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The SEAT Ibiza and SEAT Arona have a youthful, energetic presence on the road, perfectly blending style, practicality, and personality.
Since the recent update in 2025, both models feature a refreshed range of 16 to 18-inch alloy wheels and vibrant new paint colours that inject new energy.
Also stepping inside the models, you’ll find a stylish, modern cabin with premium materials, and a comfortable leather steering wheel.
Whether you’re drawn to the sporty city style of the SEAT Ibiza or the adventurous confidence of the SEAT Arona, we’ve got your complete guide.
Choosing the right model for your needs and lifestyle means understanding how they differ and what suits your preference best.
In this blog, we’ll be reviewing both models, focussing on:
At Pulman, we offer a wide range of new and used SEAT vehicles. This gives you the freedom to choose what suits you best, and our team is always on hand to guide you through the options.
As a family-run, North East-based retailer, we pride ourselves on delivering great service, making sure you drive away in a car that ticks every box.
The SEAT Ibiza is a compact, sporty hatchback that’s eager to respond on the road. Its handling and quick steering make it exciting for cornering and city driving, while its tight turning circle and smooth ride make daily commutes feel easy. In short, it’s agile and fun to drive which is why it’s often a popular choice with first-time car buyers. The SEAT Arona, by contrast, offers a more relaxed and composed driving experience. Its higher SUV driving position provides excellent visibility, and the suspension delivers a comfortable ride across urban streets, country lanes, and longer journeys.
While it trades some of the Ibiza’s immediacy, it still captures SEAT’s signature sporty spirit, making it engaging and fun behind the wheel.
Both models are powered by SEAT’s efficient yet lively petrol engines:
These engines strike a good balance between fuel efficiency and performance, whether you’re weaving through city streets in Ibiza or enjoying the confidence of the SEAT Arona.
Both the SEAT Ibiza and SEAT Arona are available in a range of trims to suit different preferences which we’re exploring below.
Trim Level | SEAT Ibiza | SEAT Arona |
SE | Entry-level trim complete with comfort features and everyday practicality tech | Entry-level trim with essential technology, comfort, and an elevated driving position |
SE Technology | Adds improved infotainment system, connectivity, and a more refined interior | Adds improved infotainment, connectivity, and further driver assistance features |
FR First Edition | Complete with sportier styling and an upgraded interior | Complete with sportier SUV styling and an elevated road presence |
FR Sport | Highest spec trim with premium styling and larger alloys | Highest spec trim with premium styling, and advanced tech |
Inside, the SEAT Ibiza feels compact which makes it perfect for city driving. Despite its compact size though, its carefully designed interior keeps everything within easy reach. Furthermore FR trims add sporty comfort without compromising everyday practicality.
The SEAT Arona takes a different approach, offering a roomier, more spacious interior that’s well suited to families who need extra cabin space for everyday commuting and weekend getaways.
Its slightly more upright seating position and optional ambient lighting add a more luxurious touch, while the 400-litre boot makes it ideal for carrying shopping or luggage. On the outside, black body cladding and roof rails emphasise its versatility, while the larger grille and raised LED headlights give the Arona a more commanding presence.
The Ibiza still performs well however, with a 355-litre boot, handling bags with ease. Both models feature SEAT’s signature Digital Cockpit, wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a large 8.25" or 9.2" infotainment touchscreen depending on specification.
Overall, both models cleverly combine technology and convenience with comfort and style.
Due to its smaller size, the SEAT Ibiza delivers a compact and agile driving experience that’s perfectly suited to tight streets and busy traffic, while still feeling confident on open roads. Its lighter body and nimble handling make it especially responsive in corners, ideal for drivers who enjoy a more dynamic ride on everyday commutes.
In comparison, the SEAT Arona builds on the same foundations but with a taller, more commanding presence. As an urban SUV, it offers a higher driving position for improved visibility and feels more composed. The robust suspension handles rougher roads with ease, while the optional 150PS engine provides stronger motorway performance when needed.
Technology is an area where both the SEAT Ibiza and SEAT Arona excel as each model features a floating infotainment system, alongside SEAT CONNECT for smartphone integration and remote access.
With Full Link connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be used wirelessly, giving you access to navigation, music, and apps. There are also optional upgrades such as the SEAT Sound System, complete with six speakers, a subwoofer, and a 300-watt amplifier, deliver impressive audio quality, while USB-C ports and a 15W wireless charging pad ensure your devices stay powered on the move.
Voice control adds further hands-free convenience too. When it comes to technology and connectivity, there’s not much difference between the Ibiza and the Arona as both also come with advanced driver assistance features. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Side Assist, and Tiredness Recognition, plus Full LED headlights for improved visibility.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing between the SEAT Ibiza and the SEAT Arona and this is where there are some differences.
Starting with the SEAT Ibiza, this has a noticeable advantage in terms of upfront cost, starting from around £20,495.00, while the SEAT Arona usually starts closer to £22,605.00, creating a price gap of roughly £2500.
When it comes to fuel economy, both models are efficient, but the Ibiza is slightly ahead thanks to its lighter, more compact design. It can achieve up to around 58.9 mpg (combined), compared to the Arona’s up to 53.3 mpg (combined), making it the more economical choice for regular city driving and shorter journeys.
While the Arona may use slightly more fuel at approximately 5.3 L/100 km compared to the Ibiza’s 5.0 L/100 km, it balances this with added space and a higher driving position.
Should I choose SEAT Ibiza or SEAT Arona?
The Arona is more suitable if you want SUV-style practicality, a higher driving position, and extra boot space. The SEAT Ibiza is more suitable if you prefer lower running costs, agile handling for city driving, and a sleek hatchback style. Whichever you choose, both models are well-equipped and fun to drive.
What’s changed in the 2026 facelift for SEAT Ibiza and SEAT Arona?
Both models feature subtle exterior and interior updates rather than a full redesign, including sharper front bumpers, updated LED headlights, and new alloy wheels. Inside, you’ll find new seat fabrics, ambient lighting, and upgraded infotainment, giving both models a more modern feel.
Is the SEAT Arona bigger than the SEAT Ibiza?
Yes, the SEAT Arona is larger overall and offers more interior space, a higher driving position, and a bigger 400-litre boot compared to the Ibiza’s 355 litres. This makes the Arona a great option for families or those who need extra space.
Both the SEAT Ibiza and SEAT Arona offer a good combination of style, technology, and everyday practicality while still being exciting to drive.
They’re a great choice for different types of drivers whether you’re a first-time car buyer looking for something more compact or you need a more spacious car for your family.
Furthermore, with updated styling, modern interiors, and efficient engines across both models, there’s little to separate them in terms of overall quality and driving experience.
The right choice really comes down to whether you prioritise urban agility or SUV practicality. At Pulman, we’re a family-run retailer in the North East and you can explore a wide range of new and used SEAT models to suit your preference and budget. Explore SEAT models here or visit one of our showrooms to speak to a member of the team.
