@ Hyundai Motor Company
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
VS

Hyundai i30 vs SEAT Arona – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Hyundai i30 or SEAT Arona?

i30 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Hyundai i30 vs SEAT Arona: A Clash of Style and Substance

In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, choosing the right car can be a daunting task. Two contenders that have caught the eye of car enthusiasts are the Hyundai i30 and the SEAT Arona. While one takes the shape of a hatchback and the other embraces its SUV form, both vehicles offer a blend of performance, efficiency, and innovation. Let's dive into the specifics of these 2024 models to help you decide which one might be the right fit for you.

Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Design and Dimensions

The Hyundai i30 presents itself as a sleek hatchback, stretching 4340 mm in length, 1795 mm in width, and with a height of 1455 mm. Its compact design is complemented by a generous trunk capacity of 395 liters, making it a practical choice for urban driving and family adventures alike.

In contrast, the SEAT Arona, with its SUV stance, measures 4153 mm in length, 1780 mm in width, and stands taller at 1537 mm. It offers a slightly larger trunk capacity of 400 liters, catering to those who prioritize cargo space without compromising on style.

i30 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Hyundai i30 offers a range of petrol engines with a power output of 100 to 140 HP and torque ranging from 172 to 253 Nm. The vehicle is available with both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions, promising a smooth ride whether navigating highways or city streets. With fuel consumption figures between 5.6 to 5.9 L/100km, it balances power and efficiency effectively.

Conversely, the SEAT Arona is equipped with a versatile selection of petrol engines delivering between 95 to 150 HP and torque between 175 to 250 Nm. Like the i30, it offers manual and automatic transmission options. The Arona impresses with slightly better fuel efficiency, consuming 5.4 to 5.6 L/100km, making it an economical choice for those mindful of fuel budgets.

Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Acceleration and Speed

The Hyundai i30 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 to 13.1 seconds, depending on the engine variant, with a top speed ranging from 178 to 197 km/h. This assures a balanced performance for a hatchback that doesn't shy away from spirited drives.

The SEAT Arona, on the other hand, offers varied acceleration between 8.4 to 11.3 seconds and can achieve top speeds of 182 to 210 km/h. Its nimble nature and peppy engines make it an engaging SUV for drivers seeking a thrilling experience behind the wheel.

i30 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Payload and Practicality

The Hyundai i30 has a payload capacity ranging from 463 to 509 kg, catering well to families and individuals who require ample carrying capacity without compromising passenger comfort.

The SEAT Arona, with a payload capacity ranging from 502 to 522 kg, delivers versatility for adventures and daily commutes alike, fulfilling the diverse demands of its driver.

Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Both the Hyundai i30 and SEAT Arona bring unique characteristics to the table, making them strong contenders in their segments. The i30, with its sharp design and spirited performance, is ideal for those who enjoy the compact reliability of a hatchback. Meanwhile, the Arona offers the elevated stance and cargo flexibility of an SUV, appealing to those who crave a more commanding presence on the road.

Ultimately, the choice between these two vehicles boils down to personal preference and lifestyle requirements. Whether you lean towards the sleek hatchback or the dynamic SUV, both models promise innovation, quality, and value, continuing to elevate the driving experience in their distinct ways.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

i30 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

SEAT Arona has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 19300 £, while the Hyundai i30 costs 24000 £. That’s a price difference of around 4689 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: SEAT Arona manages with 5.40 L and is therefore hardly perceptible more efficient than the Hyundai i30 with 5.70 L. The difference is about 0.30 L per 100 km.

Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the SEAT Arona has a minimal edge – offering 150 HP compared to 140 HP. That’s roughly 10 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the SEAT Arona is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 8.40 s, while the Hyundai i30 takes 9.60 s. That’s about 1.20 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the SEAT Arona performs slight better – reaching 210 km/h, while the Hyundai i30 tops out at 197 km/h. The difference is around 13 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Hyundai i30 pulls barely noticeable stronger with 253 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 3 Nm difference.

i30 @ Hyundai Motor Company

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, SEAT Arona is minimal lighter – 1188 kg compared to 1291 kg. The difference is around 103 kg.

In terms of boot space, the SEAT Arona offers barely noticeable more room – 400 L compared to 395 L. That’s a difference of about 5 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Hyundai i30 performs hardly perceptible better – up to 1301 L, which is about 21 L more than the SEAT Arona.

