Cars like the Renault Captur have made small crossover cars popular because they offer something different at the right price. And Ireland is not alone in its demand - there has been a 700 % growth in Europe since 2010.
SEAT is now moving in on this territory with the new Arona and it should be on sale in time for 2018 registrations. Prices and standard equipment won't be announced until its launch in November but if Renault sticks to its pricing policy and keeps the Captur below €20,000 then you can expect SEAT to match that price.
I liked what I saw of the Arona yesterday. It's as smart looking as a small Audi at what is probably a fraction of the price and the headlights in particular make a real statement. SEAT has come up with some very imaginative colour matches for two-tone styling and a burnt orange colour in particular stood out.
There will be a choice of three petrol engines (two one litre units producing 95 and 115 horse power respectively and a 1.5 producing 150 horse power) and two diesels, which are both 1.6 litre units and produce 95 and 115 horse power respectively.
An 8" screen may feature as standard on the Arona.
Daytime LED running lights will be standard on the Arona and, I suspect, that car may be better equipped than a Captur to give it a more competitive edge. An 8" screen may well be standard, for example.
At 1000 kg, the Arona is one of the lightest cars in this segment, even if it is a smaller sibling of the bigger Ateca SUV, which SEAT recently launched. SEAT is also working on a bigger SUV to match the Skoda Kodiaq, for which demand has far outstripped supply.
SEAT promotes itself as the dynamic and sporty member of the Volkswagen family but the Arona does not try to stretch the point. In fact, as a choice for empty nesters it may create a bit of a niche for itself, particularly given the petrol engine options and the pricing.
