Should you buy one?

Yes, if you’re after a small family car that’s stylish, a little rugged and good to drive. The SEAT Arona SUV is one of many small family cars at an extremely busy price point. So it has a tough fight on its hands to see off its many rivals vying for your attention.

But with the latest tweaks to its specification and prices, it’s still a good car that’s well worth recommending, even if the Ford Puma is better to drive and the Skoda Kamiq is more practical.

There is at least a comprehensive trim line-up and many engines available, and that makes picking the best Arona reasonably straightforward. If you’re looking for the lowest monthly outlay, one of the 1.0 TSI versions should suit. This engine is available on cheaper models and offers low running costs and excellent fuel economy. The 115hp version has more than enough power to feel at ease on the motorway and nippy about town. It’s the one we’d recommend.

What we like

The Arona is generally well equipped: all models bar the entry-level SE have sat-nav mapping, reversing sensors and metallic paint included as standard, so you really don’t need to spend any more on options.

What we don’t like

Since a high-performance Cupra Arona isn’t available and isn’t likely to be any time soon, the quickest model you can buy today is the 1.5-litre TSI Evo. However, it’s a bit of a disappointment compared with its three-cylinder counterparts.