1.0 TSI 115ps FR 5dr SUV

Compact SUV with great sound proofing and torque.

Only in the early days of ownership but already happy with the short throw gear change, indicated MPG and head/ leg room generally. Very short on cubby holes in boot and cabin but it is a potential small family car with great safety rating and features, like the passive emergency braking and big grippy 17inch Hankook tyres.

You do know you are in a three cylinder when pulling away in first or second gear but the sound proofing generally has you relying on the rev counter to remind you to change up. And the 115 version of the 1 litre TSI is definitely able to provide great torque and elasticity. Sixth gear is hard to try during the running in speeds and revs advised but seems like a back up for higher spreed motorway driving.

The quality and features of the Infotainment system seem to back up the claims of class leading levels and makes for an information and entertainment packed drive, albeit that the 8 inch screen on the FR is a little lower than ideal. However, there is an additional display between the rev counter and speedo, which provides basic summary of navigation or car driving status, like current MPG.

Given the low number of miles covered so far, the fuel efficiency is quick to improve to the mid 40s, with reasonably smooth driving, and bodes well for longer runs on a loosened up engine. urban driving does not dent the figures greatly, once the engine has had 5 or 10 minutes to warm up and more open traffic or roads to be reached.The only complaint to date is the small angular wing mirrors struggle to give a view of the kerb when parking or reversing into a drive.

The Ateca did well in its first year and the Arona looks set to attract buyers too, to Seat's first compact SUV. The solid feel and noise of the closing doors and boot and the hushed cabin suggest a decent level of build quality using the brand new underpinnings of the Polo. And so far, the stop start operation and choice of four driving styles via the push of a button have worked with no fuss or annoyance at all. That is for the six speed manual. Some big discounts and PCP deals around too.

Report as offensive