In 2000, the Spanish automaker SEAT had to refresh its smallest vehicle, the Arosa, for the 2001 model year and according to the Euro 3 emission standards, which became mandatory for all vehicles starting in January 2001.

The Spanish company, Seat, was founded in 1950 with the aid of Fiat. Once the partnership with Fiat ended, Seat found itself in a difficult situation as the company’s reduced dimensions were blocking its self-development. Thus, in 1982 they started an alliance with the Volkswagen Group.