When it comes to payload, SEAT Arona barely noticeable takes the win – 522 kg compared to 509 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the SEAT Arona shows itself to be dominates this comparison and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £19,300
Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

SEAT Arona

  • Engine Type : Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 95 - 150 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.4 - 5.6 L
details

Hyundai i30

The Hyundai i30 proves that sensible can also be stylish, offering a confident driving character wrapped in neat, modern design. It serves up a roomy, well-equipped cabin and composed ride that make everyday motoring feel like a clever purchase rather than a compromise.

details
hyundai-i30-0820-26 @ Hyundai Motor Company
hyundai-i30-0820-24 @ Hyundai Motor Company
hyundai-i30-0820-11 @ Hyundai Motor Company
hyundai-i30-0820-72 @ Hyundai Motor Company
hyundai-i30-0820-84 @ Hyundai Motor Company

SEAT Arona

The SEAT Arona is a cheeky urban crossover that mixes sharp styling with sensible practicality, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want personality without fuss. It’s zippy in traffic, comfortable enough for daily driving, and brings enough character to make routine journeys feel a little more fun.

details
seat-arona-One-car-countless-possibilities_07_HQ @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
seat-arona-One-car-countless-possibilities_06_HQ @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
seat-arona-One-car-countless-possibilities_04_HQ @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
seat-arona-One-car-countless-possibilities_02_HQ @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Top Car Comparisons

@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Arona
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Ibiza
VS
Think of the SEAT Arona as the chunky crossover that gives you a higher view of the road, more boot space and practical family-friendly packaging, while the SEAT Ibiza is the sharper, lighter hatch that’s more fun to hustle through town and returns better fuel economy. Pick the Arona if you want …
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Arona
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
Skoda Kamiq
VS
Between the sporty, streetwise SEAT Arona and the sensible Škoda Kamiq, the Arona wins hearts with sharper styling and a livelier chassis that makes every corner a little more fun. The Kamiq, however, is the adult in the room — smarter storage, a bigger boot and a calmer cabin, the pragmatic choice …
Hyundai i30
SEAT Arona
i30 @ Hyundai Motor Company
Arona @ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center

Costs and Consumption
Price
24000 - 29300 £
Price
19300 - 29300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 6 L
Consumption L/100km
5.4 - 5.6 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
130 - 136 g/km
co2
122 - 128 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1291 - 1407 kg
Curb weight
1188 - 1268 kg
Trunk capacity
395 L
Trunk capacity
400 L
Length
4340 mm
Length
4153 mm
Width
1795 mm
Width
1780 mm
Height
1455 mm
Height
1537 mm
Max trunk capacity
1301 L
Max trunk capacity
1280 L
Payload
463 - 509 kg
Payload
502 - 522 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
100 - 140 HP
Power HP
95 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.6 - 13.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 11.3 s
Max Speed
178 - 197 km/h
Max Speed
182 - 210 km/h
Torque
172 - 253 Nm
Torque
175 - 250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
74 - 103 kW
Power kW
70 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
998 - 1482 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1498 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
SEAT

Similar Comparisons

@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Arona
@ Škoda Auto a.s. / Škoda Storyboard
Skoda Fabia
VS
In the competitive subcompact SUV segment, the SEAT Arona stands out with its sportier design and engaging driving dynamics, appealing to buyers looking for a fun-to-drive option. On the other hand, the Skoda Fabia offers a more practical approach, boasting a spacious interior and impressive boot …
@ Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Honda Jazz
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Arona
VS
The Honda Jazz and SEAT Arona compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
@ Renault Group Media
Renault Captur
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Arona
VS
In the competitive subcompact SUV market, the Renault Captur and SEAT Arona stand out with their unique blends of style and practicality. While the Captur offers a versatile interior with impressive customization options, the Arona impresses with its sporty design and agile handling. Ultimately, …
@ Mazda Motor Corporation
Mazda CX-30
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Arona
VS
In the competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Mazda CX-30 and SEAT Arona stand out with their unique design philosophies and driving dynamics. The CX-30 impresses with its upscale interior and smooth handling, while the Arona offers agile performance and a sporty character. Ultimately, both models …
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Arona
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW Taigo
VS
In the competitive subcompact SUV market, the SEAT Arona and VW Taigo stand out with their distinctive designs and practical features. While the Arona boasts a sportier edge with a more dynamic driving experience, the Taigo offers a sleeker silhouette and advanced technology that appeals to younger …
@ Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Bayon
@ Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai i30
VS
In the battle between the Hyundai Bayon and the Hyundai i30, both models bring their unique strengths to the table. The Bayon offers a compact SUV experience with elevated ground clearance and a practical urban-friendly design, making it ideal for city dwellers seeking versatility. On the other …
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Arona
@ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
VW T-Cross
VS
In the competitive subcompact SUV segment, the SEAT Arona and VW T-Cross offer distinct personalities while sharing a similar platform. The Arona embodies a sporty spirit with its dynamic styling and vibrant color options, appealing to a younger audience, while the T-Cross emphasizes practicality …
@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Ford Puma
@ SEAT S.A. / SEAT Media Center
SEAT Arona
VS
In the competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Ford Puma stands out with its striking design and impressive driving dynamics, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sporty feel. Meanwhile, the SEAT Arona appeals to buyers with its spacious interior and efficient engine options, offering …
What drive types are available for the Hyundai i30?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.