Comparative Hyundai Kona Vs Seat Arona

Comparative Hyundai Kona Vs Seat Arona

¿Hyundai Kona or Seat Arona? More and more compact crossovers and SUVs are seen on our streets and highways. By segment, they are known as B SUV (also SUV-B), and are all those models with a slightly raised body and whose total length is between approximately 4 and 4,2 meters.

As I said, there are many alternatives in this category. However, today we have come to compare two very interesting models that are widely accepted in the Spanish market. Both are among the best sellers in the segment B-SUV in Spain. Are the Hyundai Kona and Seat Arona. In the following paragraphs we are going to compare them and evaluate each section point by point.

Exterior design

The design of any car is always something very personal. The same car may be liked by some and may seem horrendous to others. That is why we do not like to talk too much about this section, because it makes no sense to talk about tastes when everyone has their own; and more when we talk about aesthetics. However, we can take a look at the different styles and traits of each car. In this case they are very different from each other.

If we start with Hyundai Kona we find a car with robust lines and that conveys the impression of being larger than its exterior dimensions really dictate. Look at the robustness of the front and rear optics, the shapes of the bumpers or the marked wheel arches.

From my point of view, this Hyundai model is a car with a lot of character and personality. You may like it a lot or you may not like it at all.

It also has separate optics. As you can see in the images, on the front it has the daytime running lights on one side, the main headlights on the other and the fog lights on the bottom. At the rear, it divides the conventional lighting from the indicators and fog lights.

In turn, the Seat Arona It has a less elaborate and less risky design. And I say less worked because, as you know, the Arona derives directly from the Ibiza. Seat has kept many features of its legendary utility in this B-SUV. The headlights, grille and many creases are pretty much the same. At the rear it changes something else, but it is easily recognized as a Seat.

Obviously, seeing how well the Ibiza was doing, although not very emotional, it was a safe bet. And it is that risking can go very well commercially, but it can also be a total fiasco. Seat has played it safe with the Arona, not to make mistakes and to have guarantees of success. Thus it has become one of the best-selling SUVs in Spain.

Interior design, technology and qualities

Hyundai Kona steering wheel

Seat Arona FR interior

At cabin of both cars the style, the general lines and the usual layout of their respective brands have been maintained. The interior of the Kona follows the line of other Hyundai models, such as the i30, for instance. Meanwhile, the Arona is very similar to the aforementioned Ibiza.

Personally I like the overall result of the Hyundai Kona better that of the Seat Arona, although there are points in which the Spanish is better than the South Korean. The perception of quality for the materials used and the adjustments is superior in the Kona. The touch of the steering wheel, the dashboard or the buttons on the center console is superior in the case of the Asian.

However, the Arona has a better infotainment system. This model may have a digital instrument panel with a browser, something that the Hyundai cannot boast of. The central screen of the dashboard also has better resolution and handling in the case of the Seat, being faster and showing better information. In favor of the Kona, this central screen is in a higher position and, therefore, more natural.

The management of the air conditioning in the Seat Arona seems to me a bit “gloopy”. Those details are more careful in the Hyundai Kona.

Exterior dimensions and interior space

Length Width Height Battle
Length Width Height Battle
Hyundai Kona 4.165 mm 1.800 mm 1.550 mm 2.600 mm
Seat Arona 4.138 mm 1.780 mm 1.552 mm 2.566 mm

In the table above you have the dimensions of both models. As you can see, the difference in length, width and height is minimal. The biggest difference is given by the wheelbase, which in the case of the Kona is 3,4 cm longer than in the Arona. As usual, the front seats are spacious enough for adults of virtually any size.

Although it may not seem like it, those extra 34 mm of battle can be seen in the passenger compartment. The best proof of this is that the Hyundai offers slightly more legroom than the Seat, so the occupants of the rear seats can travel more comfortably. Still, the Arona isn't awkward or cramped in that regard. There are few differences in terms of height for the head and width.

They are cars in which four occupants can travel comfortably. After all, without being large cars, they are not so small cars either, since they exceed 4 meters in length. Of course, traveling with five adult occupants is already something very compromised and that I do not recommend except for force majeure.

trunks

Hyundai Kona trunk

Seat Arona trunk

If we put aside the passenger compartment and open the tailgate, both cars receive us with a more than correct cargo space. The trunk of the Hyundai Kona welcomes us with a capacity of 361 liters and very usable shapes. In the case of Seat Arona we also have cubic shapes to distribute the luggage well, in addition to a superior volume that goes up to the 400 liters.

Taking into account the segment, the upholstery is correct in both, but only in the Seat can we place the floor at two different heights. An advantage in the Korean model is that the floor is flush with the loading mouth.

