SEAT TARRACO – New Flagship SUV, Par Xcellence.

SEAT’s flagship SUV, the Tarraco, is now on sale in Ireland. SEAT’s latest creation is named after the Mediterranean city of Tarragona, a historic, cultural centre with awe-inspiring architecture and a young and adventurous spirit. This name was chosen by popular vote by more than 140,000 enthusiasts, who participated in a competition held by the Spanish car manufacturer.

German Build Quality;

The latest vehicle designed and developed at the SEAT factory in Martorell (Barcelona), and produced in Wolfsburg (Germany), marks the third installment in the company’s SUV product offensive, and shows a glimpse of the future design language of forthcoming new SEAT models. As the new flagship model of the brand, the Tarraco looks set to bring the company new customers, and boost its brand image in the process.

Five or Seven Seats Available;

The new Tarraco sits at the top of SEAT’s SUV family, as the bigger brother to the Ateca and Arona, and mixes state-of-the-art technology, dynamic, agile handling, practicality and functionality with elegant and progressive design. The Tarraco combines the many advantages of its larger dimensions to offer a vehicle that can take on all elements of modern life. The new SEAT Tarraco is designed for drivers who need the usefulness of a 5 or 7-seater, and the practicality of a higher driving position, but are conscious of a vehicle’s aesthetics. These drivers will appreciate the Tarraco’s balance between self-confidence and elegance; this balance is maintained across both available trim levels, SE and Xcellence. The key to its nuanced approach to practicality and dynamic behaviour is the latest technology from Volkswagen Group and the MQB-A long wheelbase architecture that underpins the large SUV.

Engine Line-Up;

Two petrol variants are available: a four-cylinder 1.5 litre TSI unit that produces 150PS and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission powering the front wheels, and a 2.0 litre, 190PS offering mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4Drive total traction system (4WD). There are two diesel options, both 2.0 litre TDIs, with power outputs of 150PS and 190PS respectively. The 150PS variant can be connected to either a front-wheel drive, six-speed manual gearbox, or seven-speed DSG (automatic) with 4Drive system. The higher-powered version is solely available in 4Drive/seven-speed DSG gearbox. Later on, the SEAT Tarraco will also benefit from alternative powertrain technologies.

Test Car;

My test car was a SEAT Tarraco 2.0TDI 190bhp DSG 4Drive Xcellence, with 7 seats, and was finished in striking Reflex Silver metallic paint. Thanks to a truly impressive 400Nm’s of torque, the sweet-revving turbo-diesel engine is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 8.0-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 210km/h (where permitted). Equipment levels in both the SE, and Xcellence models are terrific, with my test car specification coming with such standard features as 19” ‘Exclusive’ alloy wheels, black leather interior, heated seats front & rear, Park Assist (Park Distance Control & Auto Park), rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry & go, electric tailgate with a ‘virtual pedal’, digital cockpit, full LED headlights and tail lights, progressive steering, 3-zone climate control, 8” colour touchscreen media system, satellite navigation, Full Link (Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™ and Mirrorlink™), voice control, e-call (emergency call system), Front Assist, Lane Assist, light & rain sensors, Tiredness Recognition, ISOFIX child seat mounts, height & lumbar support on both front seats, 2^nd row sliding seats, folding tables for 2^nd row occupants, rear privacy glass, electronic parking brake, leather multi-function steering wheel, and tyre pressure monitoring, along with many more comfort, convenience, and safety features. With numerous options also available, the new SEAT Tarraco can be personalized to suit the demands of the modern family.  

Excellent Driving Dynamics;

The optional (€950) Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) fitted to my test car gives the perfect balance between a sporty feeling when you are behind the wheel, and a more comfortable ride when you need to cover longer distances, on different types of roads. The driver can select which setting they prefer, but the system can also adapt automatically, modifying the ride depending on the road surface and driving style. The smoothness of the ride quality is matched by the performance, efficiency and reliability of the powertrain options. My test car performed with excellent poise and precision at all times, on a variety of road surfaces, while excellent feedback is provided to the driver through the steering wheel. The car’s overall driving dynamics impressed me very much during my time with the car, and made every journey very pleasurable indeed. My test car also impressed me in terms of its fuel economy. Based on new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedures (WLTP), my test car is capable of consuming as little as 7.3-litres of diesel for every 100km’s driven.

Competitors;

Rivals to the new SEAT Tarraco include the Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008, and SEAT’s close relative, the Škoda Kodiaq. One third of all cars sold by SEAT are SUV’s, so their latest offering is set to increase this figure dramatically, thanks to the Tarraco’s stylish good looks, outright practicality, cutting-edge technology, and frugal engine options.

Boot & Cabin Space;

Boot space in the new SEAT Tarraco is very impressive, with 230-litres available with all seven seats in the upright position, 700-litres on offer with the rearmost two seats folded flat, and a massive 1,775-litres with all 5 rear seats folded flat. Folding (and repositioning) the two rear rows of seats couldn’t be simpler, and this allows the Tarraco to be a super-stylish people-mover one minute, and a cavernous load-lugger the next. Interior space in the front and middle rows is generous, with the rearmost seats best suited to children – as is the norm with the vast majority of seven seat vehicles. Cabin quality is exceptional, with the seats, door & dash materials, and cabin trim looking very durable indeed.

 The new SEAT Tarraco could possibly be all the car a growing family could ever need, and is priced from €34,700 (ex-works) in five-seat guise, or from €35,700 (ex-works) with seven seats. Annual road tax starts at €270, with the road tax on my test car specification priced at €390 per annum.

Visit www.seat.ie for further information.