Test: Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI
Test Drive

Test: Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI

Such a spectacular presentation was quite understandable, since Seat and Arona not only presented their new crossover, but in fact presented a new class of small crossover cars from the Volkswagen Group, which will be followed by versions of Volkswagen and Škoda. Perhaps because it represents a new class, it also differed from other Seat cars in name. Traditionally, Seat's name was inspired by the geography of Spain, but unlike other Seat models named after concrete settlements, the Arona model was named after an area in the southern Canary Islands of Tenerife. The area, which is home to about 93 people, is now mainly engaged in tourism, and in the past they lived off fishing, growing bananas and breeding insects from which they made a carmine red dye.

Test: Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI

The Arona test did not have a carmine red hue, but was red, in a shade that Seat called “desirable red,” and when combined with a “dark black” roof and polished aluminum dividing curve, it works great. normal and sporty enough for the FR version.

The FR abbreviation also means that the test Arona was equipped with the most powerful turbocharged 1.5 TSI petrol engine. It is a four-cylinder engine from the new Volkswagen engine series, which replaces the four-cylinder 1.4 TSI and, mainly due to other technologies, including the Miller combustion cycle instead of the more frequent Otto engine, provides higher fuel efficiency and cleaner exhaust gases. Among other things, it was equipped with a two-cylinder shutdown system. This comes to the fore when they are not needed due to low engine load and contributes significantly to lower fuel consumption.

Test: Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI

The test stopped at around seven and a half liters, but a more appropriate standard lap, which I, of course, did in the eco-friendly ECO mode, showed that the Arona can even run with 5,6 liters of gasoline per hundred. kilometers, and the driver does not even have the feeling that he is in any way limited when using the car. If you want more, in addition to the "normal" mode of operation, there is also a sport mode, and those who lack this can independently adjust the parameters of the car.

Test: Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI

As we wrote in the presentation, Arona shares the main features with Ibiza, which means that everything inside is more or less the same. Among other things, you have at your disposal an infotainment system that we have already installed in Ibiza and which is considered one of the best in terms of efficiency. Along with the touch screen, there are also four direct touch switches and two rotary knobs that make it easier for us to control the system, and the control of the air conditioner is also separated from the screen. Due to the design of the car, where everything is a little higher than in Ibiza, the screen is also located larger, so - at least in terms of feel - it requires less distraction from the road and therefore also less driver distraction. . If someone wants digital gauges, they won't be buying them from Seat for a while. As a result, the classic round gauges are very transparent, and it is also easy to set up the display of the necessary driving data on the central LCD, including direct display of instructions from the navigation device.

Test: Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI

The ergonomic design of the passenger compartment is as favorable as in Ibiza, and the comfort is perhaps a little more, which is more or less understandable, given that the Arona is a taller car with a slightly longer wheelbase than the Ibiza. So the seats are a little higher, the seat is more upright, there's more knee room in the back seat, and it's also easier to get in and out of the car. Of course, the rear seats, which are clamped in the classic way without longitudinal movement, have Isofix mounts that require little effort, as they are well hidden in the fabric of the seats. Compared to the Ibiza, the Arona has a slightly larger trunk, which will appeal to those who like to pack a lot, but there's no need to exaggerate transport preferences as the Arona stays within the class here.

Test: Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI

Seat Arona is technically based on the platform of the MQB A0 group, which it currently shares with Ibiza and Volkswagen Polo. This is definitely a good traveler, as we have already found out that both of these cars have an excellent chassis, which, already in the non-FR versions, grips well on the road. The test Arona, of course, was tuned even more sportier, but it's worth noting that, unlike the Ibiza and Polo, it is much higher, which is mainly reflected in the slightly more tilt of the body and the feeling that it needs to brake. a bit earlier. However, Arona is definitely more suitable for those who do sometimes actually switch from asphalt to rubble, an even poorer variety. With only front-wheel drive and no aids, the Arona is indeed limited to more or less well-groomed paths, but it has such a great distance from the ground that it easily overcomes many obstacles that would have already overcome the bottom of lower Ibiza. Feel. On poorly maintained roads, the Arona can be driven more sovereignly, but at the same time it shakes passengers a lot, which, of course, is due to the relatively short wheelbase.

Test: Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI

But the view from the car is great. Even when reversing, you can fully rely on the view through the rearview mirrors, and the display of the rearview camera image on the center screen is for reference only. However, there is no need to dump data from accurate sensors that sense in all directions around the car, and an efficient parking assistance system that can solve many problems, especially for those who are less experienced in driving. Just like active cruise control and other safer driving aids lacking in the Arona test can be of great help.