Mechanics Offer

where the hyundai Kona win by a landslide against Seat Arona is in the section of engines. And it is that the Asian car we have a lot of variety, because there are diesel mechanics, gasoline, hybrid and even an electric. It also has versions with 4×4 drive. The Spanish is satisfied with diesel and gasoline engines, as well as a CNG variant. Both can use manual gearbox or dual-clutch transmission.

Hyundai Kona engines

Hyundai Kona CRDI Engine

Denomination Fuel Number of cylinders Displacement Power
Denomination Fuel Number of cylinders Displacement Power
1.0 T-GDI Petrol 3 cylinder 998 cc. 120 CV
1.6 T-GDI Petrol 4 cylinder 1.591 cc. 176 CV
1.6 CRDi diesel 4 cylinder 1.598 cc. 115 CV
1.6 CRDi diesel 4 cylinder 1.598 cc. 136 CV

The gasoline hybrid Hyundai Kona has a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an electric drive. It is the same powertrain as the Hyundai Ioniq, developing a combined power of 141 hp. Unlike other non-plug-in hybrids, this one features a dual-clutch transmission.

The Hyundai Kona Electric has recently been added to the range. There are two versions with different power and autonomy. The most accessible offers us 136 hp with a 39 kWh battery, being able to travel about 300 kilometers on a single charge. For its part, the most powerful gives 204 hp and thanks to its 64 kWh battery it can have a range of about 480 kilometers.

Hyundai Kona Electric front
Related article:
Test Hyundai Kona Electric 204 CV

Seat Arona engines

Seat Arona engine

Denomination Fuel Number of cylinders Displacement Power
Denomination Fuel Number of cylinders Displacement Power
1.0 TSI Petrol 3 cylinder 999 cc. 95 CV
1.0 TSI Petrol 3 cylinder 999 cc. 115 CV
1.5 TSI Petrol 4 cylinder 1.498 cc 150 CV
1.0 TGI CNG and gasoline 3 cylinder 999 cc. 90 CV
1.6 TDI Diesel 4 cylinder 1.598 cc. 95 CV

The Seat Arona has two gasoline engines in its mechanical offer. The smallest is the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI, which is offered with powers of 95 and 115 hp. This same engine is also offered with CNG in its 1.0 TGI version, giving 90 hp. The most powerful is the 1.5 hp 150 TSI Evo with cylinder deactivation. For its part, the diesel is a 1.6 hp 95 TDI.

dynamic behavior

At the level of dynamic behavior we find two cars that are very versatile. They are models suitable both for daily commutes on urban roads and to spend a long trip. However, there are differences between them.

En Actualidad Motor We have been able to test both the Hyundai Kona and the Seat Arona. The feeling is that, although both are very valid for urban driving and also for traveling, one performs somewhat better in the city and the other shows better behavior on highways. And all this taking into account that their bodywork has very similar dimensions.

The Seat Arona is perceived as a more urban car. It is somewhat more agile when it comes to loitering than the Hyundai Kona. The steering has more assistance and visibility to the rear and to the sides is somewhat better, which gives a little more security when maneuvering in narrow areas. In short, it is easier to have all the angles controlled and requires less effort.

Hyundai Kona

Seat Arona rear profile

For its part, the Kona It has a superior chassis. It is noted that the South Korean has better tread when driving on the highway, conveying a greater poise and a sense of security and control at high speed. Also, the steering has a better feel and is more precise. To this we must also add that it is better soundproofed than the Arona, which is always appreciated and usually changes the perception of the car.

Thanks to that better “footprint”, touch and steering precision, as well as the better balance of the suspension, it also performs better if we decide to practice sporty driving through a curved area. It is not what these cars are designed for, but from time to time we like to give ourselves some joy, right? At such times the Kona is superior and transmits more gut feeling. than the Arona.

Yes, it is true that in general that Hyundai engines are somewhat more "gastones" than those used by the Volkswagen Group. The consumption of the mechanics is one of the details to be polished by Hyundai, as it is widespread and known that their cars demand a little more fuel than most of their competition.

Therefore, from my point of view, if we do not care too much about driving feel and we are going to use the car practically only for urban routes, the Seat Arona may be more interesting. On the flip side, if you're going to be taking a few trips from time to time and prefer a somewhat more dynamic driving feel, I find the Hyundai Kona a more satisfying choice.

Test Hyundai Kona
Related article:
Test Hyundai Kona, strong and unapologetic for the tough B-SUV segment
SEAT Arona
Related article:
Test Seat Arona 1.6 TDI 115 CV Xcellence Edition

Security systems

Although they are two cars of general brands and we are not dealing with a large size and high price, the truth is that both they can come well equipped. Of course, as usual, it depends on the level of equipment. In the case of Hyundai, they are closed equipment in which we can only choose the color. Meanwhile, Seat does let us add some options to each trim level. But in this section we are going to talk about the safety equipment and driving assistants.

