Seat - Arosa

1997-05

Arosa is competitively priced, economical to run, well constructed and has good levels of equipment. Styling is characterful, and it's a comfy car provided you're not stuck in the back.

	Cheaper to buy than its cousin Lupo
	Reliable with low running costs
	Lively but frugal 1.4 TD engine
	Bumpy ride on poor surfaces
	1.0 is underpowered with sluggish acceleration
	Some rivals have better safety features

Cousin to the Volkswagen Lupo, Arosa is better value and a more sensible budget choice. Engines range from economy petrol and diesel units to those tuned for performance up to 100bhp.
It's fun to drive, whether around town or on the open road, but the lower output engines are strictly limited on performance. Refinement can be difficult to achieve in a city car like this, but outside noise is kept to a minimum.
The boxy cabin means plenty of room up front, although rear legroom is at a premium for adults. The boot struggles to take a full weekly shop, although the rear seats do split and fold to increase load capacity.
Standard equipment is good once you get above the rather spartan entry-level models. But perhaps the most attractive aspect of owning an Arosa are the very competitive running costs, with low insurance, good fuel consumption and reasonably priced servicing.