SEAT Arona review
The SEAT Arona is a small SUV that has seating for five, features SEAT’s typical sporty styling cues and uses tried-and-tested underpinnings from other VW and SEAT models. The Arona is based on the Ibiza supermini and is ideal for anyone looking to upgrade to something with a higher driving position. Read our full SEAT Arona review below.
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Pros
- Compact and manageable dimensions
- Desirable high-up driving position
- Efficient range of engines
Cons
- Some parts feel cheap
- Rivals offer more boot space
Interior
Our rating: 7/10
The great thing about the Arona sharing so much of its parts with its VW, Audi and Skoda siblings is you know everything’s going to be well assembled – and that’s precisely what the interior is.
You don’t get many soft-touch plastics in this SEAT - that’s typical with many small SUVs.
Tech and features
What you do get on most cars is air-con or climate control, a digital radio, Bluetooth, cruise control, auto headlights, a five-inch touchscreen, analogue dials in front of the driver and autonomous emergency braking.
Higher trims add a larger touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging, auto wipers and digital instruments in front of the driver.
They also get blind spot monitoring to tell you if there’s a car where you can’t see it and rear cross-traffic alert – this detects oncoming vehicles when you’re reversing out of a space.
Some versions also get a leather covering with red stitching on the dashboard fascia, plus highlights on the seats, which help to brighten things up – and most Lux models have an upgraded Beats sound system.
Driving position
The steering wheel and driver’s seat adjust for height and both front seats have plenty of leg and headroom.
The latter won’t bother anyone in the back, either, although tall adults may grumble a little about legroom (remember, this is a compact SUV).
There’s room for a third, centre, rear passenger, although their feet will have to straddle a hump in the floor.
Performance
Our rating: 6/10
Engines and power
The SEAT Arona comes with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.
The petrol units kick off with a 1.0-litre turbocharged motor with a couple of power outputs – the ‘95’ version is fine for use in and around town while the ‘115’ engine is better for motorway work.
There’s also a 1.5-litre petrol motor that’s a lot perkier, plus a 1.6-litre diesel engine, although this was ditched for an all-petrol line-up on the latest cars.
Handling and ride comfort
The Arona is based on the SEAT Ibiza supermini, so it handles well – the body stays composed on twisty roads and the suspension, while firm, manages to deal with most poor road surfaces well.
The steering is light, which makes getting into a parking space easier, and that higher driving position gives you a good view of the road.
Practicality
Our rating: 7/10
Storage solutions
As well as a small tray in front of the gear lever, the Arona’s oddments space extends to a glovebox, decent door bins front and rear and another tray for those in the rear seats.
Boot space
The boot lid opens to reveal a good aperture to fit bulky items through and the load area itself is a good size – there’s enough room here to get two or three suitcases in with the seats up.
Fold the backs (they’re split 60/40) and you can slide in a chest of drawers or a few furniture flat packs.
That’s not all – the boot floor has an adjustable height. In its highest setting loads are easier to slide in and out.
Running costs
Our rating: 8/10
Fuel economy
Assessed under the latest, more accurate WLTP fuel economy tests, the 1.0-litre engine can average up to 51.4mpg, while the 1.5 officially averages up to 44.8mpg.
The diesel was tested using an older method, but you may be able to eek more than 50mpg out of it in the real world, especially on longer trips.
Reliability
SEAT tends to rank in the middle of independent reliability surveys, and service costs can often be spread.
Still, the Arona gets a three-year warranty when new, so you might want to consider cinchCare for extended peace of mind.
The verdict
Interior
7/10
Performance
6/10
Practicality
7/10
Running costs
8/10
Compact SUVs are two a penny-very few are as stylish, well-equipped or spacious as the SEAT Arona.
Its great safety rating makes it a prime candidate for young families but it’s also hugely appealing for anyone who craves off-roader styling but doesn’t fancy the idea of a hulking 4x4 body.
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