SEAT's new Arona, the fourth new model from the Barcelona-based brand in 18 months, is its first foray into the crucial compact crossover class.

The Arona, named after a town on the island of Tenerife, is the first compact crossover in the Volkswagen Group to use the state-of-the-art vehicle platform, MQB A0, the same as used on the new SEAT Ibiza.

The new Arona crossover is being offered in six trims - SE, FR and XCELLENCE, but, with each level expanded into additional versions that add in more equipment named SE Technology, FR Sport and XCELLENCE Lux.

The SE grade is well equipped coming with 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-colour roof, black roof rails, chrome front grille, power-adjustable door mirrors, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, front cornering fog lights and automatic headlights.

Inside, there's air conditioning, height-adjustable front seats, split-folding rear seat, double boot floor, electric windows front and rear, chrome detailing and leather trim for the gear knob and handbrake, five-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio with FM/AM/DAB radio, Bluetooth and aux-in/USB connections.

Safety and driver assistance features include front assist, multi-collision braking, hill hold control and tiredness recognition system. That's all in addition to cruise control, a full complement of front-side-curtain airbags, active front head restraints and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

As for power, there are three petrol units. In order of output, they start with the 1.0 TSI 95bhp, matched to a five-speed manual gearbox and this is also available in 115bhp.

Combined fuel economy is up to 57.6 miles per gallon with 111 g/km of COemissions. The more powerful version of this three-cylinder unit will also be offered with DSG automatic transmission.

FR and FR Sport models will have the use of the 1.5 TSI 150 EVO engine and the Arona will also feature a 1.6 TDI diesel engine, with 95 or 115bhp - the former available with DSG.

On-the-road prices for the new Arona start at £16,555 for the SE 1.0 TSI 95 and the car is due for release in November.