By Nick Fletcher • Published: 09 Nov 2019 • 9:52
LATEST SUV: Immediately impresses with its space.
THE Tarraco is the latest SUV model in the SEAT range, a spacious family-orientated seven-seater competing for sales in one of the toughest sectors of the market.
Yet the Spanish manufacturer – part of the giant VW-Audi Group – need have no worries about making an impact, the Tarraco immediately impresses with its space, driving dynamics and high levels of standard equipment.
Prices start at €32,684 (£28,230) for entry versions which still have features such as seven seats, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, digital cockpit, cruise control and a touch-screen infotainment unit with smartphone integration. In all there are four trim levels each adding more equipment.
My mid-range SE Technology version, priced at €35,954 (£31,055) adds various other features including sat-nav, privacy glass, larger alloy wheels, enhanced connectivity and even aircraft-style drop-down tables. Safety kit includes driver-attention alert and lane-keep assist.
Powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine (petrol versions are also available) it offers 148 hp and was mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Top speed is 202 kph (126 mph), the 0-100 kph time is 9.8 seconds and emissions 129 g/km. Average fuel economy is 16.3 kpl (46 mpg).
Exterior styling is quite elegant and inside, Tarraco impresses with its space. There is good head and leg rooms for front and mid-row occupants and the while the two rear seats are larger than some in the class, they are still really for children. With five seats occupied, boot space is substantial at 700 litres and with the middle-row folded down, you get a van-like 1,775 litres.
With sliding mid-row seats, good interior stowage space, variable level boot floor and roof rails, the Tarraco earns full marks for practicality. On the road, the car drives fluently and the firm suspension set-up delivers assured cornering though ride comfort does suffer slightly on rougher roads.
Rivals in the sector include the Skoda Kodiaq (larger load space) and Peugeot 5008 (smoother ride) but overall, the new Tarraco has enough of its own stand-out characteristics to take on the best that the class has to offer.
Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.
Model: SEAT Tarraco SE Technology Engine: 2.0 litre diesel Transmission: 6-speed manual Performance: 0-100 kph 9.8 seconds, top speed 202 kph (126 mph) Economy: 16.3 kpl (46 mpg) Emissions: 129 g/km
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