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SEAT Arosa Hatchback engines, drive and performance

1997 - 2004 (change model)
Performance rating: 3.5 out of 53.5

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Entry level 1.0 petrol is fine in town, but struggles on dual carriageways and motorways. 1.4 petrols are a good compromise (the 99bhp version is especially good if you want a cheap, tepid hatch) but the diesel makes most sense (at a premium).

Great fun to drive, easy to steer and park, but the ride quality suffers on bumpy roads. Steering is predictable and direct, suspension seems firm but doesn’t always stay controlled. Not a problem on most models, but the 1.4 Sport could be sportier.