SEAT Arosa (97-04) - Review

Review by Parkers on
For those looking for a value-for-money town car, there can be few models better than the Arosa. It shares its looks - and most parts - with the more expensive VW Lupo. It's cheaper to buy, better value-for-money, but just as good to drive as its Teutonic cousin. Good choice of engines and it feels modern and almost funky inside. Good deals around, too. Biggest problem is poor rear legroom and luggage space.
3.5 out of 5

Other SEAT reviews

3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£6,015 - £9,960

Used price range:

£452 - £2,765

View all used prices

Get a SEAT Arosa (97-04) information pack

Next steps

SEAT Arosa cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 23 models like this for sale, starting at £1,495.

Find used SEAT Arosas for sale

Quality, VW input.

Stodgy styling.

For those looking for a value-for-money town car, there can be few models better than the Arosa. It shares its looks - and most parts - with the more expensive VW Lupo. It's cheaper to buy, better value-for-money, but just as good to drive as its Teutonic cousin. Good choice of engines and it feels modern and almost funky inside. Good deals around, too. Biggest problem is poor rear legroom and luggage space.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3.5 out of 5

    "Entry level 1.0 petrol is fine in town, but struggles on dual carriageways and motorways. 1.4..."

  • Handling

    2 out of 5

    "Great fun to drive, easy to steer and park, but the ride quality suffers on bumpy roads. Steering is..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    1 out of 5

    "Rear legroom is very cramped - even tall kids will be squashed against the back of the seats."

  • Practicality

    1 out of 5

    "Luggage space is shameful. Only just enough room for a week's shopping with the back seat up. For..."

  • Equipment

    2.5 out of 5

    "All but the 1.0 base model get alloy wheels, central locking and electric front windows. All get..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "Supportive seats, but not exactly plush. Cabin doesn't feel as VW-like as you'd hoped for, but it is..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3.5 out of 5

    "Cheap insurance on all apart from the Sport. Fuel consumption can be as good as 50mpg from the 1.0..."

  • Green credentials

    4.5 out of 5

    "Arosa performs very well on the eco front. With an average of 148 g/km CO2 across the range, its..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    1.5 out of 5

    "The basic structure is strong, but you only get passenger airbags, side airbags and ABS on the..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "Mechanically it'll be sound, but SEAT interior trim doesn't have the same quality or longevity as..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    4 out of 5

    "There have been some good deals recently (equipment upgrades for no more money) and you're more..."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "Plenty about and prices are cheap especially for the first 1997-98 cars. Arosa is a favourite with..."

  • Selling

    3.5 out of 5

    "Strong demand, but plenty around so you won't get top price. Expect your potential buyer to be young..."

Owners' reviews