Volkswagen invented the Virtual Cockpit and everyone was amazed. They all wanted on their cars, but in order to be affordable, the Virtual Cockpit had to be introduced on almost every car of the VAG Group. So Seat made no difference. The Spanish brand introduced it on the Ateca, and is now offering it on the Arona and Ibiza. It is called Digital Cockpit, but is the same digital instrument we see in the Group.

The SEAT Arona is the first crossover on the market to benefit from the 10.25” interactive, customisable display, which has already aided drivers in the SEAT Leon and Ateca since January 2018. In the UK, the Digital Cockpit comes as standard in XCELLENCE Lux and FR Sport trim for Arona, Ibiza, Leon and Ateca.

The pixel-dense digital instrumentation not only has a more modern and versatile design, but provides greater functionality, allowing drivers to view everything from classic information found on analogue dials, such as speedometer and tachometer, to full-colour maps and navigation (as optional equipment).

SEAT’s Digital Cockpit provides three main information displays: Classic, Digital and Dynamic View.

Classic information provides the well-known analogues features such as a speedometer and tachometer, but between these two digital dials extra data can be displayed, including navigation information, music, phone, driving data and assistance information (lane assist, blind spot detection and front assist, ACC) and your vehicle’s status. While additional information can also be displayed in the very centre of the dials.

Digital maximises the 10.25” Digital Cockpit’s pixel dense display, showing detailed mapping information for the vicinity you’re in, making it easier to find parking facilities, garages and follow directions. The map can be zoomed in or out to make it easier for the driver to orientate themselves. This view also provides all menu information, such as phone, driving data, assistance information and vehicle’s status.

The Dynamic display provides an improved clarity to important information such as turn-by-turn directions, advanced driver assistance system information from lane assist, blind spot detection and front assist, and your vehicle’s status.


Driving data can also be displayed in all views, including: fuel consumption, distance driven and total mileage. The system also allows you to show the music currently being played, while the driver can scroll through the music library with minimal need to take eyes off the road.

On top of that, the Digital Cockpit features light sensors which, depending on ambient lighting conditions and by way of an algorithm, adapt the display lighting of the vehicle’s screen displays.