SEAT Arona review - Interior, design and technology

SEAT is hoping that the Arona will attract buyers from not only the supermini class, but also from those who fancy a slightly higher driving position and a style-focused approach over a run-of-the-mill family hatchback. As such, the Arona gets plenty of equipment as standard and a few key design features that are often included only on the options list.

Every car sold in the UK will get metallic paint included, as well as the option of a contrast colour on the roof. There are ten body colours and three hues for the roof, allowing for easy personalisation. Oddly, every Arona also gets an ‘X’ motif on the bodywork at the point where the roof comes down behind the rear door. It makes sense on Xcellence editions, but is a bit more confusing on SE and FR versions.

The facelifted Arona now includes front fog lamps positioned high next to the new grille and daytime running lights, while at the rear there’s a spoiler, diffuser and an Arona badge in a hand-written script. Inside, the level of perceived quality has improved with soft-touch materials across the dash, LED lighting around the air vents (FR and Xperience versions) and a leather-trimmed steering wheel

Most Aronas come with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, although there are different designs to help you distinguish between SE, FR and Xcellence. FR Sport and Xcellence Lux variants get 18-inchers.

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The range has its limits, though. You get rather plain cloth covering on the seating in SE and SE Technology editions, while FR and FR Sport have a more sculptured seat featuring red flashes for a sportier look. But even the luxury spec, Xcellence, doesn’t go to the lengths of full leather upholstery; there’s just a bit of contrast stitching and a slightly more complex fabric pattern. At least FR Sport and Xcellence Lux have a grippy Alcantara-style material on their seats.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

All Arona versions, except the SE, include a 9.2-inch touchscreen. The tablet-style display is now positioned higher up on the dash, and is easier to use on the move.

Infotainment in the facelifted model is a much improved system; the display is sharp with clear graphics and smartphone app-style buttons at the bottom of the screen. Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay are standard across the range. 

A digital cockpit is available on FR Sport and Xcellence Lux models, with other trims offering analogue dials and a conventional trip computer.