“The Arona is a pretty decent little crossover, but the Leon hatchback is nicer, almost the same size and only slightly more expensive”
The VW group has been slow to jump on the small crossover trend, but the Seat Arona has finally arrived in 2017 ahead of the Volkswagen T-Cross and Skoda Kamiq. It has since become the brand's most popular car, with over 480,000 units sold worldwide, and a mid-life facelift in 2021 has kept it relevant today.
The trend of minor crosses also shows no signs of slowing down. Arona can count the Nissan Juke, Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, Vauxhall Mokka, Peugeot 2008, Kia Stonic, Citroën C3 Aircross and Renault Captur among its many current competitors. And that's just a light memory that we can remember.
Actually Arona is not a very crossover crossover. There is no AWD version. It has the same wheelbase as the Ibiza and the cabin is very similar. The pre-facelift version also looked a lot like Seat's hatch hatch after a thorough vacation (except for the raised window line at the rear and the contrasting roof), but the 2021 update adds front and rear plus individual bumpers along with those fog lights. pimple-like lights on the face of a pimply teenager.
Still using the crossover version of the VW Group's MQB A0 platform. You sit taller than a supermini but shorter than many competitors. But that extra height is enough to get cabin and luggage space in a rather small overall size and can be parked. The wheel sizes are also larger than those of the Ibiza (up to 18 hours), which helps with comfort and ground clearance.
Engines are standard for the VW Group's small lineup: the 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder is available in 94bhp and 109bhp versions (the latter can be fitted with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox), and you can still have the 1.5,148 HP engine. The four-cylinder turbo and automatic gearbox arrangement have now been removed from the Ibiza range. The Arona diesel engine was discontinued in the UK in 2020 and, just to reiterate, there is still no option
Even so, the Arona's interior remains a bit bland. And while there's plenty of room up front (even though you sit a little lower than other crossovers), space in the back is a bit limited. Luggage capacity of 400 liters is average for the sector and offers 50 liters more than the Ibiza.
Prices start at £21,695 for the 94hp 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder, rising to £22,980 for the same 109hp engine, and £26,475 for the 148hp 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder, while you can choose between six. decorations to choose from.
“A facelift improves the cabin, but it takes a bit of imagination to differentiate the Arona from Ibiza”
The Arona drives reasonably well, offers easy-to-use technology, and is as roomy in the cabin and trunk as most of its competitors. There are no obvious drawbacks.
But he lacks commitment. The facelift enhances the cabin, but still looks routine. Little imagination and effort goes into making it different from Ibiza. Not visually or practically. It has no unique selling point. And mini crossovers in general are a tough breed in that they're not as great to drive and they're as expensive as their manufacturers' next-size hatchbacks, but they also don't ride as well.
Unless you like the way it looks or are sold on a (slightly) higher driving position, it's best to go for the Leon. It looks smarter, drives better, offers almost the same interior space and only costs slightly more.
