Used Seat Arona 2018-present review

Used small SUVs have been growing in popularity because they offer buyers the convenience of a higher driving position (meaning getting in and out is easier), a more practical boot and reasonable running costs similar to those of regular small cars. The Seat Arona ticks all of these boxes and even manages to be nicer to drive than rivals such as the Skoda Kamiq and cheaper to buy than the Audi Q2.

Engines: Powering the Arona is a range of petrol and diesel engines that vary in power outputs depending upon which specification you go for. The 1.0 TSI petrol kicks off the range with 94bhp or a more powerful 114bhp version that comes with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. There’s also a 1.5 TSI Evo petrol engine with a very healthy 148bhp, plus 1.6-litre diesels in 94bhp and 114bhp forms.

In 2021 the diesels were dropped from the range, which then consisted of just the 1.0 TSI 95, the 1.0 TSI 110 and the 1.5 150.

Trims and equipment: Air-con, 17in alloy wheels, cruise control, a DAB radio, a 5.0in infotainment system and automatic emergency braking all come as standard on the entry-level SE. A bigger 8.0in infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fitted to SE Technology Aronas, as well as rear parking sensors and wireless phone charging. FR gets you brighter LED headlights, sportier styling, climate control and automatic wipers. FR Sport models have bigger 18in alloys, while Xcellence has a host of additional safety tech such as blindspot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert. However, you'll need the top-of-the-line Xcellence Lux to find a rear-view camera, which is a shame since even a mid-range Hyundai Kona or Kia Stonic has that.

Ride and handling: If you want your small SUV to drive well, you’re in luck. Thanks to the Arona’s compact size and relatively light weight, it can tackle corners with enthusiasm. Its steering is nice and light at town speeds yet weights up progressively around bends. The ride on 17in wheels and standard suspension copes well with the worst road imperfections while still feeling a little bit sporty.

The slight mark against the Arona is road noise, which might have you reaching for the volume control on the motorway so you can still hear your tunes, but stick with the 1.0-litre petrol and you'll enjoy a pleasantly smooth engine that's free from most of the thrummy characteristics normally associated with three-cylinder engines.

Interior and practicality: As is typical in the small SUV class, hard plastics are the order of the day in the Arona's interior. FR models and above try to smarten things up with a touch of squidgy vinyl across the centre of the dashboard, but the rest of the range is fairly conservative. It is well made, though, and highly functional, with all the controls and switches being well laid out, but it'll never beat the smart surroundings that Audi Q2 drivers enjoy.

Carrying three in the back will be a squeeze because the Arona isn’t that wide, but knee room and head room are generous. Up front, even six-footers will have plenty of room, and the steering wheel has plenty of adjustment for most.

Those with young families will appreciate the Arona’s big boot, which is bigger than a number of its key rivals'. All models come with a height-adjustable boot floor to assist in loading and unloading items.

If you're interested in buying a used Seat Arona, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our used car classifieds site here.

Prices for the Arona start at around £10,000 for an early 1.0 SE version. Opt for automatic and you'll need to shell out closer to £12,000, although you'll be getting a car generally with fewer miles on it and a more powerful engine, helping to explain the increase in price. This is also about how much you'd need to spend in order to find a 2019 example. Spend between £12,000 to £14,000 on a good 2020 or 2021 car and between £14,000 and £17,000 on a 2022 one; a little more than this on a 2023 car.

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MPG

Thanks to a range of efficient engines, you’ll find that the Arona gets similar fuel economy to a family hatchback. The 1.6 TDI diesel is the most efficient Arona, with the 94bhp version officially averaging 70.6mpg and the 114bhp car dropping slightly to 68.9mpg.

However, the 1.0 TSI three-cylinder and 1.5 TSI turbocharged petrol engines get remarkably similar fuel economy. This is because the 1.5 is equipped with cylinder deactivation technology, which shuts off two of the engine’s four cylinders at a cruise to reduce fuel consumption. It works remarkably well, with the 1.5 getting a combined average of 55.4mpg. The 1.0 TSI is only slightly better; the 94bhp version returns 57.6mpg, while the 114bhp alternative in higher-spec cars (and those with the automatic gearbox) gets 56.4mpg.

Road tax

All Aronas will have been registered after April 2017 and most before April 2022, so they will be charged under the current flat rate fee of £180 per year, which applies to all petrol and diesel cars.

Servicing costs

The Arona requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000 miles, and Seat offers fixed prices for servicing and certain maintenance procedures, helping to save you money on upkeep. At the time of writing, a minor service costs £179 and a major one is £299. You can spread the cost of these two services over 18 monthly payments of £26.44, and you'll also get UK and European roadside assistance for the following 12 months after the service, or for the duration of your plan.

Engine

We’ve found that the entry-level 94bhp 1.0 TSI petrol engine is more than up to the job of dealing with stop-start city traffic and the odd motorway run. The 1.5 TSI Evo is fun, but you'll have to spend quite a bit more over a similarly specced 1.0 car to get one. The 1.6 TDI diesel, meanwhile, is too gruff.

Specification

SE trim comes with plenty of standard kit, but we’d suggest going for SE Technology, because it comes with a far superior infotainment system and the added benefit of rear parking sensors.

Our favourite Seat Arona: 1.0 TSI 95 SE Technology

For less money, have a look at the Suzuki Vitara. Its overly light steering won't be to everyone's taste, but the boxy shape and elevated driving position make you feel like you're driving an SUV, plus it's a pretty reliable choice that shouldn't let you down. Fuel economy is decent, too.

You'll be able to get more equipment on the equivalent Kia Stonic, plus it'll have far more manufacturer's warranty left on it than the Seat. The engine is more thrummy, though.

The quirky-looking Hyundai Kona is a close relative of the aforementioned Stonic, with similar performance and handling characteristics. There is, however, one crucial difference: electric lumbar support is standard on the driver's seat from SE spec onwards, making the Kona better for your back over long journeys.

The original Renault Captur arrived back in 2013. You'll need to go for a facelifted 2017 example to get the improved dashboard, though, and the engines aren't as refined as the ones fitted to the Arona, but you will at least have the high driving position small SUV buyers are looking for.

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If you're interested in buying a used Seat Arona, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our used car classifieds site here.