The Seat Arona I (KJ) received a major mid-cycle refresh (facelift) in 2021. While the exterior evolves subtly (new grille, repositioned round fog lights, handwritten lettering on the tailgate), the revolution takes place inside. Gone are the omnipresent hard plastics of phase 1: the dashboard adopts soft-touch materials, new illuminated air vents, and a floating infotainment screen (MIB3 system). Based on the excellent Volkswagen Group MQB-A0 platform, the Arona retains its dynamic road handling, generous cabin space for the segment, and 400-liter boot. It foregoes diesel and hybridization, focusing on proven TSI petrol engines. It is a pragmatic, mature, and highly recommendable urban SUV.
The restyled Seat Arona (2021+) corrects the main flaw of its first iteration: an overly basic interior finish. Now upscale and technological, it retains its excellent dynamic qualities and spaciousness. In terms of reliability, the TSI engines are now free of their early issues and prove to be very robust. The only real downside concerns the onboard electronics (fickle MIB3 system) and the DSG7 gearbox which, although improved, requires gentle handling in the city. It is a highly recommendable purchase, particularly in the 1.0 TSI 110 hp 6-speed manual version, which offers the best reliability/versatility compromise.