SEAT has launched the quickest and also the most affordable versions yet of its baby Arosa range.

The new SEAT Arosa 1.4 16V Sport, priced at £9,995, is powered by a 1.4-litre 16 valve 100 horsepower engine.

The car has 14-inch alloy wheels, front spot lights, lowered suspension and a centrally-mounted, stainless steel, oval exhaust pipe. Exclusive Neon Yellow paint is an option for the bold Sport.

The specification includes electric front windows and remote central locking, sports front seats - both adjustable for height with an easy access system for rear seat passengers - and a leather-rimmed steering wheel.

Safety, both active and passive, is taken care of with standard anti-lock brakes, rear head rests, and a full quota of airbags - driver, front seat passenger and front seat mounted side airbags, too. On the security front, the Sport also has an alarm.

SEAT has also introduced a new version of the Arosa, priced at £6,695 and known simply as the 1.0 after its engine size. Power steering, a driver's airbag, and a radio-cassette with thief-deterring, removable front panel are all included. SEAT says the 50 horsepower engine gives an average fuel consumption of 48.7 mpg.

A new, lower-priced version of the Arosa has also been launched powered by the direct injection, 1.7-litre 60 horsepower SDi unit. Priced at £7,695 and called simply 'SDi', it replaces the SDi S which cost £800 more. The new model has the same level of equipment as the 1.0.

Story date: Wednesday 02 February

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