Published:
17 November 2017All Seat Arona models are well equipped – even the base SE car gets 17in alloy wheels and automatic headlights – so although the £16,555 entry point to the range is higher than for some rivals, it’s not money wasted.
On merit, the Arona is worth the premium in any case and it is also forecast to depreciate more gradually than its peers, so bear that in mind when weighing up which option to go for.
It’s also worth considering carefully which engine you want. Despite its modest output of 94bhp, the three-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI tested here is potent enough for the Arona in most scenarios and suits its character particularly well for urban driving.
However, during testing, it managed a touring economy of just 40.9mpg, which would duly fall with the additional passengers and luggage the car so impressively caters for. The 1.6-litre TDI diesel model, which will be available only in FR trim and above, will almost certainly be the better choice if your driving habits include an abundance of motorway miles.
Given the 1.0 TSI’s coarse timbre at higher engine speeds, you’d likely not sacrifice too much in the way of refinement, either, and then there’s the oil-burner’s effortless slug of torque to consider.
