Volkswagen T-Cross vs Seat Arona vs Suzuki Vitara
Volkswagen’s new T-Cross has its sights set firmly on being the best small SUV you can buy. That means beating the Seat Arona and Suzuki Vitara...
Our verdict
As you’ll notice from the orange glow below, the VW T-Cross wins this test, beating the current class champ in the process. It may be the priciest, but its blend of quietness, comfort and tidy handling make it very easy to live with. Its attractive, spacious and flexible interior seals the deal. We’d opt for the less powerful 1.0 TSI 95 engine, though; it’s plenty strong enough and will save you a handy £19 a month in PCP payments.
Although it’s been demoted to second place, the Seat Arona is still the most fun to drive and is nearly as spacious as the T-Cross. It’s also the cheapest to buy and run. However, it isn’t quite as comfortable as the T-Cross, has a blander interior and you can’t add any options.
Despite coming last in this test, the Suzuki Vitara remains a decent choice for its space and practicality. But there’s no getting away from the dated interior and lack of AEB unless you go for a higher trim.
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1st – Volkswagen T-Cross – 5 stars
For Comfiest ride; refined at all speeds; punchiest performance; flexible rear seats
Against Pricey to buy on a PCP; optional front seat base too long for short legs
Recommended options Park assist (£580), metallic paint (£575)
2nd – Seat Arona – 4 stars
For Sharpest handling; cheapest to buy, finance and run; sharp, easy-to-use infotainment system
Against Tightest in the rear; drab interior; you can’t add some necessary options
Recommended options None
3rd – Suzuki Vitara – 3 stars
For Well equipped; lively performance; spacious interior; biggest boot
Against Vague steering; no AEB with SZ-T trim; some cheap-feeling materials inside; not the bargain that it used to be
Recommended options Metallic paint (£500)
Specifications: Seat Arona 1.0 TSI 95 SE Technology
- Engine size 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £18,075
- Target Price £16,629
- Power 94bhp @ 5000-5500rpm
- Torque 129lb ft @ 2000-3500rpm
- Gearbox 5-spd manual
- 0-60mph 10.6sec
- Top speed 107mph
- Gov't fuel economy 48.7mpg
- Test MPG 46.8mpg
- CO2 emissions 115g/km
Specifications: Suzuki Vitara 1.0 Boosterjet SZ-T
- Engine size 3cyl, 988, turbo, petrol
- List price £18,999
- Target Price £18,180
- Power 109bhp @ 5500rpm
- Torque 125lb ft @ 2000-3500rpm
- Gearbox 5-spd manual
- 0-60mph 10.2sec
- Top speed 111mph
- Gov't fuel economy 45.9mpg
- Test MPG 43.2mpg
- CO2 emissions 121g/km
Specifications: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI 115 SE
- Engine size 3cyl, 999cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £19,555
- Target Price £19,134
- Power 113hp @ 5000-5500rpm
- Torque 148lb ft @ 2000-3500rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 9.5sec
- Top speed 120mph
- Gov't fuel economy 44.1mpg
- Test MPG 45.1mph
- CO2 emissions 121g/km
