They were speculating for years but the Spanish brand under Volkswagen Group is finally making its preparations to launch the first ever SUV that will bear SEAT badges. The 2016 Aran SUV was leaked before the Geneva Motor Show Debut.
The leaked image that was released recently comes from the French automotive forum WorldScoop and considering the looks, it comes with the excellent 5.8inch touchscreen display which is also seen on the Leon compact hatchback. While speaking of the Leon, the MQB modular platform also underpins the Aran crossover SUV.
This means there will be a front-wheel-drive or an optional 4Drive all-wheel-drive system similar to that of the Leon X-Perience. What is more unsurprising is that the engine lineup will completely mimic that of the Leon. Among them, the smallest motor will come with a 1.0 TSI with 110 PS, available with either a manual or a 6-speed DSG automatic.
In case you are looking for more punch and an extra cylinder, you will have to decide between a 1.4 TSI (with 150 PS), 1.6 TDI (116 or 150 PS) or a 2.0 TDI (190 PS). Meanwhile, in the near future, new 1.5-liter and 1.8-liter engine families of the Volkswagen Group will be further added to the lineup.
The entry-level Reference, Style, Excellence, and the range-topping FR are the four trim levels which will be available for the 2016 SEAT Aran SUV. A Cupra variant of the Aran will be offered by the Spanish manufacturer in the calendar year 2017, which will come animated by a 2.0 TSI four-cylinder turbocharged power plant that churns out 290 PS.
In terms of looks, the 2016 Aran looks exactly like a Leon on stilts, which has been further beautified by a plastic cladding around the wheel arches and a long, roof-inspired body shell.
SEAT Aran is quite different from its German sibling, as an alternative of the Volkswagen Tiguan when it comes to styling aspects. However, the manufacturer managed to do a wonderful job with the exterior design of its first-ever crossover SUV.
Meanwhile, Audi is all set to expand its Q range of SUVs and crossovers at both ends. There are plenty of reports which suggest a new flagship model in the form of the Q8. In reality, it’s the entry-level Q2 that will permit Audi to go more mass-market across several countries.
According to the latest batch of speculations, the Q2 could arrive as early as March 2016 during the Geneva Motor Show of this year.
When you look at the rendering, the Q2 appears quite big and this is in spite of the fact that the Q2 will be sold as a sub-compact crossover model. There is an indication of the Q2 being based on the MQB platform through the long front overhang and the distance between the wheel and the firewall. When compared to the Q3 and the Q5, the Q2 looks rather rugged in nature.
The grille protrudes from the bumper in the form of a nose and the vehicle sits rather high for a Q2 model. Audi might offer four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines when it comes to the engine options. The engines will be paired with either manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox options.
The Q2 should be revealed in the Geneva Motor Show and in global terms, this vehicle will compete with the Nissan Juke along with the Mini Countryman. Meanwhile, in the Indian market, the Q2 will sit below the Q3 with the latter being the most affordable model from Audi’s Crossover/SUV range in the market.