Be that as it may, both can have a rear parking sensor, cruise control and speed limiter, blind spot sensor, rear cross traffic alert, LED lights with long automatics, rain sensor, lane maintenance assistance or fatigue sensor. For cars in the B-SUV segment, not bad at all, right?

EuroNCAP results

Hyundai Kona Seat Arona
Hyundai Kona Seat Arona
adult occupants 87% 95%
child occupants 85% 80%
Pedestrians 62% 77%
Active security 60% 60%

Both the Hyundai Kona and the Seat Arona underwent EuroNCAP crash tests in 2017, when they were launched on the market, and got 5 stars. In the table above it can be seen that the Arona is somewhat safer in terms of protection for adults while the Kona surpasses it in protection for children. In the event of a collision, the Seat offers more security, having a tie in terms of active security systems and assistants.

What are their prices?

It's time to visit the brand configurators and make a purchase simulation of these two models. As we usually do, first we are going to see the price of the cheapest versions and, later, we will check the price that we would have to pay for some units with medium-high equipment and with sufficiently solvent mechanics.

Depending on the configurator Hyundai we can buy a kona access by $13.980 (promotions and financing included). It corresponds to the Essence MY19 equipment level and the 1.0 hp 120 T-GDI engine with manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.

This engine may be sufficient if we do not always drive on fast and heavily loaded roads. If we select with the SLE trim level, the price is 18.490 euros. This termination includes 16-inch wheels, black grille, automatic lights, driver's seat with electric lumbar adjustment, audio equipment with 7-inch touch screen, wireless charger for mobile phones, CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, cross traffic alert, head-up display, climate control, cruise control and limiter, among others.

The prices indicated are those that appear in the brand configurators. Keep in mind that each company shows (or not) its discounts and promotions in different ways, as well as each one has different financing conditions that determine the real price of the vehicle. For this reason, it is advisable to speak with a commercial and clearly detail the "numbers".

If we close the Hyundai configurator and go to the Seat, we find that an Arona with Reference Go finish and the 1.0 hp 95 TSI engine can leave us for 15.980 euros (financing included). As in the case of the Kona, it is also a version with a manual transmission. However, there is a difference of 25 horses in favor of the Asian.

Looking for a little more equipment and features, we make the leap to the Seat Arona 1.0 TSI of 115 CV and the level of Style Go finish, whose official price is 18.240 euros. As standard, it incorporates, among other things, a blind spot detector, rear traffic alert, front fog lights, adaptive cruise control, light and rain sensor, fatigue detector, dual-zone climate control, Full link, 6,5-inch central screen and black roof bars

Conclusions

Hyundai Kona rear side

Seat Arona urban

After having tested both models and after having compared them, we can draw conclusions and see the main differences. Aesthetically they are very different cars, with a conservative but pleasing design in the case of the Seat and a more daring and personal style in the case of the Hyundai.

Inside, the general quality is superior in the Kona, but the Arona has better resolved the issue of infotainment and its fluidity. The rear seats are similar, but slightly better in the case of the Kona for enjoying a little more space for the knees. In terms of cargo space, the trunk is superior in the case of the Seat; 39 liters specifically.

Regarding driving, the Seat Arona transmits less information than the Hyundai Kona and has a worse set-up of the suspension. It seems to have a more urban approach. As we have said, the Asian performs better than the Spanish if we decide to leave the city and make trips, transmitting greater security and poise at the wheel.

other rivals

There are few rivals of these two B-SUVs. As we have mentioned at the beginning of this article, it is a very populated segment and, in addition, more and more is demanded. Manufacturers, logically, do not resist offering their products to have their piece of the cake.

In this way, to mention some rivals, we find the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Volkswagen T-Cross, Citroen C3 Aircross, Nissan Juke, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade or even the Listen Q2 (although it is obviously at a higher level in terms of quality and price).

Test Volkswagen T-Cross dynamic front profile
Related article:
Test Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI 115 CV Sport (video)
Test Fiat 500X front profile
Related article:
Test Fiat 500X Cross 1.0 turbo 120 CV (with video)
Test Jeep Renegade Limited 1.6 MultiJet 120 CV
Related article:
Test Jeep Renegade Limited 1.6 MultiJet II 120 CV 4 × 2 (with video)
Test Audi Q2
Related article:
Test Audi Q2 1.6 TDI 116 CV, the different SUV from Ingolstadt

Botton line

Positive points Hyundai Kona

  • Poise on expressways
  • mechanical variety

Negative points Hyundai Kona

  • lower trunk
  • Worst infotainment system

Positive points Seat Arona

  • Agility on urban roads
  • Low-risk design, but usually liked

Negative points Seat Arona

  • Worst driving feel outside the city
  • worst qualities

Gallery Hyundai Kona

Seat Arona Gallery


Follow us on Google News

Be the first to comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.