• Very easy to get comfortable
• Good visibility all-round
• Even sporty FR models ride smoothly

How is the quality and layout?

We’ve come to the conclusion that the SEAT Arona’s interior is just a bit grey and serious for something aimed at small families. All of the buttons and dials, and even the clutch and gearbox feel solid in a way that other cars don’t. But there is a little bit of sparkle missing from it all, especially as this is supposed to be a SEAT, and therefore quite fashionable.

It’s starting to feel quite dated in here, but that’s no bad thing as there’s a combination of physical and screen controls to operate the car’s functions. It does feel quite grown up compared with some rivals, with the dashboard being available in a choice of different colours and materials. The leather with contrast stitching on higher-spec models is particularly nice and tactile.

The dashboard design is identical to that in the SEAT Ibiza, which is a good thing – we like the simple control layout, solid build quality and excellent infotainment set-up of that car. For someone coming to the Arona for the first time, it’s very easy to get used to, with a big touchscreen-based media system that’s simple to use and angled slightly towards the driver so you can operate it easily.

Infotainment and tech

The infotainment set-up comes with an 8.2- or 9.2-inch screen, depending on the model. It’s a large and easy-to-read touchscreen with many of its functions having to do without physical controls.

Interestingly, unlike many recent Volkswagen Group models that SEAT shares its tech with, this infotainment set-up works very well indeed. All models also come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, and wireless charging as standard. We’ll put that down to being a case of all of its teething problems being ironed out during a long production run.

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Comfort

• Excellent driving position
• Good visibilty
• Decent high-speed ride

There’s plenty of adjustment in the driver’s and passenger seats and the steering wheel, so you can sit as high or low as you like, depending how much you want to feel like you’re driving an SUV on tip-toes. Or not. Finding your perfect driving position is straightforward.

The SEAT Arona is a comfortable place to spend time in, with good seats in higher-spec models for taller drivers offering plenty of under-thigh support and bolstering, and good visibility all-round.

Some may find the sportier seats in FR models uncomfortable, with plenty of side support to hold you in place during cornering, but a lack of lower back support can make some drivers feel pushed into sitting in a slouched position.