Skip advert
Advertisement

SEAT Arona SUV - Practicality & boot space

The SEAT Arona offers a useful upgrade in space from a supermini, but it's far from the class best

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.2 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Practicality & boot space Rating

4.0 out of 5

The Arona sits on the same floorpan as the SEAT Ibiza supermini, so it was never likely to offer real ‘big-car’ interior space. However, it does bring a useful boost in everyday versatility compared to the Ibiza, making it a car with real purpose as well as more impressive to look at.

SEAT Arona interior space & storage

The first thing you notice in the Arona after travelling in an Ibiza is how much additional headroom the car has. It’s actually 12cm taller than the Ibiza and although its slightly elevated ride height accounts for some of that, the remainder is very welcome inside. Even tall drivers and passengers will have enough space, while there’s sufficient interior width to allow four adults to travel without clashing shoulders.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Rear legroom is less generous than in the Citroen C3 Aircross and those over six feet tall are likely to find long journeys uncomfortable unless a splay-legged posture is adopted.

Boot space

The 400-litre boot is usefully bigger than that of the SEAT Ibiza, too, and is a competitive size compared to most rivals. However, it doesn’t offer the versatility of the Citroen C3 Aircross or Renault Captur, which have a sliding rear bench that can be moved forwards and back to increase rear seat or luggage space as needed. With up to 536 litres available in its biggest setting, the Renault remains the one to go for if practicality is your priority.

The system that SEAT uses to measure boot space gives 823 litres as the total luggage volume when the rear seats are folded flat. However, we suspect that this isn't the full story, and that a bigger number would be arrived at if you loaded it from floor to ceiling. The boot itself is a handy shape, with plenty of room for a set of decent-sized suitcases or a comprehensive weekly shopping trip.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

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

Most Economical

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

Fastest

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

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best used small SUVs to buy
Best used small SUVs
Best cars
12 Jul 2024

Top 10 best used small SUVs to buy

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
20 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Ford Capri review – a comfortable, well-built EV
Ford Capri UK front quarter cruising
In-depth reviews
20 Dec 2024

Ford Capri review – a comfortable, well-built EV

New BYD Atto 2 electric SUV to hit the UK, rivalling the Vauxhall Frontera
BYD Atto 2 front quarter
News
19 Dec 2024

New BYD Atto 2 electric SUV to hit the UK, rivalling the Vauxhall Frontera

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024