Seat is planning to go SUV offensive in the coming years capitalising on the modular MQB platform from Volkswagen. Following the Ateca SUV which was introduced last year, the Spanish carmaker is out testing the new Arona crossover. The test mule of the entry-level Seat crossover has been spotted testing.
The Arona CUV was teased a couple of months back. It will be positioned below the Ateca and will carry the Martorell-based carmaker’s new family face. The Arona would be more of a jacked-up Ibiza rather than a scaled down Ateca. It will also share most of its features and equipment, apart from the assembly line with the Ibiza hatch.
As can be seen on the prototype, the wedge-shaped headlamp unit is similar to the Ateca and so are the tail lamps. The increased ground clearance over the Ibiza is prominent whereas expect the crossover to wear cladded wheel arches the roof rails to add the rugged appearance.
Engine wise, the Arona will be powered by petrol and diesel engine that does duty in the Ibiza. The 1.5-litre TSI Evo petrol engine could be joined by the three pot 1.0-litre in the entry level. The oil burner, on the other hand, will get the 1.6-litre TDI in a different state of tunes. Transmission options will include a six-speed manual or a seven speed dual-clutch automatic. The Arona is likely to be offered only in the front wheel drive configuration. A souped up Cupra variant is also on the cards.
Seat is expected to launch the Arona at the Frankfurt Motor Show with sales commencing later this year. When it goes on sale, the Arona will face competition from the likes of Nissan Juke, Opel Crossland X and the upcoming Volkswagen T-Roc. Following the new Arona, Seat will introduce a new seven-seater SUV as well.
