SOMETHING that’s a smaller version of SEAT’s pretty decent Ateca is a car that’s heading in the right direction – onto a lot of driveways.

Since it arrived on sale in the UK, the Arona has been one of the Spanish firm’s best sellers, selling in even greater numbers than the Ibiza, on which it’s based.

This urban SUV has the off-road look – though it’ll never likely go there – and even with an engine that’s one cylinder short of a full engine bay you can’t knock it for sheer enthusiasm out on the road.

With battleship grey seeming to be the new ‘go-to’ colour for a growing number of manufacturers, SEAT have joined in with their latest Limited Edition FR, resplendent in Graphene Grey and smart new set of alloy wheels.

Say 1.0 litre three cylinder out loud and you might be thinking the engine will pull with all the combined strength of a primary school tug of war team, but in use it’s refreshingly competent.
It can sound strident when you plant your right foot and the seven speed DSG auto box begins its search to match your right foot with what it’s got available. It pulls well at low revs and when you reach motorway speeds, the Arona proves to be a settled and comfortable cruiser. There’s a nice thrummy sound as it cruises along.

One of the strengths of the stablemate Ateca is how much fun it is to drive, so it’s good news to report they haven’t dropped the ball with Arona. Being lighter and a bit lower to the ground it changes direction with a bit more verve and leans a bit less too.The interior has an up-to-date digital feel to it. There’s a large floating screen infotainment system and illuminated air vents, and you also get SEAT Connect and wireless access to Apple CarPlay and Android auto.

The driver’s seat has plenty of adjustment and the steering wheel can be moved up, down, in and out.

The Arona’s interior is well laid out, with the infotainment system sitting high up on the dashboard. Digital instruments are standard across the range, replacing traditional dials, and the cental driver display can show full-screen maps and other information.

FR trim gives you firmer sports suspension, and while it will react to poor road surfaces and it doesn’t appreciate our British-standard potholes, it stops short of being uncomfortable for occupants.

All the names in the SEAT range tend to come from places in Spain – for the geography fans among you, Arona is a small municipality on Tenerife.

SEAT Arona FR Limited Edition

Price: £28,620
Engine: 1.0 litre, three cylinder, petrol
Power: 113bhp
Torque: 147lb/ft
Transmission: 7 speed DSG
Top speed: 120mph
0-62mph: 10.3 seconds
Economy: 50.4mpg
CO2 emissions: 131g/km

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