SEAT is celebrating its smallest crossover, the Arona, with the introduction of a new limited edition. The fresh model adds a few special features inside and out, though the things that set it apart from the rest of the lineup are modest.
If you are unfamiliar with the color palette and wheel options available on the 2024 SEAT Arona, then the new FR Limited Edition will drive under the radar. The reason is that the bespoke Graphene Gray exterior paint finish and the exclusive 18-inch alloys with a Cosmo Gray look are the only novelties on the outside.
The gray air vents bring some outside influences into the cabin. The Spanish auto brand, which operates under the VW Group, also mentions the dark aluminum matte look of the door and console moldings. Last but not least, future owners will be able to specify it with front bucket seats at an extra cost, wrapped in textile upholstery.
The automaker hasn't mentioned anything about the car's pricing yet, stating only that it will become available in the first quarter of the year. Nevertheless, it will likely cost more than the regular Arona FR Sport, which starts at £27,035 ($34,255) in the United Kingdom and slots between the FR and XPerience.
Photo: SEAT
Described as the sporty one, this model comes with 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, microsuede upholstery, and a 10-inch digital cockpit, among others. The Arona FR is offered with a choice of two gasoline burners, a 1.0 and a 1.5-liter mill. The former produces 115 ps (113 hp/84 kW) and comes with standard manual or optional automatic transmission, and the latter is good for 150 ps (148 hp/110 kW) and features a DSG.
The lineup also comprises the SE, SE Technology, FR, XPerience, and XPerience Lux trim levels, which kick off at £22,450 ($28,445), £23,515 ($29,795), £25,865 ($32,775), £26,585 ($33,685), and £28,250 ($35,795), respectively. The base model is offered with a standard manual 95 ps (94 hp/70 kW) 1.0L TSI gasoline unit, which can be upgraded to the 115 ps (113 hp/84 kW) DSG.
In production at the Martorell factory in Spain since 2017 and refreshed in 2021, the Arona is SEAT's smallest and most affordable crossover. It is a subcompact model that sits below the compact Ateca and mid-size Tarraco, building on the MQB A0 platform. The Ibiza, Skoda Kamiq, VW Polo, T-Cross, Audi A1, and others use the same construction, so you can consider it the T-Cross' Mediterranean cousin.
It is unknown what the future holds for this nameplate, though with SEAT reportedly narrowing down its model lineup and positioning itself as an entry-level brand in the VW Group's portfolio, chances are the Arona will not receive a second generation, even as an EV.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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