SEAT AROSA HATCHBACK 2000-2004 Review
Good Points
- It offers all the good qualities of a VW Lupo
- It is an affordable car
Bad Points
- Doesn’t offer sharp handling
- Lacks in practicality
Engines
There are four engines available in the Arosa; a 50bhp 1.0-litre, a 60bhp 1.4-litre and a 100bhp 1.4-litre 16V petrol engines. There is also a 73bhp 1.4 TDi diesel engine.
Performance & Economy
The 1.0-litre petrol is good around town, but struggles on the motorways with its leisurely 17.1 seconds to get to 60mph. The 1.4-litre engines are better and if you’re looking for a little hatch that offers a slight turn of speed then the 16V is a good choice going from 0-60mph in 9.7 seconds. All of the petrol’s achieve respectable economy ratings with the 1.0 achieving 48mpg with the 1.4 16V fairing the worst at 42mpg (which still isn’t bad).
The diesel engine is the more sensible option though with it achieving 64mpg. The 1.4-litre turbo is a much more enjoyable drive than the two smaller petrol engines managing 0-60mph in 11.7 seconds and is a better everyday car.
When it comes to insuring them they are unlikely to break the bank falling between groups two and five.
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Introduction
The Arosa is a cheaper version of the VW Lupo that it shares most of its looks and parts. As they are similar cars it makes a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable, small city car. It’s better to think of it as a two seater than a four seater as the back seats barely offer enough room for children let alone adults. There is a good choice of engines in the Arosa and it is surprisingly fun to drive.
Exterior & Interior
The Arosa shares its looks with the VW Lupo and most of its interior too. The legroom in the back is cramped even for children, but they will at least have plenty of headroom. The front seats are a lot more spacious though which is a relief. The boot is tiny too and will barely hold your weekly shop. However, if you’re going to be using it primarily as a two seater then you can always fold flat the two rear seats to make the boot a more usable space.
Everything looks and feels well built and you receive a reasonable amount of kit as standard, but if you want more go for the ’Sport’ trim that adds ABS, alloy wheels, an alarm and sports seats.
Drive
The ride quality isn’t particularly good especially on bumpy roads. However, the steering is direct, the body roll contained and it is actually surprisingly fun and nippy around town. It also works very well as a city car with its good economy and the power steering making it easy to park.
Faults & Repairs
SEAT’s are usually extremely reliable and Arosa owners don’t have much too much to worry about. There are a couple of common issues to watch out for though. Check the suspension for any rattles as this could point to the bushes needing replacing in the near future and be sure to test all the electrics in newer models as they have suffered from a few electrical gremlins. Also try and find a car that has had its cambelt changed recently as replacing it could set you back by at least £400.
Service costs aren’t too bad and they only need to be carried out every 10,000 miles which is further good news. Repairs are a different story though and the cost will be higher than most of their rivals.
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