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In-depth reviews

SEAT Arona - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The SEAT Arona's petrol engine range promises decent economy, while insurance costs are low; depreciation is a little steep

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs rating

3.7

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£19,995 £29,850
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£3,691 off RRP*
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The SEAT Arona doesn't feature any fuel-saving hybrid technology to help reduce fuel usage and lower emissions. All engines use a stop-start system to prevent fuel from being wasted while idling, but that’s par for the course these days. The only bit of clever fuel-saving tech the Arona has is on the 1.5-litre petrol, which includes cylinder deactivation technology to cut consumption at a cruise, so it isn’t much thirstier than the smaller 1.0-litre engines.

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SEAT claims the 1.0-litre 94bhp version should average up to 51.4mpg on the combined cycle, while the 108bhp variant returns 53.3mpg in six-speed manual form and 47.9mpg when paired with the seven-speed DSG auto gearbox. Despite a sizable power increase, the 148bhp 1.5 TSI still manages 49.6mpg. CO2 emissions range from 121g/km to 137g/km.

That’s competitive with rivals like the Peugeot 2008, but there are hybrid alternatives, such as the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Yaris Cross, which offer significantly better fuel efficiency. Company car drivers would do well to consider those rivals because of their lower emissions, reducing your Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rates. If your company car scheme allows it, you could go even further and consider the ultra-low emission Renault Captur E-Tech plug-in hybrid, or go for a fully-electric alternative, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Peugeot E-2008, and Vauxhall Mokka Electric, all of which could save you even more money.

Insurance groups

Every 1.0-litre Arona sits between groups 9 and 12, and is on a par with its rivals from Citroen and Hyundai

A Nissan Juke will cost you more; the standard petrol model range occupies groups 12 and 13 (out of 50), while the hybrid is a little higher, in groups 14 and 15. 

The more powerful 1.5-litre Arona jumps to group 18, making it the priciest to insure in the range. That’s still less than a hybrid-powered Hyundai Kona, though.

You can get personalised car insurance quotes fast with our comparison tool powered by Quotezone...

Depreciation

Our experts predict that the Arona will retain between 43-46 per cent of its value after three years and 36,000 miles of ownership. That’s a little low compared with rivals like the Nissan Juke and Skoda Kamiq, which both manage to maintain over 50 per cent over the same period. 

Then there’s the broadly similar Volkswagen T-Cross. In 1.0 110 Move trim, it’ll hold onto 61% over the same period, so there’s a bit of a gulf to consider.

To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our valuation tool...

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Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.0 TSI S 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £19,995
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Most Economical

  • Name
    1.0 TSI 115 FR 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £26,395
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Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI 150 FR 5dr DSG
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £27,785
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Online Reviews Editor

Max looks after the reviews on the Auto Express website. He’s been a motoring journalist since 2017 and has written for Autocar, What Car?, Piston Heads, DrivingElectric, Carbuyer, Electrifying, and Good Motoring Magazine.

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