SEAT's Arona still has an important role to play in the Spanish maker's model line-up. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the latest version.
Ten Second Review
This further refreshed SEAT Arona is a small SUV that still has something to offer in the compact crossover segment. Subtle updates are surprisingly effective in giving this Spanish contender a fresh lease of life.
Background
The Arona is SEAT's idea of a small sporty SUV and though it hasn't sold in particularly large numbers in the UK, it's found 750,000 buyers globally since its launch in 2017, with a first refresh back in 2021.
This car was originally developed as part of the 900 million Euro investment set aside to create the fifth generation Ibiza and shares its oily bits with that Barcelona marque's supermini. It also shares this further Model Year 2026 update with that car and hopes to still suit people who want a small SUV that's a little more interesting and lifestyle-orientated than the norm. Let's take a closer look.
Driving Experience
The Arona still shares its engine line-up with SEAT's Ibiza supermini, but there's now a slimmed-down range of options - at least for the time being. Mild hybrid eTSI petrol units are promised in 2027. For the time being though, as with the Ibiza, the line-up's primarily based around the usual VW Group three cylinder 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol unit, available in 95PS form with a five-speed manual gearbox or in 115PS guise with either a six-speed 'box or dual-clutch seven-speed DSG auto transmission. The third petrol choice is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder 150PS TSI unit with active cylinder deactivation technology, which is now exclusive to the Arona and has to be had with the DSG auto.
Helped by its stiff, supple MQB platform, this Arona has always been one of the more entertaining small hatches to drive - and you'll find that little's changed in that regard. Body control's great and though the ride isn't quite as smooth as this model's VW T-Cross close cousin, it's not far off. Which means it's pretty good. The little 1.0-litre engine's a torquey cheerful thing. But the DSG auto can still be a little lethargic when you're pushing along - as the drive dynamics here might encourage you to do. All Arona models are front-driven: there's not much appetite in this segment for 4WD.
Design and Build
Not too much has been done visually as part of this second refresh but even so, the Arona still looks remarkably up to date, especially for a design that's been on sale since back in 2017. As part of this second facelift, SEAT has given the car a revised front end that incorporates a new hexagonal grille design, smarter full-LED headlights and a redesigned bumper. The rear bumper's been freshened too - as have the alloy wheel designs. As before, the three-dimensional look is quite pronounced, without being too aggressive. Like its rivals, this car is trying to give the feel of being a sturdy car for everyday life for the urban jungle.
In terms of its dimensions, the Arona is 4,138mm long, which is 79mm more than an Ibiza. However, the real difference lies in its height, as the Arona is 99mm taller. As a result, this SUV offers not only higher ground clearance for any off-road adventures, but also more front and rear headroom, and, above all, a larger boot, with a 400-litre capacity. Another important feature is the seat cushion, which is 52mm higher and gives a dual advantage. Firstly, a higher driving position for raised view of the road ahead. And secondly, it makes it much easier to get in and out of the car. The passenger seats are also 62mm higher than they would be in an Ibiza, while headroom is 37mm greater in the front and 33mm in the rear. The suspension height has been increased by 15mm and the windscreen is slightly more vertical for a roomier interior.
As for the interior update changes, well they're as light as those outside. The seats have been redesigned and the central screen has a new operating system. There's nicer finishing for the upholstery, the headliner and the air vents; that's about it. Still, if in these days of de-cluttered interiors, you yearn for a return to cabins with plenty of tactile physical buttons, this cabin will suit you just fine. And it's very well put together. Through the leather-stitched wheel, you view an 8-inch digital instrument cluster that's customisable with upper specs. And an 8-inch centre screen, which can be upgraded to 9.2-inches if you spend more. Both monitors get SEAT's usual 'Full Link' connectivity system. Sporty 'FR' trim gets well-padded and supportive bucket seats.
Market and Model
Prices haven't changed much, which means figures starting from around £21,000 and ranging up towards £30,000. The range of trim options has been slimmed down from eight to four options - 'SE', 'SE Tech', 'FR' and 'FR Sport'. Wheel options range from 16 to 18-inches in size.
Standard kit across the line-up includes full-LED headlights, LED tail lamps, cruise control, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, an 8-inch digital cockpit instrument screen and an 8.25-inch central touchscreen (upgradeable to 9.2-inches further up the range). There's a new optional SEAT Sound system with six speakers, a subwoofer, and a 300W amplifier for a high-fidelity audio experience. And with upgraded 15-watt wireless fast charging with refrigerated technology, staying connected and powered up on the go is easier than before. And there's now a selection of more vibrant and youthful colours. Liminal Red, Oniric Grey, and Hypnotic Yellow join the existing range.
The standard safety rosta is much as before. Which means Front Assist emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist protection, Lane Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Attention & Drowsiness Assist - and all the usual airbags. The camera stuff is accessed via a new ADAS menu accessed via the steering wheel buttons.
Cost of Ownership
The headline engine is SEATs well regarded 1.0 TSI petrol turbo three cylinder powerplant and it should certainly prove to be very frugal. The 95PS version is rated at up to 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and 120g/km of CO2. The 115PS 1.0-litre auto manages up to 50.4mpg and up to 127g/km. Obviously, the 1.5-litre TSI four cylinder auto unit isn't quite as good - rated at up to 49.6mpg and 128g/km.
What else? Well there's SEAT's usual three year/60,000 mile warranty. That's unexceptional when rivals Hyundai offer five years of cover as standard, Kia offers up to seven years and Toyota up to ten. However, the SEAT deal is extendable, so you might be able to negotiate on that. And it includes two years of Europe-wide roadside assistance. To even out the cost of regular maintenance, you can take up fixed price servicing packages for up to three scheduled halts and they go with the car when you sell it if the balance has still to be used.
Summary
The Arona, says SEAT, is designed for 'drivers looking for a sense of excitement, distinction and functionality. People who know that age is just a number, not an outlook on life'. In other words, the people who've been busily buying Nissan Jukes and Renault Capturs in considerable numbers over the last five years. The Spanish maker wants a bigger slice of this lucrative market but isn't in a position to introduce an all-new model to target it. But this second update is perhaps the next best thing.
The changes made to this further updated model don't really amount to very much, but they're just enough to keep the car feeling fresh. The brand hasn't been tempted to introduce a huge unnecessary touchscreen or to shear the cabin of buttons to keep in with current trends - and the interior's all the better for it. There are now more avant garde choices in the market, but not many that are better built or better to drive. And these attributes keep this small SUV as one worth considering.
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