Used SEAT Arona for sale: everything you need to know
The SEAT Arona has established itself as a strong contender in a competitive class. There is no shortage of rival compact crossover SUVs, but the stylish Arona makes a great case for itself.
It has competition close to home, thanks to the closely related Volkswagen T-Cross and Skoda Kamiq. From the same family, there’s also the Audi Q2, which offers a similar experience but with a more upmarket badge on the grille.
The Ford Puma delivers a fine driving experience, while the MINI Countryman, Nissan Juke and Renault Captur have also become firm favourites with UK drivers. And there’s the SEAT Ibiza hatchback, which the Arona is based on, to consider as well.
Should you buy a SEAT Arona?
The SEAT Arona is part of a highly competitive sector in the UK car market, with many rivals to consider. However, it offers plenty of good reasons to be worth considering, and really is a great used choice to make.
Where the Arona particularly impresses is with the driving experience. SEAT has ensured the Arona delivers a more engaging drive than crossover SUVs. It has quick steering, and feels close in character to the SEAT Ibiza it’s based upon. The only minor drawback is a firm ride on models fitted with larger 18-inch alloy wheels.
Helping the Arona are a range of engines that suit its lively character. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrols are particularly zingy, especially in the more powerful 110PS form. Those who spend more time in town may prefer the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, which takes the strain out of heavy traffic.
It may be relatively small on the outside, but the Arona delivers lots of space inside. With a driving position that isn’t as high as other crossover SUVs, there is loads of headroom for those in the front. In the back, young adults will have no complaints about the head and legroom on offer.
Luggage capacity is also better than the class average, at 400 litres with the back seats in place.
Standard equipment levels across the Arona range are generous, and add to the feeling of value for money. All except the entry-level SE model have satellite navigation, and all versions benefit from LED headlights and a virtual instrument panel.
With a handsome design, a sporty driving experience and attractive prices, the SEAT Arona is a great crossover to buy or lease. Whether new or used, it stands up well against the competition.
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What's the best used SEAT Arona model to buy?
The 1.0-litre petrol is the most popular engine with the SEAT Arona. It might sound small but it's a turbocharged unit with plenty of performance, especially the more powerful 115PS (later 110PS) model. This has a six-speed manual gearbox, too, unlike the 95PS unit's five-speed transmission. That's definitely a bonus if you plan to spend a lot of time on the motorway.
In terms of trim level, we'd recommend the SEAT Arona SE Technology for its high levels of standard equipment without breaking the bank. Plusher models come with some nice extras - like the Arona FR's ambient lighting, sports seats and leatherette dash - but they will, obviously, cost more to buy.
Used SEAT Arona fuel economy and performance
The SEAT Arona is offered with a choice of engines, most of which are turbocharged petrol units. There is also the 1.6 TDI turbodiesel. Depending on the model chosen, buyers get either a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch DSG automatic.
SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI 95: Offered only for the SE and SE Technology models, the most affordable Arona engine is a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol. It produces 95PS, which sees the Arona accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.5 seconds. Offered solely with a five-speed manual gearbox, it achieves average fuel consumption of up to 51.4mpg.
SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI 110: Moving up the range sees the option of the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, but with a 110PS output. The extra power reduces the 0-62mph time to less than 11 seconds. Buyers can pick from a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG auto transmission, with the former boasting the best fuel economy of 53.3mpg.
SEAT Arona 1.0 TSI 115: This version of the 1.0 TSI engine was offered at the start of the Arona's life before being replaced by the 110PS unit. It gives a combined economy of 56.5mpg coupled to 114g/km carbon dioxide emissions. From rest to 62mph comes up in 9.8 seconds if you use the engine to its full potential.
SEAT Arona 1.5 TSI 150: For maximum performance in the SEAT Arona, buyers need to opt for the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It boasts a considerable 150PS, and comes fitted as standard with the seven-speed DSG transmission. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes just over eight seconds, while average fuel economy is a commendable 45.6mpg.
SEAT Arona 1.6 TDi: For the economy-minded driver, this is a sound bet in the Arona. It delivers an official combined consumption of 65.7mpg as well as CO2 emissions rated at 106g/km. Pace is decent too thanks to 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds and good low- and mid-rev urge.
What used SEAT Arona trim levels are available?
The SEAT Arona is sold in several different trim levels, with three core options of SE, FR and Xperience. With so many trim levels to pick from, SEAT only offered limited optional extras for new buyers, encouraging them to move up to a higher trim instead.
SEAT Arona SE: This may be the entry-level SEAT Arona, but the SE model still has plenty of important equipment as standard. LED headlights, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel are all included.
SEAT Arona SE Technology: Adding extra equipment, the SE Technology trim brings a larger 9.2-inch multimedia touchscreen screen to the Arona. Satellite navigation is included as part of this upgrade, with rear parking sensors and wireless smartphone charging added as well.
SEAT Arona FR: FR spec promises sportier looks, with the Arona boasting bespoke bumpers with prominent front fog lights. Sport seats can be found inside, along with a black cloth headlining and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Dual-zone climate control and ambient interior lightning are other notable highlights.
SEAT Arona FR Sport: For a more dynamic appearance, the Arona FR Sport brings larger 18-inch alloy wheels, plus an exhaust with twin tailpipes. Heated front seats and a larger 10-inch digital instrument panel are also included.
SEAT Arona Xperience: The Xperience is almost the most luxurious Arona, with an interior finished in Sano Textrim upholstery. Features such as keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control and dynamic road sign assistance ensure it wants for nothing.
SEAT Arona Xperience Lux: With the most equipment of all, the Xperience Lux has 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera as standard. It also benefits from the bigger 10-inch virtual instrument panel and heated microsuede front seats.
Used SEAT Arona dimensions and boot size
The SEAT Arona’s exterior dimensions are:
Length: 4154mm
Width: 1780mm
Height: 1537mm
Ground clearance: 191mm
The SEAT Arona’s boot space is:
Used SEAT Arona road tax
Whichever model of SEAT Arona takes your fancy, you will pay the usual £180 rate of road tax for all models. That is much the same story for almost all of the Arona's rivals.
How much is it to insure a SEAT Arona?
As a compact crossover SUV, the SEAT Arona is relatively affordable to insure. The entry-level SE model should be the cheapest to cover, with the 1.0-litre TSI 95 engine rated in insurance group 9 (out of 50) for the manual version. The more powerful 1.0 TSI 110 starts at insurance group 10, with higher-spec models rated in group 12. With the most powerful engine, the Arona 1.5 TSI 150 is in insurance group 18.
Read our full SEAT Arona review
