It felt like a treat to be getting into a couple of cars so unfussy and straightforward as the overhauled SEAT Ibiza and its stablemate the Arona crossover.
SEAT gave these two a facelift some time back. And even to my way of looking at things, they seemed to have given both a fair bit of a boost.
There was no clutter of screens, or alien looking buttons to press. Yes, I’m pointing the finger at how much, and where, the level of distraction and alienation I often come across some cars (mainly electric) – especially when all I want to do is change the temperature or something as basic as that.
Such items are taken care of in the two SEATs in a simple manner with every day usage getting priority. That lends itself to having a definite sense of familiarity around the cabin, despite changes to layout, spec and tech.
And I wasn’t looking for, nor did I get the zip of instant torque that comes with an EV. All I wanted was fuss-free driving in both urban and motorway routes. And I got that.
And believe it or not I ended up being able to decide which of the two cars on test that I would choose, if I had to.
THE IBIZA
Prices from €25,110 to €31,740
The Ibiza has been among us a long time now (in 1984); the Arona less so (2017).
Built on the same underpinnings as the likes of the Skoda Fabia, Audi A1 and VW Polo, the Ibiza is regarded as one of the better-priced superminis. Other rivals would include the Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Hyundai and the bargain basement Dacia Sandero.
The Ibiza has stood the pace well over the years and that is reflected in its good resale value. More than six million have been bought.
However, one thing that nearly always changes is price. The Ibiza is no different but you also have to factor in the added value of the changes on the newly overhauled model.
There isn’t that much done to the exterior, but they are sufficient to sharpen it up such as slimmer full LED headlights, sculpted front bumper integrates sensors and fog light, and the new hexagonal grille with diamond-shaped mesh.
The rear bumper gets a new design while FR trim has that laser-etched logo on the B-pillar.
Inside there are embossed textiles and what felt, like better materials to touch – light grey in my test car. Soft-touch surfaces and textile-finished door panels add a sense of comfort. Bucket seats come as standard in the FR launch editions.
And technology upgrades include a new sound system with six speakers, subwoofer and a 300W amplifier, alongside 15W wireless fast charge.
As well as three variations on trim, there are three power outputs from the Volkswagen group 1-litre petrol engine.
There is an entry level SE and the SE Plus with the 80bhp, 95bhp and 115bhp while the FR trim gets just the 95bhp and 115bhp (with 6spd manual or DSG automatic).
That same FR ‘performance’ has loads of poke and, not only that, makes a decent job of transmitting it to the driver.
I won’t say handling and ride were exemplary, but for a car of its size and price they were more than respectable.
It is a car that goes easier on the pocket than many a supermini. And it certainly is an option for anyone not yet inclined to take the EV route.
THE ARONA
Prices from €29,360 to €34,780
The SEAT Arona isn’t as well known, or as often mentioned, as some of the other compact urban SUVs around.
That would be my perception of things.
But I do think it is a pity because after plenty of driving in this freshened-up version I’d say you could do worse than take it into consideration. Much worse.
Built on the same platform as the Ibiza (the Volkswagen Group’s MQB A0) it was given the same sort of update treatment as the Ibiza.
I think it benefits a lot.
No, I’m not going to tire you by re-running all the changes here. Suffice to say that the scatter of new and updated bits and pieces are on board.
All of which gives a smarter look to the dash and a better feel to fabrics; even feeling down low didn’t unveil any of the dreaded black plastic.
The exterior benefits from a spate of smaller items, including a delicate Oniric special paint.
The only difference on the engine front is that there is not an 80bhp version in the Arona.
I had the DSG (automatic) FR model. It was a punchy little power-plant. With 115bhp on tap and automatic DSG transmission distributing I had little work to do. It picked up quickly. Everything is relative of course. Its 0-100kmh figure of 8.3 seconds might not sound too sharpish. But it felt it.
And it remained quiet, mostly, getting a little rough only at the top of the revs. And there was just the hint of a shunt in the transmission when braking – or being pressed for more pace.
There’s good enough space at the front – and at the rear. In the case of the latter you’d squeeze two average-size adults and a much smaller framed occupant if you had to, mainly because of the generous headroom generated by the taller roof. But such accommodation for the smaller passenger wouldn’t be ideal over a long journey.
The Ibiza remains a decent enough challenger for most superminis. All in all, and based on its many years on the market, it makes sense. But maybe I’m bitten by the small SUV bug. I like the look of the car and the sense of more comfort/space within. So I think I would plumb for the Arona.
