Seat Arona review

The Arona has been with us since 2017 and despite the refreshes, the interior has largely been left alone. It shows, and while it’s all very ergonomically pleasing (particularly compared to the VW Group’s latest systems) it undoubtedly feels a little tired and cheap in places. 

We’ll get onto the actual infotainment in a second, though we’re not sold on the gloss black panelling surrounding the screen when rivals’ latest systems look pretty much like iPads these days. Nor are we sold on the splashes of colour around the air vents, which in white look a bit tacky.

You do at least get the comfy, supportive seats from the Ibiza, and a separate panel for your climate controls, one of the biggest positives of this being an outdated VW Group cabin. And look, a proper physical handbrake! It’s arguably not the best use of space compared to a toggle switch, but our nostalgic side appreciates it.

What's the tech like?

The infotainment screen measures 8.25 inches on base spec models and 9.2 inches on all other trim levels. All come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the screen itself is well positioned, roughly in line with the driver’s eyeline.

The system itself is pretty easy to operate, though it can take a little while to work out how to navigate it all. Base- and mid-spec versions get 8in digital dials, while top-spec cars boast a 10in display. They work well and offer a good level of customisation.

Anything else to note?

The driver’s seating position is low (particularly the bucket-ish seats in the FR trim), so don’t expect that full SUV feeling of road superiority. And rear seat passengers might feel a little short changed when it comes to space. 

Further back you get a 400-litre boot seats up, and 823 litres with the seats down. That’s 50 litres more than you get in an Ibiza, FYI.

For reference, with the seats up you get more room in the back here than in a Vauxhall Mokka, Kia Niro or Hyundai Kona, but less than you'll find in a Citroen C3 Aircross, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, or Ford Puma.