
- 1.0 EcoTSI — 110 hp and 200 Nm; 6-speed manual gearbox;
- 1.0 EcoTSI — 110 hp and 200 Nm; 7 speed DSG (double clutch);
- 1.5 EcoTSI — 150 hp and 250 Nm; 7 speed DSG (double clutch);
- 1.0 TGI — 90 hp and 160 Nm; 6 speed manual box.
No version of the Arona with hybrid mechanics is planned, be it a conventional hybrid or plug-in, let alone an exclusively electric version. The electrified variants of the small Spanish SUV are only expected to arrive in the next generation.
When arrives?
The new SEAT Arona arrives at Portuguese dealerships next summer, but SEAT has yet to reveal any information about prices.