So, would you recommend Arona to those who are now deciding to buy a small car? Definitely if you want higher seating, better views and a little more space than Ibiza. Or if you just want to follow the popular trend of crossovers or SUVs that are increasingly gaining popularity in the small city car class.

Read more:

Tests: Citroen C3 Aircross, Kia Stonic, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke, Opel Crossland X, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Seat Arona.

Test: Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI

Seat Arona FR 1.5 TSI

Basic data

Sales: Porsche Slovenia
Test model cost: 24.961 €
Base model price with discounts: 20.583 €
Test model price discount: 24.961 €
Power:110kW (150


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 9,4 with
Maximum speed: 205 km / h
Guarantee: 2 years general warranty unlimited mileage, 6 years extended warranty with 200.000 km limit, unlimited mobile warranty, 3 years paint warranty, 12 years rust warranty
Systematic review 30.000 km


/


12

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials: 982 €
Fuel: 7.319 €
Tires (1) 1.228 €
Loss of value (within 5 years): 8.911 €
Compulsory insurance: 3.480 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +5.545


(
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up € 27.465 0,27 (km cost: XNUMX


€)

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - front transversely mounted - bore and stroke 74,5 × 85,9 mm - displacement 1.498 cm3 - compression ratio 10,5:1 - maximum power 110 kW (150 hp) at 5.000 – 6.000 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 14,3 m/s – power density 88,8 kW/l (120,7 hp/l) – maximum torque 250 Nm at 1.500–3.500 2 rpm – 4 camshafts in the head (chain) – XNUMX valves per cylinder – common rail fuel injection – exhaust gas turbocharger – charge air cooler
Energy transfer: the engine drives the front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 4,111; II. 2,118 hours; III. 1,360 hours; IV. 1,029 hours; V. 0,857; VI. 0,733 - differential 3,647 - rims 7 J × 17 - tires 205/55 R 17 V, rolling circumference 1,98 m
Capacity: top speed 205 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 8,0 s - average fuel consumption (ECE) 5,1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 118 g/km
Transportation and suspension: crossover - 5 doors - 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke transverse rails, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, screw springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear discs, ABS, mechanical parking brake on rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 2,6 turns between extreme points
Mass: empty vehicle 1.222 kg - Permissible total weight 1.665 kg - Permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.200 kg, without brake: 570 kg - Permissible roof load: np
External dimensions: length 4.138 mm - width 1.700 mm, with mirrors 1.950 mm - height 1.552 mm - wheelbase 2.566 mm - front track 1.503 - rear 1.486 - driving radius np
Inner dimensions: longitudinal front 880-1.110 mm, rear 580-830 mm - front width 1.450 mm, rear 1.420 mm - head height front 960-1040 mm, rear 960 mm - front seat length 510 mm, rear seat 480 mm - steering wheel ring diameter 365 mm - fuel tank 40 l
Box: 400

Our measurements

T = 6 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 55% / Tires: Goodyear Ultragrip 205/55 R 17 V / Odometer status: 1.630 km
Acceleration 0-100km:9,4s
402m from the city: 16,9 years (


139 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 7,6 / 9,5s


(IV/V)
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 9,9 / 11,1s


(Sun./Fri.)
test consumption: 7,4 l / 100km
Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: 5,6


l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 83,6m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 40,2m
AM table: 40m
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear58dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear64dB
Test errors: Unmistakable

Overall rating (407/600)

  • The Seat Arona is an attractive crossover that will especially appeal to those who love Ibiza but would like to sit a little higher, and sometimes even go down a slightly worse road.

  • Cab and trunk (73/110)

    If you like the location in the passenger compartment of Ibiza, then in Arona you will feel just as good. There is more than enough space, and the trunk also lives up to expectations

  • Comfort (77


    / 115)

    The ergonomics are excellent and the comfort is also quite high, so you will only feel tired after very long journeys.

  • Transmission (55


    / 80)

    The engine is currently the most powerful on the Seat Arona's offering, so it definitely isn't lacking in power, and the gearbox and chassis work well with it as well.

  • Driving performance (67


    / 100)

    The chassis matches the car perfectly, the drivetrain is precise and light, but you still need to consider the fact that the car is slightly taller.

  • Security (80/115)

    Passive and active safety is well taken care of

  • Economy and environment (55


    / 80)

    The expense can be very affordable, but it also convinces the entire package.

Driving pleasure: 4/5

  • Driving the Arona can be a very enjoyable experience, especially if it is a well-equipped and motorized version like the one we drove during the test.

We praise and reproach

workmanship

transmission and chassis

infotainment system

open space

we are missing some gadget to make it easier to drive in bad conditions

Isofix Tips

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