Anyone come from a Leon to an Arona?

[-=Rob=-]

Has anyone come out of a Leon into an Arona? Wifey currently has a Leon FR 1.5 125hp model, and it's time for a change. Been considering an Arona FR 1.0TSI 115hp Limited edition, they seem nice but not sure it may be on a small size being based on the Ibiza platform. However, I can see the boot is bigger than the Leon already having a little research on things. Also, the Leon is manual, and thinking about going to DSG, does this work ok on the small 1.0 engine? I read conflicting reports.
Anyhow, curious for any feedback from someone who has switched over from a Leon. Thanks!

 

[Tell]

Well we got a 2019 Arona TSI1.0 DSG and Ateca TDI2.0 DSG. The Arona 3 cylinder works well with the DSG no issues. Seat comfort is a bit primitive compared with the Xcellence Ateca. It will do for one hour run arounds beyond that you ache when you get out of it, if prone to that sort of thing. We got a back bolsters that sorts that out on the drivers side and a cushion risers on the passenger side... but I'd equally be moaning about the Leon seating for sure.

No complaints with its reliability or undersized potential engine. You wouldn't know it's 3 cylinder. Handles the Welsh hills with vigour so used as a runaround for days out and shopping. Handles the country lanes well.

You'll probably notice a slight height increase in seating. Although called a small SUV it not a full sized one . SUV light it's probably best described as. Pass on boot size compared with the Leon... smaller than the Ateca for sure. You can wack the seats down for a tip run or to carry furniture. Had the lawnmower in this one twice for service and four dining chairs for recovering. Leave the mucky stuff for the Arona.

 

[-=Rob=-]

Thank you for the reply, really appreciate the info you sent. That’s interesting to hear, it sounds like you are pretty happy with the Arona but the Ateca does have a bit more space in the boot. The Ateca is to the Leon what the Arona is to the Ibiza, and I looked and can see the Ateca has a whopping 510l boot compared to 380 on the Leon. The Arona is 400l, so I think that wouldn’t be noticeable but also a tad bigger than the Leon.

Also great to hear the 1.0tsi is good, it seems to get good reviews but I’ve never driven one.

I think I need to go try one locally perhaps, the Leon is fab but it’s time for a change. The only possible concern is smaller inside for passengers, is this noticeable for you between the two you have? Thanks.

 

[AlperUtkuCeylan]

Thank you for the reply, really appreciate the info you sent. That’s interesting to hear, it sounds like you are pretty happy with the Arona but the Ateca does have a bit more space in the boot. The Ateca is to the Leon what the Arona is to the Ibiza, and I looked and can see the Ateca has a whopping 510l boot compared to 380 on the Leon. The Arona is 400l, so I think that wouldn’t be noticeable but also a tad bigger than the Leon.

Also great to hear the 1.0tsi is good, it seems to get good reviews but I’ve never driven one.

I think I need to go try one locally perhaps, the Leon is fab but it’s time for a change. The only possible concern is smaller inside for passengers, is this noticeable for you between the two you have? Thanks.

I drove both for months and there is no such issue about interior size. I am nearly 2 meters and can easily fit comfortably in Arona too. Currently driving ibiza and ım happy with it except my low trim seats. Not suitable for me.

 

[-=Rob=-]

I drove both for months and there is no such issue about interior size. I am nearly 2 meters and can easily fit comfortably in Arona too. Currently driving ibiza and ım happy with it except my low trim seats. Not suitable for me.

Thanks for the info, how is the rear passenger space when your seat is set for your driving. I’m not that tall but also have long legs so have the same at back fairly far.

 

[AlperUtkuCeylan]

Thanks for the info, how is the rear passenger space when your seat is set for your driving. I’m not that tall but also have long legs so have the same at back fairly far.

Not suitable for long drivings but its Okay, ı will share the photo of my interior in İbiza with my seat settings

 

[AlperUtkuCeylan]

Thanks for the info, how is the rear passenger space when your seat is set for your driving. I’m not that tall but also have long legs so have the same at back fairly far.

Sorry for the stains on the seat from my Rain jacket this is my daily setup

 

[Tell]

Well the Arona is a smaller car to the Ateca. Have both Arona and Ateca in Xcellence style. Been in Leon's where I say to the garage staff you'll have to wait whilst I get out after getting a lift back .

From my perspective the Leon is lower than the Ateca which proves more difficult to slide in and out as does the Arona. If looking at comfort the Ateca I'd place above the Leon although seating can vary between models, ditto the Arona. You won't catch me in a low car if I can help it. All comes down to the aches and pains you are disposed off. The legroom in the front of the Arona is good but the seating position being low and lack of lumber support are the negatives over the Ateca. It's a good run around... probably said that.

It comes down to SUV v Saloon. Some people are happy with the saloon seating position, low, whilst other people find it more uncomfortable of mature years. I can never quite see how older guys are happy with saloon seating position, but they are. Use to get stuck in my 20s with backache unable to stand up. So us people prone to backache look at SUVs positively .

In the current model range the Tarraco gives you the maximum legroom in SUV style, Allspace, Kodiak body the same. Tarraco is a stretched Ateca. Unlike the others it isn't being refreshed by Seat unlike Skoda. Basically the Vag brand had three SUVs in each brand making 3x3 = 9 models of SUV, on three platforms. T-Roc being VW equivalent to the Arona etc.

 

[-=Rob=-]

Thanks for all the feedback and pictures guys, it’s very helpful! I’m getting the picture that the Arona is a fab town and local car, but might be a bit tiring on long journeys (which the Leon is great for). I can also see the rear space isn’t as good as the MK4 Leon, but more like the MK3
Leon. It’ll come down to a test drive and look I think, and also how good a deal there is on these. Took a look today and there are a few good deals on the Arona FR Limited Edition, it looks rather nice. Seems to be missing an arm rest and lumbar support though. Other than that, spec is good. Limited colours also, flat grey or white is most available. White with grey roof or grey with black roof, or all grey. Quite like the white which is not my usual choice!!

 

[Tell]

Ours is red all over. It may have been a Seat special dealer showroom one, wasnt in any catalogues at the time. It was when they were direct selling them through two associate London dealers at either end of the m25. You got passed a card read, put your card in and pin and the car was yours. I took a few extra cards with me in case the partner's card didn't work. Got the MK HQ Seat plate on it, the same as press review cars and direct sales.

We have only added Amazon car seat bolster to it. Passenger side height and driver back rest. No issues in four years.

 

[-=Rob=-]

You don’t see many all one colour Arona’s, now I’m spotting them on the road they all seem to have two tone body / roof. Which is do think looks good, but also nice to be different and sometimes subtle with one colour.

haha I’ve got one of those cards, wife has the other too

good to hear the seats are no issue, the limited edition has some nice bucket seats, shame no lumbar adjustment but hopefully they are comfortable. Anyone got these and can comment?

 

[Tell]

The Kamiq verses the Karoq or in Seat terms the Arona verses the Ateca. Interesting read. No umbrella thou.

Long-term report: Saying goodbye to Skoda’s smallest SUV

Our time with the Kamiq has sadly come to an end, but are we jumping with joy or shedding tears? Cameron Richards reports.

www.irishnews.com

 

[-=Rob=-]

Thanks that an interesting read, could be similar coming from a Leon over to the Arona perspective. The umbrellas in the Skodas come in handy with the UK weather